63rd season in franchise history
The 2015 Indianapolis Colts season was the franchise's 63rd season in the National Football League (NFL) and the 32nd in Indianapolis , surpassing the 31 seasons they played in their original home city of Baltimore . It was also the fourth season under the trio of head coach Chuck Pagano , general manager Ryan Grigson and quarterback Andrew Luck . The Colts entered the 2015 season as the defending AFC South champions after compiling an 11–5 record before falling to the New England Patriots in a controversial AFC Championship game matchup.
After a week 8 loss to the Carolina Panthers , the Colts fired offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton and elevated associate head coach Rob Chudzinski to replace him.[ 1] The Colts failed to improve from their three consecutive 11–5 records and finished the season at 8–8. They lost the division to the Houston Texans and failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2011 and only the fourth time since 1998. This was their first time to lose to the Houston Texans at home since the Texans entered the NFL in 2002.
Source: [1]
Draft trades
Indianapolis traded their second and fourth-round selections (No. 61 and 128, respectively) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for Tampa's third and fourth-round selections (No. 65 and 109, respectively).
Indianapolis traded their fifth and seventh-round selections (No. 165 and 244, respectively) to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for San Francisco's fifth-round selection (No. 151).
Indianapolis acquired an additional sixth-round selection (No. 207 overall) in a trade that sent cornerback Marcus Burley to the Seattle Seahawks .
Indianapolis traded their original seventh-round selection (No. 246 overall) to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for linebacker Cam Johnson .
Indianapolis acquired an additional seventh-round selection (No. 244 overall) in a trade that sent defensive end Caesar Rayford to the Dallas Cowboys .
Undrafted free agents [ edit ]
Source: [2]
Position
Player
Free agency tag
Date signed/released
2015 team
Notes
S
Mike Adams
UFA
March 10, 2015
Indianapolis Colts
[ 10]
LB
Daniel Adongo
ERFA
March 10, 2015
Indianapolis Colts
[ 11]
S
Colt Anderson
UFA
March 10, 2015
Indianapolis Colts
[ 12]
RB
Ahmad Bradshaw
UFA
October 14, 2015
Indianapolis Colts
[ 13]
S
Sergio Brown
UFA
March 11, 2015
Jacksonville Jaguars
[ 14]
CB
Darius Butler
UFA
March 8, 2015
Indianapolis Colts
[ 15]
LB
Jerrell Freeman
RFA
April 27, 2015
Indianapolis Colts
[ 16]
CB
Josh Gordy
UFA
April 15, 2015
New York Giants
[ 17]
QB
Matt Hasselbeck
UFA
February 26, 2015
Indianapolis Colts
[ 18]
RB
Daniel Herron
ERFA
April 1, 2015
Indianapolis Colts
[ 19]
S
Delano Howell
RFA
–
–
–
LB
Cam Johnson
ERFA
March 10, 2015
Indianapolis Colts
[ 20]
LB
Josh McNary
ERFA
September 15, 2015
Indianapolis Colts
[ 21]
LS
Matt Overton
RFA
March 3, 2015
Indianapolis Colts
[ 22]
DE
Fili Moala
UFA
August 19, 2015
Houston Texans
[ 23]
G
Joe Reitz
UFA
March 10, 2015
Indianapolis Colts
[ 24]
WR
Hakeem Nicks
UFA
April 24, 2015
Tennessee Titans
[ 25]
DT
Jeris Pendleton
ERFA
June 30, 2015
Indianapolis Colts
[ 26]
DE
Cory Redding
UFA
March 11, 2015
Arizona Cardinals
[ 27]
C
A. Q. Shipley
RFA
March 11, 2015
Arizona Cardinals
[ 27]
LB
Andy Studebaker
UFA
March 10, 2015
Tennessee Titans
[ 28]
WR
Reggie Wayne
UFA
March 10, 2015
New England Patriots
[ 29]
Position
Player
Tag
2014 Team
Notes
WR
Duron Carter
UFA
Montreal Alouettes
Signed on February 3, 2015.[ 30]
OL
Ben Heenan
UFA
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Signed on February 3, 2015.[ 31]
DE
Earl Okine
UFA
Brooklyn Bolts
Signed on March 3, 2015.[ 32]
G
Todd Herremans
UFA
Philadelphia Eagles
Signed on March 8, 2015.[ 33]
RB
Frank Gore
UFA
San Francisco 49ers
Signed on March 10, 2015.[ 34]
LB
Trent Cole
UFA
Philadelphia Eagles
Signed on March 10, 2015.[ 35]
DE
Kendall Langford
UFA
St. Louis Rams
Signed on March 10, 2015.[ 36]
WR
Andre Johnson
UFA
Houston Texans
Signed on March 11, 2015.[ 37]
LB
Nate Irving
UFA
Denver Broncos
Signed on March 20, 2015.[ 38]
WR
Vincent Brown
UFA
Oakland Raiders
Signed on March 31, 2015.[ 39]
S
Dwight Lowery
UFA
Atlanta Falcons
Signed on April 3, 2015.[ 40]
2015 Indianapolis Colts staff
Front office
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Strength and conditioning
