2007 Indianapolis Colts season
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Indianapolis Colts The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. The Colts compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) South division. Since the 2008 ...
season A season is a division of the year based on changes in weather, ecology, and the number of daylight hours in a given region. On Earth, seasons are the result of the axial parallelism of Earth's tilted orbit around the Sun. In temperate and pol ...
was the franchise's 55th season in the
National Football League The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league that consists of 32 teams, divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The NFL is one of the ...
, the 24th in
Indianapolis Indianapolis (), colloquially known as Indy, is the state capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Indiana and the seat of Marion County. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the consolidated population of Indianapolis and Marion ...
and the 6th season under
head coach A head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches. In some sports, the head coach is instead called the "manager", as in assoc ...
Tony Dungy Anthony Kevin Dungy ( ; born October 6, 1955) is an American former football safety and coach who served as a head coach in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts. Dungy's teams be ...
. The defending AFC and Super Bowl champions improved upon their 12–4 record from
2006 File:2006 Events Collage V1.png, From top left, clockwise: The 2006 Winter Olympics open in Turin; Twitter is founded and launched by Jack Dorsey; The Nintendo Wii is released; Montenegro 2006 Montenegrin independence referendum, votes to declare ...
as well as won their fifth-straight AFC South Championship. They finished the season 13–3 and lost to the San Diego Chargers in the divisional round of the playoffs. The Colts remained under the supervision of Head Coach
Tony Dungy Anthony Kevin Dungy ( ; born October 6, 1955) is an American former football safety and coach who served as a head coach in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts. Dungy's teams be ...
and played all of their home games in the
RCA Dome The RCA Dome (originally Hoosier Dome) was a domed stadium in Indianapolis. It was the home of the Indianapolis Colts NFL franchise for 24 seasons (1984– 2007). It was completed at a cost of $77.5 million, as part of the Indiana Convention Ce ...
in
Indianapolis Indianapolis (), colloquially known as Indy, is the state capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Indiana and the seat of Marion County. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the consolidated population of Indianapolis and Marion ...
, Indiana. 2007 was the Colts' final season in the RCA Dome, as they began playing home games in
Lucas Oil Stadium Lucas Oil Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. It replaced the RCA Dome as the home field of the National Football League (NFL)'s Indianapolis Colts and opened on August 16, 2008. The stadium was ...
in
2008 File:2008 Events Collage.png, From left, clockwise: Lehman Brothers went bankrupt following the Subprime mortgage crisis; Cyclone Nargis killed more than 138,000 in Myanmar; A scene from the opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing; ...
. In early January 2007 the Colts were the co-favorites to win
Super Bowl XLII Super Bowl XLII was an American football game between the National Football Conference (NFC) champion New York Giants and the American Football Conference (AFC) champion New England Patriots to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion ...
, along with the San Diego Chargers.


Offseason


Franchise tagged

* DE
Dwight Freeney Dwight Jason Freeney (born February 19, 1980) is an American former football player who played as a defensive end and outside linebacker for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Syracuse University, whe ...


Released

* DB
Trevis Coley Trevis may refer to: People Surname * Bos Trevis (1911–1984), English footballer *Derek Trevis (1942–2000), English footballer *Di Trevis (born 1947), English theatre director and actress *Floyd Trevis, American racing car constructor of the 1 ...
* TE
Jerome Collins Jerome Vincent Collins (born August 18, 1982) is a former American football tight end. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame. Early years Jerome attended Wheat ...
* LB
Gilbert Gardner Gilbert Ravelle Gardner, II (born May 9, 1982 in Angleton, Texas) is a former American football linebacker. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue. Gardner earne ...
* LB
Johnathan Goddard Jonathan Bruce Goddard (May 11, 1981 – June 15, 2008) was an American defensive end in the National Football League and Arena Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions and also spent time with the Indianapolis Colts and Colorado Crus ...
* LB Brandon Hoyte * LB
Mike Labinjo Michael Labinjo (July 8, 1980 – September 21, 2018) was a Canadian professional gridiron football player who played as a defensive end. He was a member of the Calgary Stampeders, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins. Ear ...
* DT
Montae Reagor Willie Montae Reagor (; born June 29, 1977) is a former defensive tackle who spent nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Texas Tech University, and he was recognized as an All-American. He was drafted ...
* DB
Dexter Reid Dexter Devon Reid Jr. (born March 18, 1981) is a former American football safety. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft after playing his college football at the University of North Carolina. Reid is ...
* WR
Brandon Stokley Brandon Ray Stokley (born June 23, 1976) is a former American football wide receiver and current radio personality. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at University of L ...
* DE
Jonathan Welsh Jonathan Welsh (April 3, 1947 – January 27, 2005) was a Canadian actor of stage, television and film, best known for his principal roles in Canadian television series, notably the 1986–1989 adventure comedy ''Adderly'' and the 1989–1994 j ...


Additions

* Defensive back coach
Rod Perry Rodney Cornell Perry (born September 11, 1953) is an American football coach and former professional player who is the defensive backs coach for the Oregon State Beavers. He played as a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL), primar ...
, from
Carolina Panthers The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers compete in the National Football League (NFL), as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division. T ...
. * OG Rick DeMulling * P
Reggie Hodges Reginald Aaron "Reggie" Hodges (born January 26, 1982) is a former American football punter. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Ball State. Hodges has been a member of t ...
* LB
Mike Labinjo Michael Labinjo (July 8, 1980 – September 21, 2018) was a Canadian professional gridiron football player who played as a defensive end. He was a member of the Calgary Stampeders, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins. Ear ...
* S Norman LeJeune * QB
John Navarre John Robert Navarre (born September 9, 1980) is a former American football quarterback who was a three-year starter for the Michigan Wolverines from 2001 to 2003, leading the Wolverines to the 2003 Big Ten Conference championship in his final year ...
* TE
Mike Seidman Michael Andrew Seidman (born February 11, 1981) is a former American football tight end. He was a 1998 ''USA Today'' high school football first-team All-American. He played college football at UCLA, where he was All-Pac-10 First-team, and set a ...


Re-signings

* LB
Rocky Boiman ''Rocky'' is a 1976 American sports drama film directed by John G. Avildsen and written by and starring Sylvester Stallone. It is the first installment in the ''Rocky'' franchise and stars Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, and Burgess ...
* DT Dan Klecko * OG
Ryan Lilja Ryan Matthew Lilja (born October 15, 1981) is a former American football center and guard. He played college football at Kansas State, and signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2004, and later played with them from 2010 ...
* LB Rob Morris * G
Jake Scott Jacob E. Scott III (July 20, 1945 – November 19, 2020) was an American professional football player who was a free safety and punt returner from 1970 to 1978 for the Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins of the National Football League (NF ...
* QB
Jim Sorgi James Joseph Sorgi Jr. (born December 3, 1980) is a former American football quarterback. He played college football at the University of Wisconsin and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. Sorgi served as ...
* DE Josh Thomas * DE
Dwight Freeney Dwight Jason Freeney (born February 19, 1980) is an American former football player who played as a defensive end and outside linebacker for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Syracuse University, whe ...


Departures

* CB
Jason David Jason Aeron Walter David (born June 12, 1982) is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. Later, he would win Super Bowl XLI ...
to
New Orleans Saints The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans. The Saints compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division. Since 1975, the te ...
* SS
Mike Doss Michael Allen Doss (born March 24, 1981) is an American former football safety who played in the National Football League (NFL) for six seasons. He played college football for Ohio State University, earned consensus All-American honors, an ...
to
Minnesota Vikings The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the National Football Conference (NFC) North division. Founded in 1960 as an expansion ...
* CB
Nick Harper Nick Harper (born 22 June 1965) is an English singer-songwriter and guitarist. He is the son of English folk musician Roy Harper. Early life Harper was born in London, England, to the folk singer-songwriter Roy Harper. Nick tells of how he ...
to
Tennessee Titans The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference (AFC) South division, and play their h ...
* LB
Cato June Cato Nnamdi June (born November 18, 1979) is a former American football linebacker and high-school football coach. He was selected by the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL) in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft. A 2006 ...
to
Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football team based in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) NFC South, South divisio ...
* DT
Montae Reagor Willie Montae Reagor (; born June 29, 1977) is a former defensive tackle who spent nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Texas Tech University, and he was recognized as an All-American. He was drafted ...
to
Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia. The Eagles compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East division. The team plays ...
* RB
Dominic Rhodes Dominic Dondrell Rhodes (born January 17, 1979) is a former American football running back. He played college football at Midwestern State and was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2001. Rhodes was also a member ...
to
Oakland Raiders The Oakland Raiders were a professional American football team that played in Oakland from its founding in 1960 to 1981 and again from 1995 to 2019 before relocating to the Las Vegas metropolitan area where they now play as the Las Vegas Raide ...
* WR
Brandon Stokley Brandon Ray Stokley (born June 23, 1976) is a former American football wide receiver and current radio personality. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at University of L ...
to
Denver Broncos The Denver Broncos are a professional American football franchise based in Denver. The Broncos compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) West division. The team is headquart ...


2007 NFL Draft

The Colts started out by making the 32nd overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft due to their victory in
Super Bowl XLI Super Bowl XLI was an American football game played between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Indianapolis Colts and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Chicago Bears to decide the National Football League (NFL) champio ...
. They selected Anthony Gonzalez out of
Ohio State The Ohio State University, commonly called Ohio State or OSU, is a public land-grant research university in Columbus, Ohio. A member of the University System of Ohio, it has been ranked by major institutional rankings among the best public ...
. The 2007 NFL Draft was held on April 28 and April 29, 2007 in New York City.


Undrafted free agent signings

The Colts signed 15 undrafted free agents on Monday, April 30, 2007: * LB Brandon Archer * DB Melvin Bullitt (
Texas A&M Texas A&M University (Texas A&M, A&M, or TAMU) is a public, land-grant, research university in College Station, Texas. It was founded in 1876 and became the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System in 1948. As of late 2021, T ...
) * DE Cameron Craig (
Army An army (from Old French ''armee'', itself derived from the Latin verb ''armāre'', meaning "to arm", and related to the Latin noun ''arma'', meaning "arms" or "weapons"), ground force or land force is a fighting force that fights primarily on ...
) * RB
Clifton Dawson Clifton George Dawson (born October 8, 1983) is a former gridiron football running back. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Harvard. Dawson was also a member of the Cinci ...
(
Harvard Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1636 as Harvard College and named for its first benefactor, the Puritan clergyman John Harvard, it is the oldest institution of higher le ...
) * WR Michael DePriest * DT Quintin Echols (
Kansas State Kansas State University (KSU, Kansas State, or K-State) is a public land-grant research university with its main campus in Manhattan, Kansas, United States. It was opened as the state's land-grant college in 1863 and was the first public instit ...
) * LB Ramon Guzman * LB
KaMichael Hall KaMichael Charles Hall (born January 22, 1985) is a Canadian football linebacker who is a free agent. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football, ...
(
Georgia Tech The Georgia Institute of Technology, commonly referred to as Georgia Tech or, in the state of Georgia, as Tech or The Institute, is a public research university and institute of technology in Atlanta, Georgia. Established in 1885, it is part of ...
) * TE Jonny Harline * OT Joe Lobdell (
Northern Iowa Iowa () is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern region of the United States, bordered by the Mississippi River to the east and the Missouri River and Big Sioux River to the west. It is bordered by six states: Wiscon ...
) * DT Ramel Meekins (
Rutgers Rutgers University (; RU), officially Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a public land-grant research university consisting of four campuses in New Jersey. Chartered in 1766, Rutgers was originally called Queen's College, and was a ...
) * TE Gijon Robinson * WR Trent Shelton * DB Antonio Smith (
Ohio State The Ohio State University, commonly called Ohio State or OSU, is a public land-grant research university in Columbus, Ohio. A member of the University System of Ohio, it has been ranked by major institutional rankings among the best public ...
) * LB Victor Worsley


