The Indianapolis Colts defeated the New England Patriots 25-24 on December 1, 2024, at Gillette Stadium. Anthony Richardson threw a 3-yard touchdown to Alec Pierce with 12 seconds remaining, then powered in the game-winning two-point conversion. Joey Slye’s 68-yard field goal attempt fell short as time expired, sealing the Colts’ first victory at Gillette Stadium since 2006.
The Colts walked into Gillette Stadium with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. Six wins, seven losses. Every game mattered. What unfolded in the final minutes became a defining moment for quarterback Anthony Richardson and head coach Shane Steichen.
Richardson connected with Alec Pierce for a touchdown with 12 seconds left, then ran in the two-point conversion that decided the game. No overtime. No safety net. Win or lose on one play.
The victory improved the Colts to 6-7 heading into their bye week. The Patriots fell to 3-10 and were eliminated from playoff contention with their fourth loss in five games.
Key Takeaways
Richardson proved he can perform when games hang in the balance. His fourth-quarter heroics outweighed his statistical struggles. The two-point conversion call showed Steichen’s confidence in his young quarterback.
Taylor continues climbing the Colts’ all-time rushing list. His consistent production gives the offense balance even when the passing game falters.
The Patriots dominated possession and outgained the Colts 422-253 in total yards. They lost because touchdowns trump field goals, and red zone execution determines winners.
The Colts head into their bye week with momentum. The Patriots head into theirs searching for answers that won’t come this season.
Richardson Delivers When Everything Depends On It
Richardson capped a 19-play drive that featured two fourth-down conversions to keep the possession alive. With 3:21 remaining and the Colts trailing 24-17, Richardson started at his own 20-yard line.
Fourth-and-three from the Colts’ 43-yard line. Richardson completed a pass to tight end Mo Alie-Cox to move the chains with just over three minutes left.
The clock kept ticking. Two-minute warning. Fourth-and-two from the Patriots’ 41-yard line.
Richardson took a quarterback sweep for a six-yard gain and a first down. A pass interference penalty moved the ball to the 20-yard line with 78 seconds left. Jonathan Taylor plunged forward for a first down with 28 seconds left, and Richardson scrambled to the 2-yard line.
Three chances to tie or win. Richardson needed all four downs, but he got the job done.
Richardson finished 12 of 24 for 109 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. His completion percentage sat at 47.1% for the season, and he threw seven interceptions entering the game. He completed 126-of-264 passes for 1,814 yards and eight touchdowns with 12 interceptions in 11 games during 2024.
The numbers tell one story. The fourth quarter told another.
“Whatever it takes, man. Whatever it takes,” Richardson said after the game.
Steichen’s Gamble Defines Colts’ Season
Steichen kept the Colts’ offense on the field for a two-point try that would either win or lose the game. No playing it safe. No kicking the extra point to force overtime.
The decision reflected confidence in Richardson. Steichen said the moment could resonate for his quarterback and the Colts: “That’s huge growth. That’s huge confidence for him. Huge confidence for our team that he can get those things done”.
Richardson powered through the Patriots’ defense. Game over. The Colts walked off the field with a one-point victory.
After the successful conversion, Drake Maye connected with tight end Hunter Henry on two passes for 20 yards to advance the ball to midfield. The Patriots lined up for what would have been an NFL record 68-yard field goal. Slye’s kick was on line but fell short of the crossbar.
Patriots’ Red Zone Struggles Cost Them
The Patriots ended all five of their first possessions in the first two quarters with a touchdown or field goal attempt. Kicker Joey Slye connected on field goals from 35, 31, and 54 yards. Drake Maye completed a 16-yard touchdown to tight end Austin Hooper. New England led 16-14 at halftime.
The Patriots possessed the ball for nine minutes more than the Colts in the first half, but they came away with one TD and three field goals in four red-zone trips. New England’s offensive line was whistled for four holding penalties, which contributed to those drives being stunted.
The Patriots scored touchdowns on just 2 of 6 trips to the red zone. Field position didn’t translate to touchdowns.
Drake Maye finished 24 of 30 for 238 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The Patriots were balanced offensively, rushing for a season-high 200 yards.
Antonio Gibson ran it in from 11 yards out, followed by a 2-point conversion pass from Maye to Kayshon Boutte that gave the Patriots a 24-17 lead with just over eight minutes remaining.
The Patriots held a seven-point lead with less than nine minutes to play. They couldn’t hold it.
Taylor’s Historic Performance Gets Overshadowed
Jonathan Taylor carried 25 times for 96 yards, passing Marshall Faulk (5,320 yards) for third place on the franchise rushing list. Taylor now sits behind only Lydell Mitchell (5,487 yards) and Edgerrin James (9,226 yards) in Colts history.
Taylor’s contribution went beyond the stat sheet. He caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from Richardson in the first quarter. His grinding runs kept drives alive when the passing game stalled.
The Colts’ offense managed only 253 total yards. The Colts took the lead to open the second half with a 13-play drive, with 10 of the 12 offensive plays on the possession being rushes.
Defensive Stops Made the Difference
Maye threw a pass that hit Hunter Henry in the hands at the goal line, but Julian Blackmon wrestled the ball away for an interception. The takeaway gave the Colts life.
Richardson was intercepted when linebacker Jahlani Tavai tipped a pass over the middle, with linebacker Christian Elliss coming down with the pick. New England converted the turnover into a 54-yard field goal.
Richardson was picked off by cornerback Christian Gonzalez two plays into the Colts’ ensuing possession. The Colts’ defense forced a three-and-out, leading to the Patriots’ first punt of the game.
Both defenses created opportunities. The Colts capitalized on theirs when it mattered most.
What This Victory Means for Indianapolis
The Colts kept their playoff hopes alive with three of their final four opponents holding losing records. The win at Gillette Stadium—their first since 2006—proved the team could execute under pressure.
Richardson’s ability to deliver in close games showed growth. It was the second comeback win in three games for Richardson, who also ran for a TD in the final minute to beat the New York Jets two weeks earlier.
Steichen’s aggressive decision-making sent a message to his team: Trust the quarterback. Play to win, not to avoid losing.
The Patriots’ season ended in all but name. The Patriots (3-10) were eliminated from playoff contention with their fourth loss in five games. Maye showed promise, but the team’s red zone inefficiency and inability to finish games defined their season.