Week 6 Patriots vs Colts: Three Stars of the Game

Honorable Mentions: Wide receiver Danny Amendola, Linebacker Jamie Collins, cornerback Malcolm Butler. All three of these players had noteworthy games. Amendola was the team's leading receiver after Julian Edelman's hand injury got, well, out of hand; Collins blocked a huge extra point and locked down the middle of the field; Butler helped stop the various weapons in the Colts offense. But the following players had bigger days.

Third Star: Edge defender Chandler Jones deserves credit for his 2.5 sacks, his numerous quarterback hits, and his multiple drawn penalty flags. He even tipped a ball in coverage, although the pass was still completed. Defensive tackle Dominique Easley deserves some notice, too, since he and Jones prevented Andrew Luck from ever being comfortable in the pocket.

Second Star: Running back LeGarrette Blount caught an 11-yard touchdown pass. He also had 16 carries for 93 yards and a score. The Patriots didn't run the ball down the Colts' throat, but Blount was very effective when he was given the chance to run to the outside. He helped the Patriots sustain their lead in the second half.

First Star: Quarterback Tom Brady didn't have a transcendent day, but he was crucial to the team's success. He passed for 312 yards and 3 touchdowns, and the lone blemish (a pick-six) was the fault of receiver Julian Edelman. Brady was efficient, he was accurate, and he did it in what had to be an emotionally charged environment.