Roster


Staff


Schedule


Preseason


Regular season


Standings


Regular season results


Week 1: vs. New Orleans Saints

;
NFL Kickoff game The National Football League Kickoff game, along with related festivities, marks the official start of the National Football League (NFL) regular season. A single game is held, preceded by a concert and other ceremonies. This first game of the se ...
''Game Summary''
With their championship title to defend, the Colts began the season in the annual Thursday night kickoff game against the visiting
New Orleans Saints The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans. The Saints compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division. Since 1975, the te ...
. In the first quarter, Indianapolis began their year with
Super Bowl MVP The Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award, or Super Bowl MVP, is presented annually to the most valuable player of the Super Bowl, the National Football League's (NFL) championship game. The winner is chosen by a panel of 16 football writers a ...
QB
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
completing a 27-yard TD pass to WR
Marvin Harrison Marvin Darnell Harrison Sr. (born August 25, 1972) is an American Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver who played 13 seasons for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL), much of it with Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton ...
for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Saints would get their only touchdown of the game with former Colts DB
Jason David Jason Aeron Walter David (born June 12, 1982) is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. Later, he would win Super Bowl XLI ...
returning a fumble 55 yards, while kicker
Olindo Mare Olindo Franco Mare (born June 6, 1973) is a former American football placekicker. He was originally signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 1996. He played college football at MacMurray College and Syracuse. Mare, who was se ...
would get a 34-yard field goal. Indianapolis ended the first half with kicker
Adam Vinatieri Adam Matthew Vinatieri (born December 28, 1972) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 24 seasons with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Considered one of the greatest kick ...
kicking a 33-yard field goal. In the second half, the Colts took control for the rest of the game. During the third quarter, RB
Joseph Addai Joseph Kwaku Duah Addai Jr. ( ) (born May 3, 1983) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the first round (30th overall pick) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University b ...
got a 2-yard TD run, while Manning hooked up with WR
Reggie Wayne Reginald Wayne (born November 17, 1978) is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Miami, and was drafted ...
on a 28-yard touchdown pass. In the fourth quarter, Indianapolis sealed the victory with Vinatieri getting a 33-yard field goal, Manning & Wayne hooking up with each other again on a 45-yard TD pass, and DB
Matt Giordano Matthew Victor Giordano (born October 16, 1982) is a former American football safety. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Giordano grew up in Clovis, California and played college football at Fres ...
returning an interception 83 yards for a touchdown. With the win, the Colts began their season at 1–0. ''Scoring Summary'' * 1st quarter ** IND –
Marvin Harrison Marvin Darnell Harrison Sr. (born August 25, 1972) is an American Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver who played 13 seasons for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL), much of it with Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton ...
27 yard pass from
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
( Vinatieri kick), 1:42. ''Colts 7–0.'' ''Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 4:32.'' * 2nd quarter ** NO –
Jason David Jason Aeron Walter David (born June 12, 1982) is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. Later, he would win Super Bowl XLI ...
55 yard fumble return (
Mare A mare is an adult female horse or other equine. In most cases, a mare is a female horse over the age of three, and a filly is a female horse three and younger. In Thoroughbred horse racing, a mare is defined as a female horse more than four ...
kick), 11:44. ''Tied 7–7.'' ** NO – Olindo Mare 34 yard field goal, 6:30. ''Saints 10–7.'' ''Drive: 9 plays, 36 yards, 3:55.'' ** IND – Adam Vinatieri 33 yard field goal, 0:49. ''Tied 10–10.'' ''Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 1:39.'' * 3rd quarter ** IND –
Joseph Addai Joseph Kwaku Duah Addai Jr. ( ) (born May 3, 1983) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the first round (30th overall pick) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University b ...
2 yard run (Vinatieri kick), 9:49. ''Colts 17–10.'' ''Drive: 8 plays, 71 yards, 4:07.'' ** IND –
Reggie Wayne Reginald Wayne (born November 17, 1978) is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Miami, and was drafted ...
28 yard pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick), 6:16. ''Colts 24–10.'' ''Drive: 4 plays, 69 yards, 1:54.'' * 4th quarter ** IND – Adam Vinatieri 33 yard field goal, 14:16. ''Colts 27–10.'' ''Drive: 5 plays, 38 yards, 1:18.'' ** IND – Reggie Wayne 45 yard pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick), 10:11. ''Colts 34–10.'' ''Drive: 5 plays, 66 yards, 2:45.'' ** IND –
Matt Giordano Matthew Victor Giordano (born October 16, 1982) is a former American football safety. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Giordano grew up in Clovis, California and played college football at Fres ...
83 yard interception return (Vinatieri kick), 1:11. ''Colts 41–10.''


Week 2: at Tennessee Titans

''Game Summary''
Following their second-half blowout win over the Saints, the Colts flew to
LP Field Nissan Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. Owned by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, it is primarily used for football and is the home field of the Tennessee Titans of the Natio ...
for an AFC South duel with the
Tennessee Titans The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference (AFC) South division, and play their h ...
. In the first quarter, Indianapolis drew first blood with RB
Joseph Addai Joseph Kwaku Duah Addai Jr. ( ) (born May 3, 1983) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the first round (30th overall pick) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University b ...
getting an 8-yard TD run. The Titans would respond with kicker
Rob Bironas James Robert Douglas Bironas (January 29, 1978 – September 20, 2014) was an American football placekicker who played the majority of his professional career with the Tennessee Titans. He played college football for Auburn University and Georgia ...
getting a 30-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Colts increased their lead with QB
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
completing a 22-yard TD pass to TE
Dallas Clark Dallas Dean Clark (born June 12, 1979) is a former American football tight end who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Iowa, earned unanimous All-American honors, and was reco ...
. Tennessee would answer with Bironas getting a 36-yard field goal. Indianapolis closed out the half with kicker
Adam Vinatieri Adam Matthew Vinatieri (born December 28, 1972) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 24 seasons with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Considered one of the greatest kick ...
getting a 22-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Indianapolis kept pounding away as Vinatieri kicked a 39-yard field goal. The Titans replied with RB
LenDale White LenDale Anthony White (born December 20, 1984) is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round (45th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. He has also been a member of the Seattle Seahawks and Den ...
getting a 3-yard TD run. Vinatieri helped the Colts respond with a 20-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Tennessee nearly pulled off a comeback, as QB
Vince Young Vincent Paul Young Jr. (born May 18, 1983) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for six seasons. Young was drafted by the Tennessee Titans as the third overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, and ...
completed a 1-yard TD pass to WR
Roydell Williams Roydell Williams (born March 14, 1981) is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tulane Green ...
, however, Indianapolis held off the Titans long enough to pull out a win. With the win, the Colts improved to 2–0. ''Scoring Summary'' * 1st quarter ** IND –
Joseph Addai Joseph Kwaku Duah Addai Jr. ( ) (born May 3, 1983) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the first round (30th overall pick) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University b ...
8-yard run (blocked Vinatieri kick), 8:48. ''Colts 6–0.'' ''Drive: 5 plays, 55 yards, 1:50.'' ** TEN –
Rob Bironas James Robert Douglas Bironas (January 29, 1978 – September 20, 2014) was an American football placekicker who played the majority of his professional career with the Tennessee Titans. He played college football for Auburn University and Georgia ...
30-yard field, 1:07. ''Colts 6–3.'' ''Drive: 4 plays, 55 yards, 2:08.'' * 2nd quarter ** IND –
Dallas Clark Dallas Dean Clark (born June 12, 1979) is a former American football tight end who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Iowa, earned unanimous All-American honors, and was reco ...
22-yard pass from
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
(Vinatieri kick), 11:01. ''Colts 13–3.'' ''Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 5:07.'' ** TEN – Rob Bironas 36 yard field goal, 4:28. ''Colts 13–6.'' ''Drive: 12 plays, 53 yards, 6:33.'' ** IND – Adam Vinatieri 22 yard field goal, 0:01. ''Colts 16–6.'' ''Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 1:12.'' * 3rd quarter ** IND – Adam Vinatieri 39 yard field goal, 9:46. ''Colts 19–6.'' ''Drive: 11 plays, 44 yards, 5:19.'' ** TEN –
LenDale White LenDale Anthony White (born December 20, 1984) is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round (45th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. He has also been a member of the Seattle Seahawks and Den ...
3 yard run (Bironas kick), 5:02. ''Colts 19–13.'' ''Drive: 3 plays, 15 yards, 1:22.'' ** IND – Adam Vinatieri 20 yard field goal, 0:01. ''Colts 22–13.'' ''Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 4:58.'' * 4th quarter ** TEN –
Vince Young Vincent Paul Young Jr. (born May 18, 1983) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for six seasons. Young was drafted by the Tennessee Titans as the third overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, and ...
1 yard pass to
Roydell Williams Roydell Williams (born March 14, 1981) is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tulane Green ...
(Bironas kick), 6:05. ''Colts 22–20.'' ''Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 6:24.''


