Brady throws 3 TDs, Patriots hammer Colts 59-24

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, is congratulated by Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) after the Patriots' 59-24 win in an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

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The Associated Press
Published Sunday, November 18, 2012 8:02PM EST

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Tom Brady threw for three touchdowns, Andrew Luck misfired on two interceptions returned for touchdowns and the New England Patriots tied their single-game scoring record with a 59-24 rout of the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

The first matchup between the three-time Super Bowl winner and the star rookie was no match.

Brady got plenty of help -- touchdowns on a 68-yard punt return by Julian Edelman and on interception returns of 59 yards by newcomer Aqib Talib and 87 yards by Alfonzo Dennard. And Rob Ninkovich's fifth forced fumble of the season set up Rob Gronkowski's second scoring grab on the next play.

The Patriots (7-3) won their fourth straight game and extended their lead in the AFC East to three games over the other three teams. The Colts (6-4) had their four-game winning streak stopped by the NFL's best offence and one of its worst defences.