INDIANAPOLIS -- The reporters approached, cautiously.

Jabar Gaffney was slowly screwing in his diamond studs, the memory of his dropped touchdown likely spinning through his mind like the earring backings were on the tips of his fingers.

"I didn't make the play. That's it," he summarized quietly. "I make that catch and it's a different game."

On first down from the Colts' 39-yard line, just before the end of the third quarter, Matt Cassel looked for Gaffney, who was chewing up territory on the left sideline. The pass was dead on, Gaffney had separation from his defender ... and the ball went right off his hands.

"I pride myself on making every catch as they come to me and for whatever reason, I wasn't able to make that play and it cost us," he said.

"I dropped it. I dropped it. I make no excuses."

Had Gaffney pulled in the touchdown, New England would have led 19-15 (assuming the extra point), forcing the Colts to score a touchdown in order to retake the lead.

Randy Moss, who has become tight with Gaffney in their time with the Patriots, said he told his friend to keep his head up.

"I say what a true homey would say: 'Go home, kiss your babies and I'll see you on Wednesday.'"

smanza@projo.com