Week 3: at Houston Texans

''Game Summary''
Following their fierce divisional road win over the Titans, the Colts flew to
Reliant Stadium NRG Stadium, formerly Reliant Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium in Houston, Texas, United States. Construction was completed in 2002, at a cost of $352 million and has a seating capacity of 72,220. It was the first NFL facility to have a retrac ...
for an AFC South duel with the
Houston Texans The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston. The Texans compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC South, South division, and play their home ga ...
(who were the last team Indianapolis lost to en route to their Super Bowl championship). In the first quarter, the Colts trailed early as Houston WR
Jerome Mathis Jerome Alvon Mathis (born July 26, 1983) is a former American and Canadian football wide receiver and kick returner. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He earned a Pro Bowl selection and was an All-P ...
returned a kickoff 84 yards for a touchdown. QB
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE
Dallas Clark Dallas Dean Clark (born June 12, 1979) is a former American football tight end who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Iowa, earned unanimous All-American honors, and was reco ...
. In the second quarter, the Texans would retake the lead with kicker
Kris Brown Kristopher Clayton Brown (born December 23, 1976) is a former American football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for twelve seasons in the late 1990s and 2000s. He played college football for the University of Neb ...
getting a 33-yard. RB
Joseph Addai Joseph Kwaku Duah Addai Jr. ( ) (born May 3, 1983) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the first round (30th overall pick) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University b ...
helped Indianapolis get back ahead with an amazing 4-yard TD run. In the third quarter, the Colts pulled away as kicker
Adam Vinatieri Adam Matthew Vinatieri (born December 28, 1972) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 24 seasons with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Considered one of the greatest kick ...
got a 36-yard field goal, Addai got an 8-yard TD run, and Vinatieri kicked a 28-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Houston tried to catch up with RB
Samkon Gado Samkon Kaltho Gado (born November 13, 1982) is a Nigerian-American otolaryngologist. He is a former American football running back in the National Football League for the Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins and St. Louis Rams. He pl ...
getting a 1-yard TD run, while Indianapolis got its final score of the game with a Vinatieri kicking a 35-yard field goal. The Texans would get close with QB
Matt Schaub Matthew Schaub (born June 25, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played for 17 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Virginia Cavaliers, and was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the th ...
completing a 1-yard TD pass to RB
Vonta Leach Terzell Vonta Leach ( ; born November 6, 1981) is a former American football fullback who played for ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college ...
. The Colts held on to get the victory. With the win, Indianapolis improved to 3–0. ''Scoring Summary'' * 1st quarter ** HOU –
Jerome Mathis Jerome Alvon Mathis (born July 26, 1983) is a former American and Canadian football wide receiver and kick returner. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He earned a Pro Bowl selection and was an All-P ...
84 yard kickoff return (
Brown Brown is a color. It can be considered a composite color, but it is mainly a darker shade of orange. In the CMYK color model used in printing or painting, brown is usually made by combining the colors orange and black. In the RGB color model used ...
kick), 14:39. ''Texans 7–0.'' ** IND –
Dallas Clark Dallas Dean Clark (born June 12, 1979) is a former American football tight end who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Iowa, earned unanimous All-American honors, and was reco ...
2 yard pass from
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
( Vinatieri kick), 6:06. ''Tied 7–7. Drive: 15 plays, 74 yards, 8:33.'' * 2nd quarter ** HOU – Kris Brown 33 yard field goal, 14:18. ''Texans 10–7. Drive: 13 plays, 54 yards, 6:48.'' ** IND –
Joseph Addai Joseph Kwaku Duah Addai Jr. ( ) (born May 3, 1983) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the first round (30th overall pick) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University b ...
4 yard run (Vinatieri kick), 8:46. ''Colts 14–10. Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 5:32.'' * 3rd quarter ** IND – Adam Vinatieri 36 yard field goal, 10:32. ''Colts 17–10. Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 4:28.'' ** IND – Joseph Addai 8 yard run (Vinatieri kick), 8:38. ''Colts 24–10. Drive: 4 plays, 21 yards, 1:35.'' ** IND – Adam Vinatieri 28 yard field goal, 2:41. ''Colts 27–10. Drive: 5 plays, 62 yards, 2:13.'' * 4th quarter ** HOU –
Samkon Gado Samkon Kaltho Gado (born November 13, 1982) is a Nigerian-American otolaryngologist. He is a former American football running back in the National Football League for the Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins and St. Louis Rams. He pl ...
1 yard run (Brown kick), 14:21. ''Colts 27–17. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 3:20.'' ** IND – Adam Vinatieri 35 yard field goal, 10:40. ''Colts 30–17. Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards, 3:41.'' ** HOU –
Vonta Leach Terzell Vonta Leach ( ; born November 6, 1981) is a former American football fullback who played for ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college ...
1 yard pass from
Matt Schaub Matthew Schaub (born June 25, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played for 17 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Virginia Cavaliers, and was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the th ...
(Brown kick), 2:49. ''Colts 30–24. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 7:51.''


Week 4: vs. Denver Broncos

''Game Summary''
Coming off their divisional road win over the Texans, the Colts went home for an intraconference duel with the
Denver Broncos The Denver Broncos are a professional American football franchise based in Denver. The Broncos compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) West division. The team is headquart ...
. In the first quarter, Indianapolis trailed early with Broncos kicker
Jason Elam Jason Elam (born March 8, 1970) is a former American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft and played 15 seasons with the Broncos and two with the Atlanta Falcons. A three-time Pro B ...
getting a 35-yard field goal, while QB
Jay Cutler Jay Christopher Cutler (born April 29, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons, primarily with the Chicago Bears. He played college football for the Van ...
7-yard TD pass to WR
Brandon Marshall Brandon Tyrone Marshall (born March 23, 1984) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for 13 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the UCF Knights, and was drafted by ...
. In the second quarter, the Colts would respond with RB
Joseph Addai Joseph Kwaku Duah Addai Jr. ( ) (born May 3, 1983) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the first round (30th overall pick) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University b ...
getting a 14-yard field goal. Denver tried to increase its lead with Elam kicking a 22-yard field goal. Indianapolis would take the lead with QB
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
completing a 9-yard TD pass to TE
Dallas Clark Dallas Dean Clark (born June 12, 1979) is a former American football tight end who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Iowa, earned unanimous All-American honors, and was reco ...
. In the third quarter, the Colts began to dominate with Manning getting a 1-yard TD run. He would also hook up with Clark again on a 3-yard TD pass. The Broncos' only response was Cutler's 2-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Indianapolis managed to put the game away with Manning's 5-yard TD pass to WR
Reggie Wayne Reginald Wayne (born November 17, 1978) is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Miami, and was drafted ...
, along with kicker
Adam Vinatieri Adam Matthew Vinatieri (born December 28, 1972) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 24 seasons with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Considered one of the greatest kick ...
nailing a 22-yard field goal. With the win, the Colts improved to 4–0. ''Scoring Summary'' * 1st quarter ** DEN –
Jason Elam Jason Elam (born March 8, 1970) is a former American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft and played 15 seasons with the Broncos and two with the Atlanta Falcons. A three-time Pro B ...
35 yard field goal, 11:32. ''Broncos 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 47 yards, 3:28.'' ** DEN –
Brandon Marshall Brandon Tyrone Marshall (born March 23, 1984) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for 13 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the UCF Knights, and was drafted by ...
7 yard pass from
Jay Cutler Jay Christopher Cutler (born April 29, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons, primarily with the Chicago Bears. He played college football for the Van ...
(Elam kick), 2:19. ''Broncos 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 86 yards, 5:28.'' * 2nd quarter ** IND –
Joseph Addai Joseph Kwaku Duah Addai Jr. ( ) (born May 3, 1983) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the first round (30th overall pick) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University b ...
14 yard run ( Vinatieri kick), 14:23. ''Broncos 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 2:56.'' ** DEN – Jason Elam 22 yard field goal, 8:29. ''Broncos 13–7. Drive: 12 plays, 76 yards, 5:54.'' ** IND –
Dallas Clark Dallas Dean Clark (born June 12, 1979) is a former American football tight end who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Iowa, earned unanimous All-American honors, and was reco ...
9 yard pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick), 3:49. ''Colts 14–13. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 4:40.'' * 3rd quarter ** IND – Peyton Manning 1 yard run (Vinatieri kick), 11:46. ''Colts 21–13. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 3:14.'' ** IND – Dallas Clark 3 yard pass (Vinatieri kick), 8:55. ''Colts 28–13. Drive: 4 plays, 24 yards, 2:03.'' ** DEN – Jay Cutler 2 yard run (Elam kick), 1:10. ''Colts 28–20. Drive: 14 plays, 79 yards, 7:45.'' * 4th quarter ** IND –
Reggie Wayne Reginald Wayne (born November 17, 1978) is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Miami, and was drafted ...
5 yard pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick), 10:56. ''Colts 35–20. Drive: 10 plays, 83 yards, 5:14.'' ** IND – Adam Vinatieri 22 yard field goal, 2:34. ''Colts 38–20. Drive: 13 plays, 76 yards, 5:59.''


Week 5: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

''Game Summary''
Coming off their home win over the Broncos, the Colts stayed at home for an interconference game with the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football team based in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) NFC South, South divisio ...
. Indianapolis would enter into this game without WR
Marvin Harrison Marvin Darnell Harrison Sr. (born August 25, 1972) is an American Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver who played 13 seasons for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL), much of it with Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton ...
and RB
Joseph Addai Joseph Kwaku Duah Addai Jr. ( ) (born May 3, 1983) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the first round (30th overall pick) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University b ...
, due to injuries from their last game. In the first quarter, the Colts got the first strike with QB
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
completing a 10-yard TD pass to TE
Dallas Clark Dallas Dean Clark (born June 12, 1979) is a former American football tight end who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Iowa, earned unanimous All-American honors, and was reco ...
for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, Indianapolis increased its lead with rookie RB
Kenton Keith Kenton Jermaine Keith (born July 14, 1980) is a former American football running back. He was signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2003 Then the National Football League Colts (NFL) in 2007. He played ...
getting a 1-yard TD run (with a blocked PAT). The Buccaneers would get their only score of the half with QB
Jeff Garcia Jeffrey Jason Garcia (born February 24, 1970) is a former American football quarterback. After attending high school and junior college in Gilroy, California, Garcia played college football at San Jose State University. A four-time CFL All-St ...
completing a 3-yard TD pass to TE
Alex Smith Alexander Douglas Smith (born May 7, 1984) is an American former quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons. He played college football at Utah, where he received first-team All-American honors and won the 20 ...
. In the third quarter, Keith got a 7-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay got its last score of the game with Garcia and Smith combining on another 3-yard TD pass. Afterwards, Indianapolis sealed the win kicker
Adam Vinatieri Adam Matthew Vinatieri (born December 28, 1972) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 24 seasons with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Considered one of the greatest kick ...
nailing a 35-yard field goal. With the win, the Colts entered their bye week at 5–0. ''Scoring summary'' * 1st quarter ** IND –
Dallas Clark Dallas Dean Clark (born June 12, 1979) is a former American football tight end who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Iowa, earned unanimous All-American honors, and was reco ...
10 yard pass from
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
( Vinatieri kick), 10:10. ''Colts 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 42 yards, 2:49.'' * 2nd quarter ** IND –
Kenton Keith Kenton Jermaine Keith (born July 14, 1980) is a former American football running back. He was signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2003 Then the National Football League Colts (NFL) in 2007. He played ...
1 yard run (kick blocked), 14:53. ''Colts 13–0. Drive: 14 plays, 74 yards, 8:09.'' ** TB –
Alex Smith Alexander Douglas Smith (born May 7, 1984) is an American former quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons. He played college football at Utah, where he received first-team All-American honors and won the 20 ...
3 yard pass from
Jeff Garcia Jeffrey Jason Garcia (born February 24, 1970) is a former American football quarterback. After attending high school and junior college in Gilroy, California, Garcia played college football at San Jose State University. A four-time CFL All-St ...
( Bryant kick), 6:43. ''Colts 13–7. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 5:32.'' ** IND – Adam Vinatieri 27 yard field goal, 0:00. ''Colts 16–7. Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 2:01.'' * 3rd quarter ** IND – Kenton Keith 7 yard run (Vinatieri kick), 7:23. ''Colts 23–7. Drive: 13 plays, 77 yards, 7:37.'' * 4th quarter ** IND –
Reggie Wayne Reginald Wayne (born November 17, 1978) is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Miami, and was drafted ...
9 yard pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick), 14:57. ''Colts 30–7. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 5:45.'' ** TB – Alex Smith 3 yard pass from Jeff Garcia (Bryant kick), 9:21. ''Colts 30–14. Drive: 12 plays, 81 yards, 5:36.'' ** IND – Adam Vinatieri 35 yard field goal, 2:53. ''Colts 33–14. Drive: 11 plays, 67 yards, 6:28.''


