INDIANAPOLIS -- David Thomas made no excuses.

"In a close game like this, it makes a world of difference; it really cost us," the third-year tight end said when asked about the 15-yard unnecessary roughness call -- whistled on him when he shoved and knocked down Indianapolis' Robert Mathis after the play was dead -- that went a long way toward ending New England's chances of a comeback against the Colts. "That's what happens with judgment calls."

Thomas' penalty killed a promising drive for the Patriots, one in which they were hoping for a minimum of a game-tying field goal try by Stephen Gostkowski. Instead of facing third and one from the Colts' 31-yard line, the flag pushed New England back to the 46, with a third and 16 ahead of them.

Kevin Faulk got just one yard on third down, and after some confusion as to whether New England would go for it on fourth down or punt, the offense stayed on the field. But Matt Cassel's pass ended up in the hands of Indy safety Bob Sanders.

Left tackle Matt Light was asked about the call against Thomas, and seemed dubious that there was actually a penalty.

"Whether [Thomas hit] anyone or not, they called it," Light said. "One of these days they're going to let us play this game -- it didn't happen tonight."

Bill Belichick wasn't making any calls on the play either.

"I didn't really see it to comment on it," he said. "But you never want to have penalties."

Kevin Faulk did not see the play but said, "It happens. Those heat-of-the-moment things happen and you try to overcome it."

The penalty marred an otherwise solid night for Thomas: New England used a lot of two tight-end sets, meaning he was on the field a great deal, and he had a season-high three catches for 29 yards.

A third-round draft pick in 2006, Thomas missed much of last season to injury. He has played in every game this season and now has nine receptions for 93 yards.

smanza@projo.com