Positional groupings

ANALYSIS: Ultimately, the Patriots tried a lot of things early and the key was making the decision to go no-huddle in the 3 WR/1 TE/1 RB package with 9:35 left in the fourth quarter. The Patriots stayed in that grouping, upped the tempo, and turned a 20-10 deficit into a 24-20 advantage. ... Then, after pounding the ball on first and second down with its 1 WR/2 TE/1 FB/1 RB package in an attempt to run out the clock, the offense went back to the 3 WR/1 TE/1 RB package on the play that sealed the win -- a 10-yard catch by Wes Welker. ... In recent years, the Patriots have utilized more 2 WR/2 TE/1 RB sets against the Colts -- mainly to combat the rush of ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis -- but the approach this year meant that tackles Matt Light and Nick Kaczur were left with less help from tight ends. ... With less 2-TE packages, RB Kevin Faulk was often utilized to chip the ends and was generally effective executing those responsibilities. ... QB Tom Brady's first interception, to Donte' Stallworth, came on an unusual no-back 3 WR/2 TE package which the Patriots used for the first time this year -- and perhaps won't use again. ... One package that didn't produce the desired results was the jumbo 3 TE/1 FB/1 RB grouping, which couldn't pick up the necessary yardage on third and 1 from the Colts 14 late in the third quarter (Bob Sanders tackle). ... The eight different positional groupings were a season high. ... The Patriots have run the majority of their offensive plays from the 3 WR/1 TE/1 RB grouping in six of their last seven games.

TUESDAY LOOK-AHEAD: Patriots players have meetings at Gillette Stadium today and the media will have access to the locker room at approximately 3 p.m. We'll plan on passing along an update after the access period.