The Associated Press

FOXBORO, Mass. - As usual, Tom Brady was uncannily accurate as the New England Patriots moved within three games of the NFL record for consecutive victories.

Still, New England's 27-24 win over Indianapolis on Thursday - its 16th straight victory - wouldn't have happened if its defense hadn't awakened in the second half after being shredded for 255 yards by Peyton Manning and Edgerrin James before intermission.

Brady threw for 335 yards and three touchdowns - one each to Deion Branch, David Patten and Daniel Graham.

Corey Dillon, obtained from Cincinnati to revive the Super Bowl champions' running game, carried 16 times for 86 yards.

But the Patriots' defense bailed them out after a horrible first half, although the 446 yards they allowed were more than they gave up in any game last year.

Three times they stopped the Colts after turnovers, the second time after Branch fumbled a punt and Asante Samuel was called for pass interference to put the ball at the 1. But Eugene Wilson knocked the ball loose from James and rookie Vince Wilfork recovered with 3 minutes, 43 seconds left, avoiding what looked like a sure touchdown.

Then Willie McGinest sacked Manning with the Colts at the Patriots 18, forcing Mike Vanderjagt to try a 48-yard field goal instead of a chip shot. Vanderjagt, who had made 42 in a row, kicked it wide right with 24 seconds left.

Indianapolis	0	17	0	7-24
New England	3	10	14	0-27

First Quarter

NE-FG Vinatieri, 32, 10:09.

Second Quarter

Ind-FG Vanderjagt 32, 13:40.

Ind-Rhodes 3 run (Vanderjagt kick), 8:02.

NE-Branch 16 pass from Brady (Vinatieri kick), 3:04.

Ind-Harrison 3 pass from Manning (Vanderjagt kick), 0:42.

NE-FG Vinatieri 43, 0:00.

Third Quarter

NE-Patten 25 pass from Brady (Vinatieri kick), 10:48.

NE-Graham 8 pass from Brady (Vinatieri kick), 1:23.

Fourth Quarter

Ind-Stokley 7 pass from Manning (Vanderjagt kick), 11:05.

GAME RESCHEDULED: With the forecast ominous due to Hurricane Ivan, the Miami Dolphins' season opener against the Tennessee Titans was switched to Saturday from Sunday. Kickoff will still be at 1 p.m.

"Our first question was how we could make this safe for everyone," Dolphins president Eddie Jones said. "Our first concern is for families of our players and staff and, of course, being in Miami, for our fans."

Ivan could reach southern Florida as soon as Sunday, forecasters said.

CARDINALS: Emmitt Smith will play in his 15th NFL opener Sunday when Arizona visits the St. Louis Rams. But don't call it the start of a farewell tour - at least not yet.

The man who has rushed for more yards than anyone else in pro football isn't ready to say this season will be his last.

"I'm not going to talk about it, because it's irrelevant right now," Smith said. "We have a big game coming, our first game of the season. There's no need for me to talk about my future. My future is right now."

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