The Patriots Run All Over Colts, Advance To AFC Championship Game

The Patriots overwhelmed the Colts 43-22, but for a minute there it looked like Andrew Luck might actually be the next young quarterback to unseat the Patriots at home. Then LeGarrette Blount ran 73 yards and put that to rest.

Andrew Luck did not help the cause. The Colts definitely showed they have that quick strike capability but Luck had another three-plus interception game (he threw his fourth in desperation time at the end of the game). This week, the interceptions were only offset by two touchdowns, instead of the four he threw last week against the Chiefs.

The Patriots, meanwhile, have turned back the clock to 2001. Tom Brady was 13-25 for 198 yards without a touchdown or interception. Instead of Brady throwing all over the field, they had six rushing touchdowns, including four from Blount, forced turnovers on defense and were (relatively, minus safety) clean on special teams. Blount, who had never been in uniform for a playoff game before, had the kind of night that made Dan Marino say "what a luxury it is to have a guy like LeGarrette Blount."

Now all that's left is for Peyton Manning to win tomorrow and we will have a five-alarm barn burner for the AFC Championship. Brady. Manning. All those other guys luxuries.