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Week 1: at Buffalo Bills [ edit ]
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
BUF – 7:49 Dan Carpenter 41-yard FG. Drive 7 plays, 43 yards, 3:22. (BUF 10–0)
BUF – 0:20 Karlos Williams 26-yard TD run, Dan Carpenter kick. Drive 5 plays, 58 yards, 2:22. (BUF 17–0)
Third quarter
BUF – 9:34 Anthony Dixon 1-yard TD run, Dan Carpenter kick. Drive 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:26. (BUF 24–0)
IND – 0:54 Donte Moncrief 2-yard TD pass from Andrew Luck , 2-point conversion successful (Andrew Luck pass to Coby Fleener ). Drive 18 plays, 65 yards, 8:40. (BUF 24–8)
Fourth quarter
BUF – 8:14 Dan Carpenter 45-yard FG. Drive 4 plays, -1 yard, 1:30. (BUF 27–8)
IND – 5:56 Dwayne Allen 6-yard TD pass from Andrew Luck, 2-point conversion failed. Drive 9 plays, 80 yards, 2:18. (BUF 27–14)
Top passers
IND – Andrew Luck: 26/49, 243 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
BUF – Tyrod Taylor: 14/19, 195 yards, 1 TD
Top rushers
IND – Frank Gore : 8 carries, 31 yards
BUF – Karlos Williams: 6 carries, 55 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
IND – T. Y. Hilton : 7 receptions, 88 yards
BUF – Percy Harvin: 5 receptions, 79 yards, 1 TD
Top tacklers
With the loss, the Colts fell to 0–1.
Week 2: vs. New York Jets [ edit ]
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
NYJ – 1:51 Nick Folk 35-yard FG. Drive 10 plays, 54 yards, 5:12. (NYJ 10–0)
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
IND – 10:07 Donte Moncrief 26-yard TD pass from Andrew Luck , Adam Vinatieri kick. Drive 8 plays, 91 yards, 3:59. (NYJ 10–7)
NYJ – 6:20 Brandon Marshall 15-yard TD pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick, Nick Folk kick. Drive 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:47. (NYJ 17–7)
NYJ – 0:57 Nick Folk 46-yard FG. Drive 8 plays, 34 yards, 3:38. (NYJ 20–7)
Top passers
NYJ – Ryan Fitzpatrick: 22/34, 244 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
IND – Andrew Luck: 21/37, 250 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT
Top rushers
Top receivers
NYJ – Eric Decker: 8 receptions, 97 yards, 1 TD
IND – Donte Moncrief: 7 receptions, 122 yards, 1 TD
Top tacklers
With the upset loss, the Colts fell to 0–2 for the second straight year.
Week 3: at Tennessee Titans [ edit ]
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
IND – 12:59 Dwight Lowery 69-yard interception return for a TD, Adam Vinatieri kick. (IND 14–0)
TEN – 8:29 Ryan Succop 38-yard FG. Drive 9 plays, 60 yards, 4:30. (IND 14–3)
TEN – 0:19 Kendall Wright 7-yard pass from Marcus Mariota , Ryan Succop kick. Drive 13 plays, 83 yards, 6:05. (IND 14–10)
Third quarter
TEN – 9:51 Antonio Andrews 8-yard TD run, Ryan Succop kick. Drive 6 plays, 66 yards, 3:42. (TEN 17–14)
TEN – 9:36 Dorial Green-Beckham 3-yard pass from Marcus Mariota, Ryan Succop kick. Drive 1 play, 3 yards, 0:05. (TEN 24–14)
TEN – 3:04 Ryan Succop 21-yard FG. Drive 8 plays, 10 yards, 3:41. (TEN 27–14)
Fourth quarter
IND – 6:49 Phillip Dorsett 35-yard TD pass from Andrew Luck , Adam Vinatieri kick. Drive 12 plays, 98 yards, 5:31. (TEN 27–21)
IND – 5:53 Donte Moncrief 11-yard TD pass from Andrew Luck, Adam Vinatieri kick. Drive 1 play, 11 yards, 0:06. (IND 28–27)
IND – 2:51 Frank Gore 6-yard TD run, Adam Vinatieri kick. Drive 5 plays, 69 yards, 2:38. (IND 35–27)
TEN – 0:47 Jalston Fowler 1-yard TD run, 2-point conversion failed. Drive 9 plays, 80 yards, 2:04. (IND 35–33)
Top passers
IND – Andrew Luck: 18/30, 260 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
TEN – Marcus Mariota: 27/44, 367 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
IND – Frank Gore: 14 carries, 86 yards, 2 TD
TEN – Antonio Andrews: 12 carries, 49 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
IND – T. Y. Hilton : 4 receptions, 94 yards
TEN – Kendall Wright: 7 receptions 95 yards, 1 TD
Top tacklers
After trailing 14–0 in the first half, the Titans would score 27 unanswered points to take a 27–14 lead. However, the Colts would own the fourth quarter, as they outscored Tennessee 21–6. The Titans had a chance to tie the game after pulling within 35–33, but the 2-point attempt failed, and the Colts held on for the win. With the win, the Colts improved to 1–2 and picked up their 8th straight win over the Titans.
