The New England Patriots were going for the carotid artery, up 14-0 and driving with 1st and 10 the ball at the Indianapolis' Colts' 26-yard line. Any score on that drive would make it a three-score lead at home in the AFC title game.
But Tom Brady made a crucial interception, forcing a pass into a double-covered Rob Gronkowski in the red zone, which was intercepted by the Colts' D'Qwell Jackson.
After two major defensive penalties by the Patriots, a terrific 36-yard catch on the sidelines by T.Y. Hilton and a few nice throws from Andrew Luck, the Colts finished a touchdown drive with a Zirlon Tipton 1-yard score.
That made the lead 14-7 Patriots, instead of 17-0 or 21-0.
A huge early momentum changer right there, and a critical mistake by Brady. And if you watched the NFC championship game, no early lead is too big.
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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Eric_Edholm
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