The crowd roared and tears of joy flowed at the Cask ’n’ Flagon in Boston as the New England Patriots romped Sunday night on their way to another Super Bowl.
The commanding 45-7 victory in the AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts sparked a mix of relief and euphoria in fans who spent hours glued to the bar’s televisions.
“It’s pretty awesome,” said Courtney Hopkins, 23, of Watertown.
In a decade of watching the Patriots win and lose, Kurt Villan, 29, of Brookline, said he felt great pride in this team, especially the enduring sangfroid of the veteran quarterback.
“Tom Brady. . . brings you to the promised land,” he said.
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Fernanda Mattozo, 25, a Brazilian living in Boston, teared up as she watched the Patriots crush the Colts.
“There are no words,” she said. “I’m so ready for . . . the Super Bowl.”
Earlier, Jaclyn Pellegrini, 25, of Boston, was giddy with joy after a Patriots’ interception late in the third quarter led to yet another touchdown for New England. “When they win, I’m going to be so happy,” she said.
Before halftime, the crowd seemed deflated as the Patriots failed to convert a touchdown and instead kicked a field goal, worrying it was a harbinger.
“I’m cautiously confident going into the second half,” said Paul Koeniger, 27, of South Boston.
Shortly after the game started, the crowd was elated as the Patriots took an early lead. After the home team went up, 14-0, Michael Nestle, 23, a student from Northeastern University, said he was not surprised. “They have been pretty solid this season,” he said.
Before the game, Jack Cox, a Colts fan, said he flew to Boston from his home state of Indiana to watch the game with his friend, Derek Keith, a North Shore native and Patriots fan. The Indiana University graduates have been traveling to each other’s home states for games between the Patriots and Colts for years.
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“Pats are going to roll,” said Keith, who was wearing a Tom Brady jersey.
Cox was wearing the jersey of Andrew Luck, the Colts’ quarterback. “We’re underestimated and haven’t been getting much respect,” he said. “I think we got a shot.” Keith, however, was optimistic going into the second half.
As the game went into the fourth quarter, Cox had lost his confidence. “I thought it was going to be more competitive,” he said.
After the game, Brian Henderson, 25, of Webster, said he thought the Colts never had a chance: “I’m not shocked.”
Pellegrini called her father to discuss plans for the Super Bowl, which they always watch together. “We’re excited,” she said.
Her friend, Mattozo, was already thinking about how the Patriots will play the Seattle Seahawks: “I’m so ready.”
Zolan Kanno-Youngs can be reached at Zolan.Kanno-Youngs@globe.com.