Week 4: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars [ edit ]
Week Four: Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 OT Total
Jaguars
3
10
0 0 0 13
Colts
3
7
0 3 3 16
at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Date : October 4Game time : 1:00 p.m. EDTGame weather : 62 °F (17 °C), partly cloudy — retractable roof openGame attendance : 65,609Referee : Ed Hochuli TV announcers (CBS) : Tom McCarthy (play-by-play) and Adam Archuleta (color commentator)Recap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
IND – 4:59 Adam Vinatieri 54-yard FG. Drive 12 plays, 55 yards, 5:26. (IND 3–0)
JAX – 2:49 Jason Myers 20-yard FG. Drive 6 plays, 78 yards, 2:10. (3–3)
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
IND – 12:27 Adam Vinatieri 32-yard FG. Drive 8 plays, 35 yards, 4:06. (13–13)
Overtime
IND – 4:36 Adam Vinatieri 27-yard FG. Drive 6 plays, 53 yards, 3:37. (IND 16–13)
Top passers
JAX – Blake Bortles: 28/50, 298 yards, 1 TD
IND – Matt Hasselbeck: 30/47, 282 yards, 1 TD
Top rushers
Top receivers
JAX – Allen Hurns: 11 receptions, 116 yards, 1 TD
IND – Coby Fleener: 9 receptions, 83 yards, 1 TD
Top tacklers
Due to an injured shoulder, Andrew Luck missed the first game of his career, and was replaced by 40-year-old veteran Matt Hasselbeck , who avoided any turnovers and led the Colts to a 16–13 win in overtime. Jacksonville kicker Jason Myers would miss 3 game-winning field goal attempts at the end of the fourth quarter and one in overtime. Adam Vinatieri would nail the game winner in overtime to give Indianapolis the win. With the win, the Colts evened their record at 2–2.
Week 5: at Houston Texans [ edit ]
Week Five: Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Colts
10
3
7 7 27
Texans
0
10
7 3 20
at NRG Stadium , Houston, Texas
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
IND – 7:37 Adam Vinatieri 42-yard FG. Drive 13 plays, 46 yards, 6:01. (IND 13–0)
HOU – 2:08 Nick Novak 36-yard FG. Drive 12 plays, 62 yards, 5:29. (IND 13–3)
HOU – 0:00 Jaelen Strong 42-yard TD pass from Brian Hoyer , Nick Novak kick. Drive 9 plays, 95 yards, 1:16. (IND 13–10)
Third quarter
IND – 13:02 Frank Gore 3-yard TD run, Adam Vinatieri kick. Drive 4 plays, 56 yards, 1:58. (IND 20–10)
HOU – 4:03 Jaelen Strong 11-yard TD pass from Brian Hoyer, Nick Novak kick. Drive 10 plays, 90 yards, 5:05. (IND 20–17)
Fourth quarter
IND – 10:28 Andre Johnson 2-yard TD pass from Matt Hasselbeck, Adam Vinatieri kick. Drive 14 plays, 80 yards, 8:35. (IND 27–17)
HOU – 6:07 Nick Novak 49-yard FG. Drive 8 plays, 49 yards, 4:21. (IND 27–20)
Top passers
IND – Matt Hasselbeck: 18/29, 213 yards, 2 TD
HOU – Brian Hoyer: 24/31, 312 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
IND – Frank Gore: 22 carries, 98 yards, 1 TD
HOU – Arian Foster : 19 carries, 41 yards
Top receivers
IND – Andre Johnson: 6 receptions, 77 yards, 2 TD
HOU – DeAndre Hopkins : 11 receptions, 169 yards
Top tacklers
Despite a Hail Mary being thrown at the end of the first half, the Colts still managed to hold on for the win. With their 3rd straight win, the Colts improved to 3–2, and set a new NFL record for most consecutive wins against division opponents with 16.