Week 7: at Jacksonville Jaguars

''Game summary''
Coming off their bye week, the Colts flew to
Jacksonville Municipal Stadium TIAA Bank Field is an American football stadium located in Jacksonville, Florida, that primarily serves as the home facility of the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL) and the headquarters of the professional wrestling prom ...
for an AFC South duel on ''Monday Night Football'' with the
Jacksonville Jaguars The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jaguars compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference (AFC) South division. The team play ...
, with first place within the division on the line. In the first quarter, Indianapolis scored first with RB
Kenton Keith Kenton Jermaine Keith (born July 14, 1980) is a former American football running back. He was signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2003 Then the National Football League Colts (NFL) in 2007. He played ...
getting a 3-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Colts increased its lead with QB
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
getting a 1-yard TD run, along with kicker
Adam Vinatieri Adam Matthew Vinatieri (born December 28, 1972) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 24 seasons with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Considered one of the greatest kick ...
getting a 36-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Jaguars would get its only score of the game as RB
Maurice Jones-Drew Maurice Christopher Jones-Drew (born March 23, 1985), often called "MJD", is a former American football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. He played college football for the UCLA Bruins and earned unan ...
got a 1-yard TD run. Afterwards, Indianapolis responded with DE
Dwight Freeney Dwight Jason Freeney (born February 19, 1980) is an American former football player who played as a defensive end and outside linebacker for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Syracuse University, whe ...
sacking QB
Quinn Gray Quinn Fordham Gray Sr. (born May 21, 1979) is a former American football quarterback who played for four seasons in the National Football League and one season each in the United Football League and NFL Europe. He played college football at Flor ...
in the endzone for a safety. In the fourth quarter, the Colts wrapped up another win with Vinatieri nailing a 20-yard field goal and Manning completing a 35-yard TD pass to TE
Dallas Clark Dallas Dean Clark (born June 12, 1979) is a former American football tight end who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Iowa, earned unanimous All-American honors, and was reco ...
. With the win, not only did Indianapolis improve to 6–0, but they became the third team in NFL history ('29–'31 Packers & '99–'01 Rams) to begin three consecutive seasons at 6–0. ''Scoring Summary'' * 1st quarter ** IND –
Kenton Keith Kenton Jermaine Keith (born July 14, 1980) is a former American football running back. He was signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2003 Then the National Football League Colts (NFL) in 2007. He played ...
3 yard run ( Vinatieri kick), 0:27. ''Colts 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 5:06.'' * 2nd quarter ** IND –
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
1 yard run (Vinatieri kick), 5:25. ''Colts 14–0. Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards, 5:26.'' ** IND – Adam Vinatieri 36 yard field goal, 0:29. ''Colts 17–0. Drive: 11 plays, 30 yards, 2:20.'' * 3rd quarter ** JAC –
Maurice Jones-Drew Maurice Christopher Jones-Drew (born March 23, 1985), often called "MJD", is a former American football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. He played college football for the UCLA Bruins and earned unan ...
1 yard run ( Carney kick), 9:23. ''Colts 17–7. Drive: 10 plays, 40 yards, 5:37.'' ** IND – Safety by
Dwight Freeney Dwight Jason Freeney (born February 19, 1980) is an American former football player who played as a defensive end and outside linebacker for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Syracuse University, whe ...
, 4:39. ''Colts 19–7.'' * 4th quarter ** IND – Adam Vinatieri 20 yard field goal, 13:34. ''Colts 22–7. Drive: 13 plays, 55 yards, 6:01.'' ** IND –
Dallas Clark Dallas Dean Clark (born June 12, 1979) is a former American football tight end who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Iowa, earned unanimous All-American honors, and was reco ...
35 yard pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick), 3:58. ''Colts 29–7. Drive: 4 plays, 54 yards, 1:06.''


Week 8: at Carolina Panthers

''Game Summary''
Coming off their Monday Night road win over the Jaguars, the Colts traveled to
Bank of America Stadium Bank of America Stadium is a 74,867-seat football stadium located on in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. It is the home facility and headquarters of the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League and Charlotte FC of Major ...
for a Week 8 interconference duel with the
Carolina Panthers The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers compete in the National Football League (NFL), as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division. T ...
. In the first quarter, Indianapolis trailed early as the Panthers capped off an 11-minute and 1 second opening drive with RB
DeShaun Foster DeShaun Xavier Foster (born January 10, 1980) is a former American football running back, who currently serves as the running backs coach at UCLA. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played coll ...
getting a 3-yard TD run. The Colts would respond with kicker
Adam Vinatieri Adam Matthew Vinatieri (born December 28, 1972) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 24 seasons with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Considered one of the greatest kick ...
nailing a 20-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Indianapolis took the lead with RB
Joseph Addai Joseph Kwaku Duah Addai Jr. ( ) (born May 3, 1983) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the first round (30th overall pick) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University b ...
getting a 2-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the third quarter, QB
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
completed a 4-yard TD pass to Addai and a 59-yard TD pass to WR
Reggie Wayne Reginald Wayne (born November 17, 1978) is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Miami, and was drafted ...
. With those TD passes, Manning surpassed
Johnny Unitas John Constantine Unitas (; May 7, 1933 – September 11, 2002) was an American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons, primarily with the Baltimore Colts. Following a career that spanned from 1956 ...
for the most touchdown passes in franchise history with 288. In the fourth quarter, Indianapolis wrapped up the victory with Addai getting a 12-yard TD run. With the win, the Colts improved to 7–0, heading into their undefeated battle with the 8–0
New England Patriots The New England Patriots are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston area. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) AFC East, East divisio ...
. Also with their win, Indianapolis tied an NFL record for consecutive 7–0 starts with three-straight seasons. ''Scoring Summary'' * 1st quarter ** CAR –
DeShaun Foster DeShaun Xavier Foster (born January 10, 1980) is a former American football running back, who currently serves as the running backs coach at UCLA. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played coll ...
3 yard run ( Kasay kick), 3:59. ''Panthers 7–0. Drive: 18 plays, 80 yards, 11:01.'' ** IND –
Adam Vinatieri Adam Matthew Vinatieri (born December 28, 1972) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 24 seasons with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Considered one of the greatest kick ...
20 yard field goal, 0:47. ''Panthers 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, 2:07.'' * 2nd quarter ** IND –
Joseph Addai Joseph Kwaku Duah Addai Jr. ( ) (born May 3, 1983) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the first round (30th overall pick) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University b ...
2 yard run (Vinatieri kick), 1:33. ''Colts 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 86 yards, 1:58.'' * 3rd quarter ** IND – Joseph Addai 4 yard pass from
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
(Vinatieri kick), 12:11. ''Colts 17–7. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 2:49.'' ** IND –
Reggie Wayne Reginald Wayne (born November 17, 1978) is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Miami, and was drafted ...
59 yard pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick), 4:47. ''Colts 24–7. Drive: 2 plays, 70 yards, 0:46.'' * 4th quarter ** IND – Joseph Addai 12 yard run (Vinatieri kick), 13:09. ''Colts 31–7. Drive: 11 plays, 55 yards, 4:17.''


Week 9: vs. New England Patriots

''Game Summary''
The unbeaten Colts played the undefeated Patriots in Week 9 in a heavily hyped game, dubbed "Super Bowl XLI½" by
Chris Berman Christopher James Berman (born May 10, 1955), nicknamed "Boomer", is an American sportscaster. He has been an anchor for '' SportsCenter'' on ESPN since 1979, joining a month after its initial launch, and hosted the network's '' Sunday NFL Coun ...
. Colt kicker and former Patriot
Adam Vinatieri Adam Matthew Vinatieri (born December 28, 1972) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 24 seasons with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Considered one of the greatest kick ...
gave the Colts an early lead with a 21-yard field goal. However,
Randy Moss Randy Gene Moss (born February 13, 1977) is an American former professional football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Tennessee ...
would help give the Patriots their first lead of the game on a four-yard touchdown reception, his twelfth of the season, tying a Patriots record. After Vinatieri kicked another field goal to make it a 7–6 game, the Colts would regain the lead just before the half when
Joseph Addai Joseph Kwaku Duah Addai Jr. ( ) (born May 3, 1983) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the first round (30th overall pick) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University b ...
caught a "dump-off" pass by
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
and took it 73 yards into the endzone, giving the Colts a 13–7 lead. Patriots kicker
Stephen Gostkowski Stephen Carroll Gostkowski ( ; born January 28, 1984) is an American football former placekicker who played for 15 years in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the New England Patriots. He was selected in the fourth round of th ...
provided all the third quarter scoring off a 34-yard field goal to cut the Colts lead to 13–10. In the 4th quarter, Manning ran in a play from the Patriot one-yard line to give the Colts a 20–10 lead. However, the Patriots came right back and, with the aid of a 33-yard reception from Donte' Stallworth, the Pats got their first touchdown of the half off a 4-yard catch by
Wes Welker Wesley Carter Welker (born May 1, 1981) is an American football coach and former wide receiver who is the wide receivers coach for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as an assistant coach for the San ...
. Forcing a punt by the Colts,
Kevin Faulk Kevin () is the anglicized form of the Irish masculine given name (; mga, Caoimhghín ; sga, Cóemgein ; Latinized as ). It is composed of "dear; noble"; Old Irish and ("birth"; Old Irish ). The variant '' Kevan'' is anglicized from , a ...
then gave the Patriots a 24–20 lead off a 13-yard reception to give the Patriots their first lead of the half. The Patriots then stopped a drive by the Colts when Peyton Manning was hit by
Jarvis Green Jarvis Pernell Green (born January 12, 1979) is a former American football defensive end who played in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL draft. He played college ...
and fumbled the ball into the hands of
Rosevelt Colvin Rosevelt Colvin, III (born September 5, 1977) is a former American football linebacker, who now works as a football analyst for the Big Ten Network. Drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft, he played college footbal ...
with just under three minutes to go. On third and ten with no timeouts left for the Colts, the Patriots ended any hope for Indianapolis when Welker made a big 12-yard catch to give the Patriots a first down. The Patriots were able to kneel the ball after that to finish off the Colts and the Colts fell to 7–1, losing their first game of the season. The game was costly in other ways, as some seven starters were knocked out, including
Dallas Clark Dallas Dean Clark (born June 12, 1979) is a former American football tight end who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Iowa, earned unanimous All-American honors, and was reco ...
. ''Scoring Summary'' * 1st quarter ** IND –
Adam Vinatieri Adam Matthew Vinatieri (born December 28, 1972) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 24 seasons with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Considered one of the greatest kick ...
21 yard field goal, 3:05. ''Colts 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 88 yards, 3:09.'' * 2nd quarter ** NE –
Randy Moss Randy Gene Moss (born February 13, 1977) is an American former professional football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Tennessee ...
4 yard pass from
Tom Brady Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. (born August 3, 1977) is an American football quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He spent his first 20 seasons with the New England Patriots organization, with which ...
( Gostkowski kick), 12:00. ''Patriots 7–3. Drive: 13 plays, 62 yards, 6:05.'' ** IND – Adam Vinatieri 25 yard field goal, 7:34. ''Patriots 7–6. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 4:26.'' ** IND –
Joseph Addai Joseph Kwaku Duah Addai Jr. ( ) (born May 3, 1983) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the first round (30th overall pick) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University b ...
73 yard pass from
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
(Vinatieri kick), 0:13. ''Colts 13–7. Drive: 6 plays, 98 yards, 1:33.'' * 3rd quarter ** NE – Stephen Gostkowski 34 yard field goal, 2:22. ''Colts 13–10. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 6:06.'' * 4th quarter ** IND – Peyton Manning 1 yard run (Vinatieri kick), 9:42. ''Colts 20–10. Drive: 8 plays, 42 yards, 4:22.'' ** NE –
Wes Welker Wesley Carter Welker (born May 1, 1981) is an American football coach and former wide receiver who is the wide receivers coach for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as an assistant coach for the San ...
3 yard pass from Tom Brady (Gostkowski kick), 7:53. ''Colts 20–17. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 1:43.'' ** NE –
Kevin Faulk Kevin () is the anglicized form of the Irish masculine given name (; mga, Caoimhghín ; sga, Cóemgein ; Latinized as ). It is composed of "dear; noble"; Old Irish and ("birth"; Old Irish ). The variant '' Kevan'' is anglicized from , a ...
13 yard pass from Tom Brady (Gostkowski kick), 3:15. ''Patriots 24–20. Drive: 3 plays, 51 yards, 0:43.''


