Tom Brady and the New England Patriots powered past the Indianapolis Colts 34-27 to improve their perfect 2015 record in a "Deflategate" grudge match.

Superstar quarterback Brady, stung by charges he played a role in New England's use of under-inflated footballs in their AFC championship win over Indianapolis in January, insisted all week that the clash was not about revenge.

But he was dialed in on Sunday, throwing two of his three touchdown passes in the second half as the Patriots broke open a tight game with help from a failed trick play attempted by the Colts and their own unflappable calm.

Trailing 21-20 at halftime, Brady piloted a seven-play, 80-yard touchdown drive to open the third quarter, capping it with a 25-yard scoring pass to tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Late in the third, the Colts tried to fool the Pats with an unusual formation on a fourth-and-three punt, but New England adjusted and made the stop, regaining the ball on the Colts' 35-yard line -- promptly marching to a quick touchdown for a 34-21 lead.