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Bill Belichick apologizes for being short with media after loss to Colts: 'A frustrating game'

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick is feeling the holiday spirit. Belichick opened Monday's virtual news conference by apologizing to reporters for being short with them following Saturday's loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

Belichick said he was frustrated with the loss, and needed to look at film before he could answer questions adequately.

Belichick said the Patriots were beat in every phase of the game. "There was no simple answer," Belichick said. "Every play could have been better, every area of coaching could have been better, every area of playing could have been better."

The Patriots were trounced by the Colts on Saturday. Indianapolis opened up a 20-0 lead in the third quarter. The Patriots clawed their way back into the contest, cutting the deficit to three points in the fourth quarter. With two minutes left, Colts running back Jonathan Taylor put the game out of reach with a 67-yard rushing score. The Colts won 27-17.

Patriots fighting to retain AFC East lead

The loss could have massive implications for the Patriots. At 9-6, the team sits just a game ahead of the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East. The two teams play in Week 16. With a win, Buffalo would pull even with the Patriots at the top of the division.

Keeping a division lead would make the Patriots' road to the playoffs much easier. A number of AFC teams — including the Baltimore Ravens, Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Chargers — have at least eight wins and are fighting for a postseason spot.

Bill Belichick with the Patriots.
Bill Belichick apologized for being short with reporters after a loss to the Colts. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)