Week 10: at San Diego Chargers

''Game Summary''
The
San Diego Chargers The San Diego Chargers were a professional American football team that played in San Diego from 1961 until the end of the 2016 season, before relocating to Los Angeles, where the franchise had played its inaugural 1960 season. The team is now ...
got out to a fast start from
Darren Sproles Darren Lee Sproles (born June 20, 1983) is an American football executive and former running back and return specialist who is a personnel consultant for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football a ...
' 89-yard opening kickoff return for a touchdown. After a later field goal, Sproles would follow up with a 45-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter. He became only the second player in NFL history, and first since 1958, to return a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns in the opening quarter. San Diego failed on the subsequent two-point conversion to lead 16–0. With 8:47 left in the second quarter,
LaDainian Tomlinson LaDainian Tarshane Tomlinson (born June 23, 1979) is a former American football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. After a successful college career with the TCU Horned Frogs, the San Diego Chargers se ...
rushed for a four-yard touchdown to give the Chargers a 23–0 advantage.
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
would lead the Colts down the field and capped the drive with an 8-yard TD pass to receiver Reggie Wayne. Later, in the fourth quarter, Manning threw a 7-yard score to running back
Kenton Keith Kenton Jermaine Keith (born July 14, 1980) is a former American football running back. He was signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2003 Then the National Football League Colts (NFL) in 2007. He played ...
. Twenty-five seconds later, linebacker
Gary Brackett Gary Lawrence Brackett (born May 23, 1980) is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Rutgers, and signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2003. Brackett ...
recovered a fumble in the endzone for a touchdown. The Colts attempted a rush for the two-point conversion to tie the game 23–23, but were held short. With a 23–21 lead, the Colts got the ball back with only a few minutes left in the game. They marched down the field into San Diego territory. On fourth down with 1:31 remaining,
Adam Vinatieri Adam Matthew Vinatieri (born December 28, 1972) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 24 seasons with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Considered one of the greatest kick ...
was put in for a 29-yard field goal try. Vinatieri, despite being known for his clutch kicks and having over a 95% success rate in field goals under 30 yards, missed wide to the right. Vinatieri missed an earlier 42 yard try at the end of the half, going 0–2 in the game. It was the first time since 2001 Vinatieri was 0–2 kicking field goals. The Colts would get the ball back, but Manning would seal a Chargers win by throwing an interception with no time remaining. Manning struggled in the game, throwing a career-high 6 interceptions. The mark is also a Colts franchise record. Chargers cornerback
Antonio Cromartie Antonio Cromartie (born April 15, 1984) is a former American football cornerback and current cornerback coach for the Texas A&M Aggies football team. He played college football at Florida State and was drafted in the first round by the San Diego ...
had three interceptions in the game, becoming one of only 11 Chargers to have three picks in a single game. The Colts were heavily injured on both sides of the ball. Receivers
Marvin Harrison Marvin Darnell Harrison Sr. (born August 25, 1972) is an American Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver who played 13 seasons for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL), much of it with Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton ...
and Anthony Gonzalez, left tackle Tony Ugoh, and tight end
Dallas Clark Dallas Dean Clark (born June 12, 1979) is a former American football tight end who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Iowa, earned unanimous All-American honors, and was reco ...
missed the game. In perhaps the biggest blow to the Colts,
Dwight Freeney Dwight Jason Freeney (born February 19, 1980) is an American former football player who played as a defensive end and outside linebacker for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Syracuse University, whe ...
injured his left foot and was carted off the field. Three days later, it was confirmed that Freeney had suffered a season-ending
Lisfranc fracture A Lisfranc injury, also known as Lisfranc fracture, is an injury of the foot in which one or more of the metatarsal bones are displaced from the tarsus. The injury is named after Jacques Lisfranc de St. Martin, a French surgeon and gynecologi ...
. By the end of the game, a total of nine Colts on their 53-man roster either did not play due to injury or were injured in the game. The Colts dropped to 7–2, remaining in first place in the
AFC South The American Football Conference – Southern Division or AFC South is one of the four Division (sport), divisions of the American Football Conference (AFC) in the National Football League (NFL). It was created before the 2002 NFL season, 2002 s ...
division. Meanwhile, the Chargers moved to 5–4 and clear first in the
AFC West The American Football Conference – Western Division or AFC West is one of the four divisions of the American Football Conference (AFC) in the National Football League (NFL). The division comprises the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Las ...
. ''Scoring Summary'' * 1st quarter ** SD –
Darren Sproles Darren Lee Sproles (born June 20, 1983) is an American football executive and former running back and return specialist who is a personnel consultant for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football a ...
89 yard kickoff return ( Kaeding kick), 14:47. ''Chargers 7–0.'' ** SD – Nate Kaeding 33 yard field goal, 7:17. ''Chargers 10–0. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 2:14.'' ** SD – Darren Sproles 55 yard punt return (
Two-point conversion In gridiron football, a two-point conversion or two-point convert is a play a team attempts instead of kicking a one-point conversion immediately after it scores a touchdown. In a two-point conversion attempt, the team that just scored must run ...
attempt failed), 6:07. ''Chargers 16–0.'' * 2nd quarter ** SD –
LaDainian Tomlinson LaDainian Tarshane Tomlinson (born June 23, 1979) is a former American football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. After a successful college career with the TCU Horned Frogs, the San Diego Chargers se ...
4 yard run (Kaeding kick), 8:51. ''Chargers 23–0. Drive: 12 plays, 45 yards, 5:31.'' ** IND –
Reggie Wayne Reginald Wayne (born November 17, 1978) is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Miami, and was drafted ...
8 yard pass from
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
( Vinatieri kick), 2:47. ''Chargers 23–7. Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 6:05.'' * 3rd quarter ** No Scoring Plays * 4th quarter ** IND –
Kenton Keith Kenton Jermaine Keith (born July 14, 1980) is a former American football running back. He was signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2003 Then the National Football League Colts (NFL) in 2007. He played ...
7 yard pass from Peyton Manning (Manning to
Fletcher Fletcher may refer to: People * Fletcher (occupation), a person who fletches arrows, the origin of the surname * Fletcher (singer) (born 1994), American actress and singer-songwriter * Fletcher (surname) * Fletcher (given name) Places United ...
), 14:51. ''Chargers 23–15. Drive: 12 plays, 90 yards, 5:28.'' ** IND –
Gary Brackett Gary Lawrence Brackett (born May 23, 1980) is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Rutgers, and signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2003. Brackett ...
fumble recovery (Two-point conversion attempt failed), 14:38. ''Chargers 23–21.''


Week 11: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

''Game Summary''
Facing second year quarterback Brodie Croyle, the Colts struggled in the game's first quarter, as
Adam Vinatieri Adam Matthew Vinatieri (born December 28, 1972) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 24 seasons with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Considered one of the greatest kick ...
continued a slump of missed field goal tries with a miss from 49 yards out. The Chiefs also struggled on field goal tries with two misses in the first half before finally connecting for a 3–0 lead. The Colts tied the game late in the first half on a 27-yarder from Vinatieri, then pounced to a 10–3 third quarter lead. The Chiefs tied the game at 10–10 when the Colts orchestrated a time-consuming fourth quarter drive before the winning field goal by Vinatieri in the game's final seconds. The win put the Colts at 8–2 and still in command of the AFC South. ''Scoring Summary'' * 1st quarter ** No Scoring Plays * 2nd quarter ** KC –
Dave Rayner David Michael Rayner (born October 26, 1982) is a former American football placekicker in the National Football League. He was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan ...
47 yard field goal, 8:55. ''Chiefs 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 2:02.'' ** IND –
Adam Vinatieri Adam Matthew Vinatieri (born December 28, 1972) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 24 seasons with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Considered one of the greatest kick ...
27 yard field goal, 1:18. ''Tied 3–3. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:22.'' * 3rd quarter ** IND –
Joseph Addai Joseph Kwaku Duah Addai Jr. ( ) (born May 3, 1983) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the first round (30th overall pick) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University b ...
3 yard run (Vinatieri kick), 7:17. ''Colts 10–3. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 4:53.'' ** KC –
Dwayne Bowe Dwayne Lorenzo Bowe (born September 21, 1984) is a former American football wide receiver. He played college football at Louisiana State University, and was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played ...
19 yard pass from Brodie Croyle (Rayner kick), 1:22. ''Tied 10–10. Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 5:55.'' * 4th quarter ** IND – Adam Vinatieri 24 yard field goal, 0:03. ''Colts 13–10. Drive: 14 plays, 61 yards, 6:56.''


Week 12: at Atlanta Falcons

''Game Summary''
Coming off of their home win against Kansas City, from just 4 days previous, the Colts traveled to
Atlanta Atlanta ( ) is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia. It is the seat of Fulton County, the most populous county in Georgia, but its territory falls in both Fulton and DeKalb counties. With a population of 498,715 ...
for a Thanksgiving game against
Falcons Falcons () are birds of prey in the genus ''Falco'', which includes about 40 species. Falcons are widely distributed on all continents of the world except Antarctica, though closely related raptors did occur there in the Eocene. Adult falcons ...
. Colts rookie wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez returned to the lineup from an injury and he proved to be very beneficial for the Colts, he finished with 105 yards on 6 catches. The Falcons jumped out to an early 10–0 lead with a
Morten Andersen Morten Andersen (born 19 August 1960), nicknamed the "Great Dane", is a Danish former American football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 25 seasons, most notably with the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons. F ...
field goal and touchdown pass to
Roddy White Sharod Lamor "Roddy" White (born November 2, 1981) is a former American football wide receiver who played his entire professional career with the Atlanta Falcons. He played college football at UAB, and was drafted by the Falcons in the first ...
. However, the Colts would respond with a touchdown pass of their own to
Reggie Wayne Reginald Wayne (born November 17, 1978) is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Miami, and was drafted ...
cutting the Atlanta lead to only three early in the second quarter. They would then take the lead on a touchdown pass to tight end
Dallas Clark Dallas Dean Clark (born June 12, 1979) is a former American football tight end who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Iowa, earned unanimous All-American honors, and was reco ...
. They would add another touchdown before the half and took a 21–13 lead into halftime. In the second half the Colts would cruise to victory by adding a
Joseph Addai Joseph Kwaku Duah Addai Jr. ( ) (born May 3, 1983) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the first round (30th overall pick) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University b ...
rushing touchdown and
Adam Vinatieri Adam Matthew Vinatieri (born December 28, 1972) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 24 seasons with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Considered one of the greatest kick ...
field goal to make the final score 31–13. With the victory the Colts moved to 9–2 and still in command of the
AFC South The American Football Conference – Southern Division or AFC South is one of the four Division (sport), divisions of the American Football Conference (AFC) in the National Football League (NFL). It was created before the 2002 NFL season, 2002 s ...
. The Colts had 11 days off until next week's big divisional showdown against the
Jacksonville Jaguars The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jaguars compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference (AFC) South division. The team play ...
with 1st place in the division on the line. The Colts are 13–1 in their history against the Falcons. Wayne (5 receptions for 66 yards and 1 TD) was given
NFL Network NFL Network (occasionally abbreviated on-air as NFLN) is an American sports-oriented pay television network owned by the National Football League (NFL) and is part of NFL Media, which also includes NFL.com, NFL Films, NFL Mobile, NFL Now and NFL ...
's inaugural Pudding Pie Award for his efforts. ''Scoring Summary'' * 1st quarter ** ATL –
Morten Andersen Morten Andersen (born 19 August 1960), nicknamed the "Great Dane", is a Danish former American football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 25 seasons, most notably with the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons. F ...
34 yard field goal, 6:59. ''Falcons 3–0. Drive: 19 plays, 63 yards, 8:01.'' ** ATL –
Roddy White Sharod Lamor "Roddy" White (born November 2, 1981) is a former American football wide receiver who played his entire professional career with the Atlanta Falcons. He played college football at UAB, and was drafted by the Falcons in the first ...
48 yard pass from
Joey Harrington John Joseph Harrington Jr. (born October 21, 1978) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons, primarily with the Detroit Lions. He played college football at Oregon, where he wa ...
(Andersen kick), 3:44. ''Falcons 10–0. Drive: 3 plays, 56 yards, 1:47.'' * 2nd quarter ** IND –
Reggie Wayne Reginald Wayne (born November 17, 1978) is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Miami, and was drafted ...
23 yard pass from
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
( Vinatieri kick), 14:42. ''Falcons 10–7. Drive: 3 plays, 43 yards, 0:28.'' ** ATL – Morten Andersen 30 yard field goal, 11:35. ''Falcons 13–7. Drive: 6 plays, 29 yards, 3:07.'' ** IND –
Dallas Clark Dallas Dean Clark (born June 12, 1979) is a former American football tight end who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Iowa, earned unanimous All-American honors, and was reco ...
8 yard pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick), 6:45. ''Colts 14–13. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 4:50.'' ** IND –
Ben Utecht Benjamin Jeffrey Utecht (born June 30, 1981) is a former American football player and current singer.Joseph Addai Joseph Kwaku Duah Addai Jr. ( ) (born May 3, 1983) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the first round (30th overall pick) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University b ...
4 yard run (Vinatieri kick), 5:05. ''Colts 28–13. Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:13.'' ** IND – Adam Vinatieri 24 yard field goal, 0:32. ''Colts 31–13. Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, 2:07.'' * 4th quarter ** No Scoring Plays


Week 13: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

''Game Summary''
Coming off their Thanksgiving road win over the Falcons, the Colts went home for a Week 13 AFC South rematch with the
Jacksonville Jaguars The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jaguars compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference (AFC) South division. The team play ...
. In the first quarter, Indianapolis scored first with QB
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
completing a 5-yard TD pass to TE
Dallas Clark Dallas Dean Clark (born June 12, 1979) is a former American football tight end who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Iowa, earned unanimous All-American honors, and was reco ...
, along with a 48-yard TD pass to WR
Reggie Wayne Reginald Wayne (born November 17, 1978) is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Miami, and was drafted ...
. In the second quarter, the Jaguars got on the board with RB
Maurice Jones-Drew Maurice Christopher Jones-Drew (born March 23, 1985), often called "MJD", is a former American football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. He played college football for the UCLA Bruins and earned unan ...
getting a 2-yard TD run. Afterwards, the Colts replied with Manning and Clark hooking up with each other again on a 14-yard TD pass. In the third quarter, Jacksonville tried to come back as QB
David Garrard David Douglas Garrard (born February 14, 1978) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 10 seasons, primarily with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played college football at East Carolina and wa ...
completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Marcedes Lewis for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Jaguars drew closer as kicker
Josh Scobee Joshua Taylor Scobee (born June 23, 1982) is a former American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL draft. He also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played college football at L ...
nailed a 47-yard field goal. However, the Colts responded with Manning completing a 1-yard TD pass to RB
Luke Lawton Richard Luke Lawton (born August 26, 1980 in New Iberia, Louisiana) is a former American football fullback. He was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at McNeese State. Lawton has also b ...
. Afterwards, Jacksonville tried to come back as Garrard completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR
Dennis Northcutt Dennis LaMont Northcutt (born December 22, 1977) is a retired American professional football player who was a wide receiver and punt returner in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He played college football for the Universit ...
(along with getting the 2-point conversion run). Indianapolis' defense managed to seal the deal. With their season-sweep over the Jaguars, the Colts improved to 10–2. During the game, the Colts gave Garrard his first interception of the year, courtesy of Safety
Antoine Bethea Antoine Akeem Bethea (; born July 27, 1984) is a former American football safety who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons. He played college football for Howard and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round o ...
. ''Scoring Summary'' * 1st quarter ** IND –
Dallas Clark Dallas Dean Clark (born June 12, 1979) is a former American football tight end who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Iowa, earned unanimous All-American honors, and was reco ...
5 yard pass from
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
( Vinatieri kick), 9:30. ''Colts 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 11 yards, 0:41.'' ** IND –
Reggie Wayne Reginald Wayne (born November 17, 1978) is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Miami, and was drafted ...
48 yard pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick), :31. ''Colts 14–0. Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 3:25.'' * 2nd quarter ** JAC –
Maurice Jones-Drew Maurice Christopher Jones-Drew (born March 23, 1985), often called "MJD", is a former American football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. He played college football for the UCLA Bruins and earned unan ...
2 yard run ( Scobee kick), 5:21. ''Colts 14–7. Drive: 16 plays, 84 yards, 11:10.'' ** IND – Dallas Clark 14 yard pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick), 0:06. ''Colts 21–7. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 5:15.'' * 3rd quarter ** JAC – Marcedes Lewis 2 yard pass from
David Garrard David Douglas Garrard (born February 14, 1978) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 10 seasons, primarily with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played college football at East Carolina and wa ...
(Scobee kick), 8:06. ''Colts 21–14. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 6:54.'' * 4th quarter ** JAC – Josh Scobee 47 yard field goal, 11:36. ''Colts 21–17. Drive: 13 plays, 38 yards, 6:40.'' ** IND –
Luke Lawton Richard Luke Lawton (born August 26, 1980 in New Iberia, Louisiana) is a former American football fullback. He was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at McNeese State. Lawton has also b ...
1 yard pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick), 8:26. ''Colts 28–17. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 3:10.'' ** JAC –
Dennis Northcutt Dennis LaMont Northcutt (born December 22, 1977) is a retired American professional football player who was a wide receiver and punt returner in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He played college football for the Universit ...
17 yard pass from David Garrard (Garrard run), 2:47. ''Colts 28–25. Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 3:01.''


Week 14: at Baltimore Ravens

''Game summary''
Coming off their season-sweep over the Jaguars, the Colts flew to
M&T Bank Stadium M&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). The stadium is immediately adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the ...
for a Week 14 Sunday Night duel with the
Baltimore Ravens The Baltimore Ravens are a professional American football team based in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference (AFC) North division. The team plays its ...
, in the rematch of last year's AFC Divisional duel. In the first quarter, Indianapolis got onto the scoreboard first with QB
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
completing a 34-yard TD pass to WR
Reggie Wayne Reginald Wayne (born November 17, 1978) is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Miami, and was drafted ...
, while RB
Joseph Addai Joseph Kwaku Duah Addai Jr. ( ) (born May 3, 1983) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the first round (30th overall pick) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University b ...
got a 1-yard TD run. Afterwards, Manning and Addai hooked up with each other on a 19-yard TD pass, while rookie CB
Michael Coe Michael Douglas Coe (May 14, 1929 – September 25, 2019) was an American archaeologist, anthropologist, epigrapher, and author. He is known for his research on pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, particularly the Maya, and was among the foremost Mayan ...
blocked a punt, causing it go through the back of Baltimore's end zone for a safety. In the second quarter, Addai made an 11-yard TD run. The Ravens immediately responded as WR
Yamon Figurs Yamon Figurs (born January 10, 1983) is a former gridiron football wide receiver and return specialist. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Kansas State. Figurs was als ...
returned a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown, yet Indianapolis continued its run with Manning completing a 57-yard TD pass to rookie WR Anthony Gonzalez. In the third quarter, the Colts put the game away with Manning finding Gonzalez again on a 40-yard TD pass for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Baltimore tried a feeble comeback as QB
Kyle Boller Kyle Bryan Boller (born June 17, 1981) is a former American football quarterback. After playing college football for California, he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round (19th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played for the Rav ...
completed a 4-yard TD pass to WR
Devard Darling Devard Loran Darling (born April 16, 1982) is a former Bahamian-American wide receiver of American football. After playing college football at Florida State University and Washington State, he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third r ...
, while QB
Troy Smith Troy James Smith (born July 20, 1984) is a former American football quarterback. He played college football at Ohio State, was recognized as an All-American, and won the Heisman Trophy in 2006. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fi ...
got a 6-yard TD run. With the win, not only did Indianapolis improve to 11–2, but they also clinched their 6th-straight playoff berth. Peyton Manning even had a record night. He became the 5th player in NFL history to throw 300 career TD passes. At game's end, he ended up with 302 touchdown passes, surpassing
John Elway John Albert Elway Jr. (born June 28, 1960) is an American professional football executive and former quarterback who is the president of football operations for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Elway played college f ...
for 4th place on the All-Time TD passes list. ''Scoring summary'' * 1st quarter ** IND –
Reggie Wayne Reginald Wayne (born November 17, 1978) is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Miami, and was drafted ...
34 yard pass from
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
( Vinatieri kick), 11:19. ''Colts 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 3:41.'' ** IND –
Joseph Addai Joseph Kwaku Duah Addai Jr. ( ) (born May 3, 1983) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the first round (30th overall pick) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University b ...
1 yard run (Vinatieri kick), 9:09. ''Colts 14–0. Drive: 2 plays, 12 yards, 0:35.'' ** IND – Joseph Addai 19 yard pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick), 4:05. ''Colts 21–0. Drive: 1 play, 19 yards, 0:06.'' ** IND – Punt blocked by
Michael Coe Michael Douglas Coe (May 14, 1929 – September 25, 2019) was an American archaeologist, anthropologist, epigrapher, and author. He is known for his research on pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, particularly the Maya, and was among the foremost Mayan ...
out of bounds in end zone for a Safety, 2:04. ''Colts 23–0.'' * 2nd quarter ** IND – Joseph Addai 11 yard run (Vinatieri kick), 11:57. ''Colts 30–0. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 5:00.'' ** BAL –
Yamon Figurs Yamon Figurs (born January 10, 1983) is a former gridiron football wide receiver and return specialist. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Kansas State. Figurs was als ...
94 yard kickoff return ( Stover kick), 11:44. ''Colts 30–7.'' ** IND – Anthony Gonzalez 57 yard pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick), 6:20. ''Colts 37–7. Drive: 5 plays, 68 yards, 2:16.'' * 3rd quarter ** IND – Anthony Gonzalez 40 yard pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick), 12:37. ''Colts 44–7. Drive: 2 plays, 41 yards, 0:52.'' * 4th quarter ** BAL –
Devard Darling Devard Loran Darling (born April 16, 1982) is a former Bahamian-American wide receiver of American football. After playing college football at Florida State University and Washington State, he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third r ...
4 yard pass from
Kyle Boller Kyle Bryan Boller (born June 17, 1981) is a former American football quarterback. After playing college football for California, he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round (19th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played for the Rav ...
(Two-point conversion failed), 14:10. ''Colts 44–13. Drive: 13 plays, 63 yards, 7:20.'' ** BAL –
Troy Smith Troy James Smith (born July 20, 1984) is a former American football quarterback. He played college football at Ohio State, was recognized as an All-American, and won the Heisman Trophy in 2006. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fi ...
6 yard run (Stover kick), 0:59. ''Colts 44–20. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 1:22.''


Week 15: at Oakland Raiders

''Game summary''
Coming off their Sunday night road win over the Ravens, the Colts flew to
McAfee Coliseum Oakland Coliseum, currently branded as RingCentral Coliseum, is a stadium in Oakland, California. It is part of the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Complex, with the adjacent Oakland Arena, near Interstate 880. The Coliseum is the home ba ...
for a Week 15 intraconference duel with the
Oakland Raiders The Oakland Raiders were a professional American football team that played in Oakland from its founding in 1960 to 1981 and again from 1995 to 2019 before relocating to the Las Vegas metropolitan area where they now play as the Las Vegas Raide ...
. In the first quarter, Indianapolis jumped out to an early 10–0 lead with kicker
Adam Vinatieri Adam Matthew Vinatieri (born December 28, 1972) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 24 seasons with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Considered one of the greatest kick ...
managing to get a 22-yard field goal, while CB T.J. Rushing returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, the Raiders got on the board with QB
Josh McCown Joshua Treadwell McCown (born July 4, 1979) is an American football quarterback who is a free agent. He attended Jacksonville High School in Jacksonville, Texas, where he was named the East Texas Player of the Year and earned All-State honorabl ...
completing a 3-yard TD pass to WR
Ronald Curry Ronald Antonio Curry (born May 28, 1979) is an American football coach and former wide receiver who is the quarterbacks coach for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as an assistant coach for the S ...
for the only score of the period. In the third quarter, the Colts went back to work as Vinatieri nailed a 19-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Oakland took the lead with RB
Justin Fargas Justin Alejandro Fargas (born January 25, 1980) is a former American football running back. He played college football at Michigan and Southern California and was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft. Colleg ...
getting a 2-yard TD run. Afterwards, Indianapolis sealed the win as QB
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
completed a 20-yard TD pass to rookie WR Anthony Gonzalez. With the win, not only did the Colts improve to 12–2, but they also clinched their 5th-straight
AFC South The American Football Conference – Southern Division or AFC South is one of the four Division (sport), divisions of the American Football Conference (AFC) in the National Football League (NFL). It was created before the 2002 NFL season, 2002 s ...
title and became the first team in NFL history to win 12 or more games in 5 consecutive seasons. Also the Colts secured the No. 2 seed for the
NFL playoffs The National Football League (NFL) playoffs are a single-elimination tournament held after the regular season to determine the NFL champion. Currently, seven teams from each of the league's two conferences qualify for the playoffs. A tie-breaki ...
in January. ''Scoring summary'' * 1st quarter ** IND –
Adam Vinatieri Adam Matthew Vinatieri (born December 28, 1972) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 24 seasons with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Considered one of the greatest kick ...
22 yard field goal, 10:02. ''Colts 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yds, 5:02'' ** IND – T.J. Rushing 90 yard punt return (Vinatieri kick), 9:01. ''Colts 10–0.'' * 2nd quarter ** OAK –
Ronald Curry Ronald Antonio Curry (born May 28, 1979) is an American football coach and former wide receiver who is the quarterbacks coach for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as an assistant coach for the S ...
3 yard pass from
Josh McCown Joshua Treadwell McCown (born July 4, 1979) is an American football quarterback who is a free agent. He attended Jacksonville High School in Jacksonville, Texas, where he was named the East Texas Player of the Year and earned All-State honorabl ...
( Janikowski kick), 3:06. ''Colts 10–7. Drive: 20 plays, 99 yards, 11:49.'' * 3rd quarter ** IND – Adam Vinatieri 19 yard field goal, 8:06. ''Colts 13–7. Drive: 11 plays, 83 yards, 4:42.'' * 4th quarter ** OAK –
Justin Fargas Justin Alejandro Fargas (born January 25, 1980) is a former American football running back. He played college football at Michigan and Southern California and was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft. Colleg ...
2 yard run (Janikowski kick), 10:29. ''Raiders 14–13. Drive: 13 plays, 60 yards, 6:40.'' ** IND – Anthony Gonzalez 20 yard pass from
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
(Two-point conversion good;
Joseph Addai Joseph Kwaku Duah Addai Jr. ( ) (born May 3, 1983) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the first round (30th overall pick) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University b ...
run), 4:49. ''Colts 21–14. Drive: 11 plays, 91 yards, 5:40.''


Week 16: vs Houston Texans

''Game Summary''
The Colts offense produced a season high 458 yards and tied for second-most first downs in a game in franchise history with 33 with their 38–15 win over Houston. Also the Colts defense forced 3 turnovers on the day, all on interceptions by
Bob Sanders Demond "Bob" Sanders (born February 24, 1981) is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons. He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes and was drafted by the ...
,
Matt Giordano Matthew Victor Giordano (born October 16, 1982) is a former American football safety. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Giordano grew up in Clovis, California and played college football at Fres ...
, and
Melvin Bullitt Melvin Terry Bullitt (born November 13, 1984) is a former American football defensive back. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2007 and played for the team for five seasons. He played college football at Texas A ...
. The Texans jumped out early to a 7 nothing lead when Sage Rosenfels connected with Kevin Walter from 17 yards out. The Colts however would respond with 38 unanswered points including two touchdowns to Dallas Clark. The second TD to Clark gave Manning 30 on the season, the fourth time in his career he has had a 30+ TD season. in addition to Manning's achievement Clark set single-season franchise records for receptions with 57 and touchdown receptions with 11 by a Colts tight end, set by Baltimore Colt Hall-of-Famer John Mackey. Not only did Indianapolis improve to 13–2 with the win but they have now won 10 straight home games against division opponents. The Colts will face the
Tennessee Titans The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference (AFC) South division, and play their h ...
in the week 17 season finale on
NBC Sunday Night Football ''NBC Sunday Night Football'' (abbreviated as ''SNF'') is an American weekly television broadcast of National Football League (NFL) games on NBC and Peacock in the United States. It began airing on August 6, 2006, with the Pro Football Hall of Fa ...
. ''Scoring Summary'' * 1st quarter ** HOU –
Kevin Walter Kevin Patrick Walter (born August 4, 1981) is a former American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Eastern Michigan. Walter also played for the ...
17 yard pass from
Sage Rosenfels Sage Jamen Rosenfels (born March 6, 1978) is a former American football quarterback. He played college football at Iowa State. He was then drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played with the Miami Dolp ...
(
Brown Brown is a color. It can be considered a composite color, but it is mainly a darker shade of orange. In the CMYK color model used in printing or painting, brown is usually made by combining the colors orange and black. In the RGB color model used ...
kick), 11:14. ''Texans 7–0.'' ''Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 3:46.'' ** IND –
Adam Vinatieri Adam Matthew Vinatieri (born December 28, 1972) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 24 seasons with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Considered one of the greatest kick ...
29 yard field goal, 6:55. ''Texans 7–3.'' ''Drive: 11 plays, 54 yards, 4:19.'' * 2nd quarter ** IND –
Joseph Addai Joseph Kwaku Duah Addai Jr. ( ) (born May 3, 1983) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the first round (30th overall pick) of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University b ...
2 yard run (Vinatieri kick), 12:08. ''Colts 10–7.'' ''Drive: 12 plays, 92 yards, 6:40.'' ** IND –
Dallas Clark Dallas Dean Clark (born June 12, 1979) is a former American football tight end who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Iowa, earned unanimous All-American honors, and was reco ...
6 yard pass from
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
(Vinatieri Kick), 5:42. ''Colts 17–7.'' ''Drive: 8 plays, 92 yards, 4:21.'' ** IND – Dallas Clark 11 yard TD pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri Kick), 3:39. ''Colts 24–7.'' ''Drive: 4 plays, 26 yards, 1:41.'' * 3rd quarter ** IND –
Clifton Dawson Clifton George Dawson (born October 8, 1983) is a former gridiron football running back. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Harvard. Dawson was also a member of the Cinci ...
4 yard run (Vinatieri Kick), 10:20. ''Colts 31–7.'' ''Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 4:40.'' ** IND –
Reggie Wayne Reginald Wayne (born November 17, 1978) is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Miami, and was drafted ...
7 yard pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri Kick), 3:08. ''Colts 38–7.'' ''Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 3:20.'' * 4th quarter ** HOU –
Andre Johnson Andre Lamont Johnson (born July 11, 1981) is a former American football wide receiver who played most of his 14-year career with the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Miami, and was drafted by ...
6 yard pass from Sage Rosenfels (Two-point conversion good;
Darius Walker Darius Adunte Walker (born October 21, 1985) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL) and current college football analyst for Fox. He worked as a college football analyst and sideline reporter for Mountain ...
run), 1:07. ''Colts 38–15.'' ''Drive: 4 plays, 31 yards, 0:37.''


Week 17: vs. Tennessee Titans

''Game Summary''
With nothing left to play for the Colts played host to the Tennessee Titans in the regular season finale. This was the last regular season game for the Colts in the RCA Dome. The Titans needed a win to qualify for the
playoffs The playoffs, play-offs, postseason or finals of a sports league are a competition played after the regular season by the top competitors to determine the league champion or a similar accolade. Depending on the league, the playoffs may be eithe ...
. The Colts starters only played 3 series and produced 3 points before the back ups came in. The Titans would strike first when Chris Brown would go in for 8 yard touchdown run. Adam Vinatieri then hit a 37-yard field goal early in the second quarter. That would be the last score of the half as the Titans led 7–3 at the break. With 9:09 left in the third quarter backup quarterback
Jim Sorgi James Joseph Sorgi Jr. (born December 3, 1980) is a former American football quarterback. He played college football at the University of Wisconsin and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. Sorgi served as ...
throw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Craphonso Thorpe to give the Colts a 10–7 lead. Rob Bironas would then nail 3 consecutive field goals and the Titans defense would shut the Colts out to give Tennessee a 16–10 victory. With the win the Titans made the playoffs and knocked
Cleveland Cleveland ( ), officially the City of Cleveland, is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County. Located in the northeastern part of the state, it is situated along the southern shore of Lake Erie, across the U.S. ...
out of contention. With the loss, the Colts closed out the regular season at 13–3, breaking their 6-game winning streak and their 10-game winning streak over division rivals. ''Scoring Summary'' * 1st quarter ** TEN –
Chris Brown Christopher Maurice Brown (born May 5, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. According to '' Billboard'', Brown is one of the most successful R&B singers of his generation, having often been referred to by many contempo ...
8 yard run ( Bironas kick), 8:41. ''Titans 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 79 yards, 6:19.'' * 2nd quarter ** IND –
Adam Vinatieri Adam Matthew Vinatieri (born December 28, 1972) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 24 seasons with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Considered one of the greatest kick ...
37 yard field goal, 10:40. ''Titans 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 5:40.'' * 3rd quarter ** IND –
Craphonso Thorpe Craphonso Ja'won "Cro" Thorpe (born June 27, 1983) is a former American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State. Thorpe has also b ...
3 yard pass from
Jim Sorgi James Joseph Sorgi Jr. (born December 3, 1980) is a former American football quarterback. He played college football at the University of Wisconsin and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. Sorgi served as ...
(Vinatieri kick), 9:09. ''Colts 10–7. Drive: 4 plays, 30 yards, 1:22.'' ** TEN – Rob Bironas 40 yard field goal, 1:05. ''Tied 10–10. Drive: 13 plays, 56 yards, 8:04.'' * 4th quarter ** TEN – Rob Bironas 54 yard field goal, 7:33. ''Titans 13–10. Drive: 12 plays, 58 yards, 5:38.'' ** TEN – Rob Bironas 33 yard field goal, 2:56. ''Titans 16–10. Drive: 9 plays, 32 yards, 2:25.''


Postseason schedule


Postseason results


Divisional Playoff: vs San Diego Chargers

''Game Summary''
Despite the loss of starting quarterback
Philip Rivers Philip Michael Rivers (born December 8, 1981) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 17 seasons, primarily with the Chargers franchise. He played college football at NC State and was sele ...
and running back
LaDainian Tomlinson LaDainian Tarshane Tomlinson (born June 23, 1979) is a former American football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. After a successful college career with the TCU Horned Frogs, the San Diego Chargers se ...
(the NFL's leading rusher during the season), San Diego still managed to defeat the defending Super Bowl champion Colts, forcing them to turn the ball over on downs twice in San Diego territory in the final minutes of the game. The Colts started out the game strong, driving 76 yards and scoring with
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
's 25-yard touchdown pass to tight end
Dallas Clark Dallas Dean Clark (born June 12, 1979) is a former American football tight end who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Iowa, earned unanimous All-American honors, and was reco ...
. Then defensive back
Kelvin Hayden Kelvin Darnell Hayden Jr. (born July 23, 1983) is a former American football cornerback. He played college football at Illinois and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. In Super Bowl XLI he returned a R ...
intercepted a pass from Rivers on the Colts 24-yard line and the Colts moved the ball to the San Diego 40-yard line. However, Indianapolis receiver
Marvin Harrison Marvin Darnell Harrison Sr. (born August 25, 1972) is an American Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver who played 13 seasons for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL), much of it with Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton ...
, playing in his first game back from an injury in nearly 3 months, fumbled the ball while being tackled by
Antonio Cromartie Antonio Cromartie (born April 15, 1984) is a former American football cornerback and current cornerback coach for the Texas A&M Aggies football team. He played college football at Florida State and was drafted in the first round by the San Diego ...
, and defensive back
Marlon McCree Marlon Tarron McCree (born March 17, 1977) is a former American football safety. He was drafted by the Jaguars in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Kentucky. McCree also played for the Houston Texans, Caro ...
recovered it. Following the turnover, San Diego drove 78 yards and tied the game with Rivers' 14-yard touchdown pass to
Vincent Jackson Vincent Terrell Jackson (January 14, 1983 – February 15, 2021) was an American professional football player who played as a wide receiver for 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Northern Colorad ...
. Manning responded by completing 3 passes for 42 yards on a 44-yard drive that ended with an
Adam Vinatieri Adam Matthew Vinatieri (born December 28, 1972) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 24 seasons with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Considered one of the greatest kick ...
field goal to give the Colts a 10–7 lead. Both teams blew scoring opportunities on their next drives. First the Chargers drove to the Indianapolis 31-yard line, only to have
Nate Kaeding Nathaniel James Kaeding (born March 26, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL). He played the majority of his career with the San Diego Chargers and retired after the ...
miss a 48-yard field goal. Then the Colts advanced to the Chargers 35-yard line, but on their last play of the half, Manning's pass was intercepted by Cromartie. Cromartie's 89-yard touchdown return was called back by a holding penalty, but he managed to prevent the Colts from scoring and it remained 10–7 at halftime. The Chargers took the second half kickoff and quickly took the lead with a 30-yard touchdown catch from
Chris Chambers Christopher J. Chambers (born August 12, 1978) is a former American football wide receiver who played 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers football, University of Wisconsin. He ...
. Once again the Colts drove into Chargers territory, moving the ball all the way to the San Diego 4-yard line. But on third down and 3, Manning's pass was intercepted by
Eric Weddle Eric Steven Weddle (born January 4, 1985) is an American former American football, football Safety (gridiron football position), safety who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons. He played college football at University of ...
. However, the Chargers could only move the ball to their own 6-yard line and T. J. Rushing returned their punt 12-yards to midfield. This time the Colts drove 50 yards and scored with Manning's 9-yard touchdown pass to
Reggie Wayne Reginald Wayne (born November 17, 1978) is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Miami, and was drafted ...
. Wayne was initially ruled out of bounds at the 7, but a Colts challenge showed he remained in bounds on the way to the touchdown, and the Colts took the lead, 17–14. On the Chargers ensuing drive, Rivers threw a 22-yard completion to Chambers and followed it up with a 56-yard pass to running back
Darren Sproles Darren Lee Sproles (born June 20, 1983) is an American football executive and former running back and return specialist who is a personnel consultant for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football a ...
, a special teams returner who was brought in on offense as an extra receiver. With 10:50 left in the fourth quarter, Indianapolis retook the lead with Manning's 55-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Gonzalez, who caught the ball along the left sideline and narrowly managed to keep his feet in bounds en route to a score, which was upheld after a Chargers challenge. But San Diego, now led by second-string quarterback
Billy Volek John William Volek (born April 28, 1976) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League. He was signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2000 and also played for the San Diego Chargers ...
, drove 78 yards in 8 plays and scored with Volek's 1-yard touchdown run, giving them a 28–24 lead with 4:50 left in regulation. Manning led the Colts down the field, moving the ball 70 yards and converting a 4th down and 5 with a 16-yard completion to Clark. But he threw three consecutive incompletions from the Chargers 7-yard line, turning the ball over on downs. Indianapolis' defense managed to force a punt, but the Colts turned the ball over on downs again with 53 seconds left and San Diego ran out the rest of the clock. It was the Colts' third consecutive loss to the Chargers and
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
's seventh loss in fourteen postseason games. The Colts also fell to 0–4 in playoff games played in years where they had a first-round bye. ''Scoring summary'' * 1st quarter ** IND –
Dallas Clark Dallas Dean Clark (born June 12, 1979) is a former American football tight end who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Iowa, earned unanimous All-American honors, and was reco ...
25 yd TD pass from
Peyton Manning Peyton Williams Manning (born March 24, 1976) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. Nicknamed "the Sheriff", he spent 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and four with th ...
( Vinatieri kick), 9:13. ''Colts 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 5:47.'' * 2nd quarter ** SD –
Vincent Jackson Vincent Terrell Jackson (January 14, 1983 – February 15, 2021) was an American professional football player who played as a wide receiver for 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Northern Colorad ...
14 yd TD pass from
Philip Rivers Philip Michael Rivers (born December 8, 1981) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 17 seasons, primarily with the Chargers franchise. He played college football at NC State and was sele ...
( Kaeding kick), 8:38. ''Tied 7–7. Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 7:16.'' ** IND – Adam Vinatieri 47 yd field goal, 5:10. ''Colts 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, 3:28.'' * 3rd quarter ** SD –
Chris Chambers Christopher J. Chambers (born August 12, 1978) is a former American football wide receiver who played 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers football, University of Wisconsin. He ...
30 yd TD pass from Philip Rivers (Kaeding kick), 11:33. ''Chargers 14–10. Drive: 6 plays, 83 yards, 3:27.'' ** IND –
Reggie Wayne Reginald Wayne (born November 17, 1978) is a former American football wide receiver who played 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Miami, and was drafted ...
9 yd TD pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick), 2:53. ''Colts 17–14. Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 3:02.'' ** SD –
Darren Sproles Darren Lee Sproles (born June 20, 1983) is an American football executive and former running back and return specialist who is a personnel consultant for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football a ...
56 yd TD pass from Philip Rivers (Kaeding kick), 0:00. ''Chargers 21–17. Drive: 5 plays, 74 yards, 2:53.'' * 4th quarter ** IND – Anthony Gonzalez 55 yd TD pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick), 10:07. ''Colts 24–21. Drive: 3 plays, 56 yards, 0:43.'' ** SD –
Billy Volek John William Volek (born April 28, 1976) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League. He was signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2000 and also played for the San Diego Chargers ...
1 yd TD run (Kaeding kick), 4:50. ''Chargers 28–24. Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 5:17.''


Pro Bowl and All-Pro players

The Colts had six players elected to the
2008 Pro Bowl The 2008 Pro Bowl was the National Football League's all-star game for the 2007 season. It was played at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii on February 10, 2008. The game was televised in the United States by Fox and began shortly after 11:40am l ...
. Three of them were selected as starters, WR Reggie Wayne, C Jeff Saturday, and S Bob Sanders. Three other Colts were named to the reserve team; QB Peyton Manning, RB Joseph Addai, and S Antoine Bethea. This was Peyton Manning's eighth straight Pro Bowl trip and Joseph Addai's first. On January 25, 2008 Steelers safety
Troy Polamalu Troy Aumua Polamalu (; born Troy Benjamin Aumua; April 19, 1981) is an American former football strong safety who played his entire 12-year career for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football ...
decided to skip the Pro Bowl and Colts safety Antoine Bethea was selected to replace Polamalu. The 2008 Pro Bowl was played February 10, 2008 in
Honolulu Honolulu (; ) is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Hawaii, which is in the Pacific Ocean. It is an unincorporated county seat of the consolidated City and County of Honolulu, situated along the southeast coast of the island ...
, Hawaii at
Aloha Stadium Aloha Stadium is a closed multi-purpose stadium located in Halawa, Hawaii, a western suburb of Honolulu (though with a Honolulu address). It is the largest stadium in the state of Hawaii. , the stadium ceased fan-attended operations indefinitely ...
. All three of the Colts that were selected to start the Pro Bowl were either selected as first or second team All-Pro. Both Jeff Saturday and Bob Sanders were named to the first team while Reggie Wayne was named to the second team.


See also

*
History of the Indianapolis Colts The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They play in the AFC South, South Division of the American Football Conference (AFC) in the National Football League (NFL). The organization began p ...
*
Indianapolis Colts seasons The Indianapolis Colts, formerly the Baltimore Colts, are an American football team playing in the National Football League (NFL). This list documents the season-by-season records of the Colts franchise from to present, including postseason recor ...
* Colts-Patriots rivalry


References

{{DEFAULTSORT:2007 Indianapolis Colts Season
Indianapolis Colts The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. The Colts compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) South division. Since the 2008 ...
Indianapolis Colts seasons AFC South championship seasons Colts