When it comes to the failed punt play late in the third quarter that doomed the Colts’ chances of taking down the Patriots, Colts coach Chuck Pagano’s explanation fit the puzzling crime.
There really was no explanation.
The Colts lined up nine players well to the right of the ball, leaving only backup wide receiver Griff Whalen as a snapper and backup safety Colt Anderson behind him. The alignment indicated the Colts were trying to use some sort of deception to catch the Patriots either napping or confused.
But it was the Colts who were confused. Whalen snapped the ball, Anderson was swarmed and the Patriots took over at the Colts’ 36. Six plays later, the Patriots made it 34-21.
“I didn’t do a good enough job coaching it during the week,” Pagano said.
But he didn’t call time out. The ball actually got snapped.
“I take full responsibility there,” Pagano said. “I didn’t do a good enough job communicating to the guys.”