James Lofton surprised by Pats' fourth-down attempt

New England's Kevin Faulk ended up just short of a first down late in the Pats-Colts game last night. Damian Strohmeyer/SI

NFL radio broadcaster and Hall of Famer James Lofton joined the show after calling the Patriots-Colts game last night.

"I thought the Colts were gone," Lofton admitted.

Lofton said that he was very surprised the Patriots actually ran a play on fourth down late against the Colts. He thought they were just trying to draw Indy off-sides -- especially when Bill Belichick pulled everyone out of the backfield.

Lofton said Belichick was "all-in" last night like a guy playing poker. Belichick learned that kind of fourth-down gambling from Bill Parcells.

Lofton said that in the NFL, you have to think you can make one yard in any situation. Lofton said that across the leagues offenses are probably getting a little too fancy and aren't as good as they should be at getting short yardage on the ground.

Lofton also gave a lot of credit to Peyton Manning. He said that he could have given up on receiver Pierre Garcon, but he went back to him and gave the young receiver a lot of confidence for the rest of the season.

Lofton said the key thing for the Colts as they try to reach the Super Bowl is their defense. He said if they can stay healthy and avoid any more injuries on D, they'll be OK.