Patriots Score in All Phases: Lead Colts 24-17 at Half

The New England Patriots have scored in all three phases in the first half against the Indianapolis Colts, and lead 24-17 at halftime as a result.

The defense got off to a very rough start - allowing long scoring drives to the Colts on their first two possessions. The unit was able to rebound however, and ended the half on a strong note, holding the Colts to just three second quarter points. The big play for the unit, of course, was the Aqib Talib interception return for a touchdown.

And while the big play for the newcomer was nice, the defense as a whole has surprisingly struggled to stop the run for the second straight week, allowing Vick Ballard to pick up 56 yards on 11 carries. On a positive note, while the defense hasn't produced a sack, they've done a solid job pressuring Andrew Luck and forcing bad throws. Jermaine Cunningham, Vince Wilfork, and Brandon Spikes have been the three best rushers.

On offense, the Patriots haven't really seen the field all too much thanks to the defensive play by Talib and a Julian Edelman punt return touchdown. They've moved the ball well on all three of their possessions, but have only had one of them result in six points - their opening drive. The Patriots have struggled to establish the run - with Stevan Ridley only picking up five yards on five carries.

On the injury front, the Patriots lost defensive end Chandler Jones to an ankle injury in the first quarter. He walked off the field under his own power without a noticeable limp, but has yet to play since and his return is being listed as questionable.

The Patriots will receive the ball to start the second half.