Colts 25, Patriots 24
JM: We did a lot of things that are good. We just need to be more consistent. I would say penalties and, look, it's about us. It's about us. Our penalties continue to show up, both operational and post-snap, which we've got to do a better job of.
I would also say just our red area in general. Our red area offense I think 1 for 6. Our red area defense, we weren't able to stop them there. That's really the game.
You talk about on special teams the missed field goal. I thought we handled the situations the right way, the way we wanted to, and we gave ourselves a chance to win. Gave ourselves a chance to win at the end.
Fire away.
Q. You mentioned some good things from your team today. On that 19 play, 80-yard drive, how disappointing was it? You had three fourth down conversions allowed and just not being able to make a play, and plus the two-point conversion?
JM: Yes, very disappointing. They obviously ran the ball relatively well. We just didn't make the stops that we need to.
Look, that's the NFL. That's the NFL. We say it every week. It's that one play here, that one play there. That extended drive definitely hurt, and then those guys going for two and couldn't keep them out.
Q. What went into the decision at the end to try the 68-yard field goal versus going for a Hail Mary there?
JM: That was 100% me. Look, Slye was hitting it well in pregame, and I felt that that was the best thing to do to help our team win the football game.
Not sure what the numbers are on Hail Marys versus the field goal there, but that's what I felt was right.
Q. Coach, was there any thought to taking a time-out maybe before earlier in the drive where the Colts ultimately scored, and what was the thought process there?
JM: Absolutely, there was a thought. We have also won a Super Bowl here doing it the other way. Keeping our time-outs is what I thought was best for the team.
Q. What did you see on Drake's interception down at the goal line to Hunter?
JM: The one that just bounced around a little bit? Look, it's just unfortunate.
Again, just in the red area in general I would say from the entire game we just weren't good enough. As the field starts to contract like that, I mean, the details and everyone has to be on the same page, and we just didn't do well enough.
Q. On the 25-yard attempt by Joey that he missed earlier in the game, it looked like after the kick he looked down in frustration or disbelief at something. What went wrong? Was there something with the operation there, or was it just a missed kick?
JM: Just a mis-hit. Nothing with the operation. It was a mis-hit.
Q. It seemed like you had I think it was a season high rushing yards today on offense. Just what went into the run game, and why was it able to be so successful?
JM: I've said all along we have good backs, and we just have to get them started. I would say just the mentality. If we don't have a good running game, it starts up front. The same thing here. It starts up front.
I thought Layden actually went out there and moved some bodies, and his physicality definitely showed up. The entire offensive line. That's good to see. Just have to keep it going.
Q. You mentioned penalties off the top. What's happening in the process that's leading up to the result on Sundays where you continue to have issues like that?
JM: Look, we know with this crew the first -- I think we had them the first Miami game. They threw ten holding penalties between the two teams. So we went into the game knowing that's one of the calls that they make a lot.
It just comes down to, look, some of them were questionable, but they called them, and we just have to fix those mistakes.
Q. Your offense had four trips inside the 10 yard line. You only come away with one touchdown. How frustrating was that? Is there anything that can pinpoint to these sudden problems in the red zone?
JM: No. I'm going to go back and watch the film. It's ultimate execution at that point in the game. Now, that safety that usually plays in the deep part of the field out in the field now is now part of the count, and we just have to do a better job executing.
Q. Would you categorize this as a game that you guys should win, should be able to close out?
JM: It comes down to execution. I think we should win every game. That's just my mentality. We just have to get better.
Q. There was a few minutes to go. I think there was a third and eight catch by Mallory. It looked like it might have wobbled from our perspective. You decided not to challenge that, but I think you had three time-outs at that point. Did you consider that? What went into that decision?
JM: We were waiting to see the replay. Never really got a clear shot of it, so I didn't challenge it.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports