New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts: 2003 Week 13 Recap

Game story

In Week 13 of the 2003 NFL season on 2003-11-30, the New England Patriots took care of business against the Indianapolis Colts, pulling away with a 38–34 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 24 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

P. Manning (Indianapolis Colts) paced the passing game, with +5.20 total EPA.

On the individual side, D. Ward (New England Patriots) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +8.12 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (-40.6% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Indianapolis Colts changed the game: (:14) 32-E.James up the middle to NE 2 for -1 yards (55-W.McGinest).

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

1. 1 D. Ward · New England Patriots · Receiving · +8.12 total EPA · 2 snaps · +4.06 EPA/play
2. 2 T. Walters · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +7.86 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.57 EPA/play
3. 3 D. Branch · New England Patriots · Receiving · +7.43 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.24 EPA/play
4. 4 M. Harrison · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +6.72 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.96 EPA/play
5. 5 T. Brady · New England Patriots · Passing · +6.66 total EPA · 39 snaps · +0.17 EPA/play
6. 6 M. Pollard · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +5.78 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.45 EPA/play
7. 7 P. Manning · Indianapolis Colts · Passing · +5.20 total EPA · 54 snaps · +0.10 EPA/play
8. 8 R. Wayne · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +4.84 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.61 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

• New England Patriots — M. Cloud (Q1 47:36)
• New England Patriots — D. Ward (T. Brady pass) (Q2 42:01)
• Indianapolis Colts — M. Pollard (P. Manning pass) (Q2 30:19)
• New England Patriots — B. Johnson (Q2 30:12)
• New England Patriots — M. Cloud (Q3 22:37)
• Indianapolis Colts — R. Wayne (P. Manning pass) (Q3 16:25)
• Indianapolis Colts — M. Harrison (P. Manning pass) (Q3 15:20)
• Indianapolis Colts — T. Walters (P. Manning pass) (Q4 10:26)
• New England Patriots — D. Branch (T. Brady pass) (Q4 8:41)

Field goals

• New England Patriots — A. Vinatieri (Q1 54:09)
• Indianapolis Colts — M. Vanderjagt (Q2 37:09)
• Indianapolis Colts — M. Vanderjagt (Q4 3:31)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.

The opening quarter: New England Patriots won the period 10–0. New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the IND 25 (Q1 54:09) — (9:09) 4-A.Vinatieri 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the IND 4 (Q1 47:36) — (2:36) 21-M.Cloud left end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the IND 7 (Q1 47:32) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter..

The second quarter: New England Patriots won the period 14–10. New England Patriots found the end zone from the IND 31 (Q2 42:01) — (12:01) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass to 17-D.Ward for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the IND 2 (Q2 41:54) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter.; Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the NE 22 (Q2 37:09) — (7:09) 13-M.Vanderjagt 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.; Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the NE 8 (Q2 30:19) — (:19) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass to 81-M.Pollard for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the NE 2 (Q2 30:12) — 13-M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the IND 30 (Q2 30:12); New England Patriots added 1 points from the IND 2 (Q2 30:00) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter..

The third quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 14–7. New England Patriots found the end zone from the IND 1 (Q3 22:37) — (7:37) 21-M.Cloud left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the IND 2 (Q3 22:36) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter.; Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the NE 13 (Q3 16:25) — (1:25) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass to 87-R.Wayne for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the NE 2 (Q3 16:20) — 13-M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.; Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the NE 26 (Q3 15:20) — (:20) 18-P.Manning pass to 88-M.Harrison for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the NE 2 (Q3 15:14) — 13-M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith..

The fourth quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 10–7. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the NE 6 (Q4 10:26) — (10:26) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass to 86-T.Walters for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the NE 2 (Q4 10:21) — 13-M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the IND 13 (Q4 8:41) — (8:41) 12-T.Brady pass to 83-D.Branch for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the IND 2 (Q4 8:36) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter.; Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the NE 11 (Q4 3:31) — (3:31) 13-M.Vanderjagt 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.

• Indianapolis Colts (Q4 0:14) — (:14) 32-E.James up the middle to NE 2 for -1 yards (55-W.McGinest). [WPA -40.6% · EPA -2.96]
• New England Patriots (Q4 3:53) — (3:53) 33-K.Faulk up the middle to NE 10 for -2 yards (53-M.Washington). FUMBLES (53-M.Washington), RECOVERED by IND-79-R.Brock at NE 11. 79-R.Brock to NE 11 for no gain (67-D.Koppen). [WPA -27.1% · EPA -4.53]
• New England Patriots (Q4 8:41) — (8:41) 12-T.Brady pass to 83-D.Branch for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +24.3% · EPA +3.20]
• Indianapolis Colts (Q4 10:26) — (10:26) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass to 86-T.Walters for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +20.2% · EPA +2.91]
• New England Patriots (Q2 30:12) — 13-M.Vanderjagt kicks 62 yards from IND 30 to NE 8. 81-B.Johnson for 92 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on IND-13-M.Vanderjagt, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, declined. Play Challenged by Review Assistant and Uph [WPA +15.7% · EPA +6.96]

Impact plays

Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.

• New England Patriots (Q2 30:12) — 13-M.Vanderjagt kicks 62 yards from IND 30 to NE 8. 81-B.Johnson for 92 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on IND-13-M.Vanderjagt, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, declined. Play Challenged by Review Assistant and Uph [WPA +15.7% · EPA +6.96]
• New England Patriots (Q3 20:39) — (5:39) 12-T.Brady pass intended for 81-B.Johnson INTERCEPTED by 30-D.Strickland at IND 17. 30-D.Strickland to IND 41 for 24 yards (81-B.Johnson). PENALTY on NE-88-C.Fauria, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 y [WPA -2.9% · EPA -5.52]
• New England Patriots (Q4 3:53) — (3:53) 33-K.Faulk up the middle to NE 10 for -2 yards (53-M.Washington). FUMBLES (53-M.Washington), RECOVERED by IND-79-R.Brock at NE 11. 79-R.Brock to NE 11 for no gain (67-D.Koppen). [WPA -27.1% · EPA -4.53]
• New England Patriots (Q2 42:01) — (12:01) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass to 17-D.Ward for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +8.4% · EPA +4.51]

Quarterback report card

P.Manning led all passers in efficiency for Indianapolis Colts, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

• P.Manning (Indianapolis Colts) · 54 dropbacks · 53.7% completion · +0.10 EPA/play · +5.20 total EPA
• T.Brady (New England Patriots) · 39 dropbacks · 66.7% completion · +0.17 EPA/play · +6.66 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.

By the numbers

Despite the final score, New England Patriots generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.15 vs +0.04), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

• Indianapolis Colts: 12 drives, +4.27 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
• New England Patriots: 13 drives, +12.03 total EPA, 6 scoring drives

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.

• New England Patriots leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
• One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
• D. Ward (New England Patriots) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.

1. New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q1 54:09 · IND 25 · Score 3-0
   (9:09) 4-A.Vinatieri 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter.
2. New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q1 47:36 · IND 4 · Score 9-0
   (2:36) 21-M.Cloud left end for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3. New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q1 47:32 · IND 7 · Score 10-0
   4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter.
4. New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q2 42:01 · IND 31 · Score 16-0
   (12:01) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass to 17-D.Ward for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5. New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q2 41:54 · IND 2 · Score 17-0
   4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter.
6. Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q2 37:09 · NE 22 · Score 17-3
   (7:09) 13-M.Vanderjagt 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.
7. Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q2 30:19 · NE 8 · Score 17-9
   (:19) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass to 81-M.Pollard for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
8. Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q2 30:12 · NE 2 · Score 17-10
   13-M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.
9. New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q2 30:12 · IND 30 · Score 23-10
   13-M.Vanderjagt kicks 62 yards from IND 30 to NE 8. 81-B.Johnson for 92 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on IND-13-M.Vanderjagt, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, declined. Pla
10. New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q2 30:00 · IND 2 · Score 24-10
    4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter.
11. New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q3 22:37 · IND 1 · Score 30-10
    (7:37) 21-M.Cloud left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
12. New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q3 22:36 · IND 2 · Score 31-10
    4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter.
13. Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q3 16:25 · NE 13 · Score 31-16
    (1:25) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass to 87-R.Wayne for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
14. Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q3 16:20 · NE 2 · Score 31-17
    13-M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.
15. Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q3 15:20 · NE 26 · Score 31-23
    (:20) 18-P.Manning pass to 88-M.Harrison for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
16. Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q3 15:14 · NE 2 · Score 31-24
    13-M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.
17. Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q4 10:26 · NE 6 · Score 31-30
    (10:26) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass to 86-T.Walters for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
18. Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q4 10:21 · NE 2 · Score 31-31
    13-M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.
19. New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q4 8:41 · IND 13 · Score 37-31
    (8:41) 12-T.Brady pass to 83-D.Branch for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
20. New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q4 8:36 · IND 2 · Score 38-31
    4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter.
21. Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q4 3:31 · NE 11 · Score 38-34
    (3:31) 13-M.Vanderjagt 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.