NFL Set To Investigate Patriots For Deflating Balls

NFL spokesman Michael Signora told NFL Network the league is looking into the Patriots' apparent use of overly deflated footballs during Sunday's 45-7 AFC title game win over the Colts.

Midway through the game, a ball was taken off the field and out of circulation, Signora told Rapoport. NFL rules stipulate game balls must be inflated with between 12.5-13.5 pounds of air. Each team must provide 12 primary balls for testing prior to the game, NFL Network reports.

NFL: COLTS 33 TEXANS 28

When Indianapolis raced to a big lead over the Houston Texans in the first quarter, Colts coach Chuck Pagano was worried they'd let up. They did, but that early lead was so big that they were still able to hold on for a 33-28 victory Thursday night.

''You're going up and down on the sideline screaming at everybody: `Don't take your foot off the gas,''' Pagano said. ''Next thing you know, just like that (it's close). It's never over in this league.''