Week 6: vs. New England Patriots [ edit ]
Week Six: New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Patriots
7
13
7 7 34
Colts
7
14
0 6 27
at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
NE – 13:48 Stephen Gostkowski 40-yard FG. Drive 10 plays, 69 yards, 2:53. (NE 10–7)
IND – 11:30 Mike Adams 14-yard interception return for a TD, Adam Vinatieri kick. (IND 14–10)
NE – 9:33 LeGarrette Blount 38-yard TD run, Stephen Gostkowski kick. Drive 4 plays, 65 yards, 1:57. (NE 17–14)
IND – 2:38 T. Y. Hilton 3-yard TD pass from Andrew Luck, Adam Vinatieri kick. Drive 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:55. (IND 21–17)
NE – 0:02 Stephen Gostkowski 35-yard FG. Drive 9 plays, 63 yards, 2:36. (IND 21–20)
Third quarter
NE – 10:56 Rob Gronkowski 25-yard TD pass from Tom Brady, Stephen Gostkowski kick. Drive 7 plays, 80 yards, 4:04. (NE 27–21)
Fourth quarter
NE – 12:48 LeGarrette Blount 11-yard TD pass from Tom Brady, Stephen Gostkowski kick. Drive 6 plays, 35 yards, 3:24. (NE 34–21)
IND – 1:19 Griff Whalen 18-yard TD pass from Andrew Luck, PAT blocked. Drive 8 plays, 85 yards, 1:44. (NE 34–27)
Top passers
NE – Tom Brady: 23/37, 312 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
IND – Andrew Luck: 30/50, 312 yards, 3 TDs
Top rushers
NE – LeGarrette Blount: 16 carries, 93 yards, 1 TD
IND – Frank Gore : 13 carries, 78 yards
Top receivers
NE – Danny Amendola : 7 receptions, 105 yards
IND – T. Y. Hilton: 6 receptions, 74 yards, 1 TD
Top tacklers
This game was notorious for a terrible playcall by the Colts, now known as the Colts Catastrophe . With the Colts trailing 27–21 late in the 3rd quarter, Pagano opted to run a scrimmage play using special teams on 4th and 3 on the Colts' 37-yard line. However, a bizarre formation resulted in a Patriots tackle for loss, Colts turnover, and a flag for illegal formation. The Patriots easily scored a touchdown on the next drive and went on to win the game by 7 points, 34–27. The playcall was universally criticized and was considered by many to be the worst play in NFL history.[ 47]
Week 7: vs. New Orleans Saints [ edit ]
Week Seven: New Orleans Saints at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Saints
7
13
7 0 27
Colts
0
0
14 7 21
at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
NO – 14:56 Khiry Robinson 6-yard TD run, Kai Forbath kick. Drive 5 plays, 23 yards, 2:20. (NO 14–0)
NO – 13:26 Michael Hoomanawanui 16-yard TD pass from Drew Brees , Kai Forbath kick failed, wide left. Drive 3 plays, 27 yards, 1:11. (NO 20–0)
Third quarter
NO – 10:26 Mark Ingram II 1-yard TD run, Kai Forbath kick. Drive 6 plays, 82 yards, 2:57. (NO 27–0)
IND – 3:42 T. Y. Hilton 87-yard TD pass from Andrew Luck , Adam Vinatieri kick. Drive 2 plays, 87 yards, 0:20. (NO 27–7)
IND – 0:01 T. Y. Hilton 46-yard TD pass from Andrew Luck, Adam Vinatieri kick. Drive 3 plays, 66 yards, 1:24. (NO 27–14)
Fourth quarter
IND – 3:05 Donte Moncrief 8-yard TD pass from Andrew Luck, Adam Vinatieri kick. Drive 7 plays, 80 yards, 0:54. (NO 27–21)
Top passers
NO – Drew Brees: 28/44, 255 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
IND – Andrew Luck: 23/44, 333 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
NO – Mark Ingram II: 14 carries, 143 yards, 1 TD
IND – Frank Gore : 9 carries, 43 yards
Top receivers
NO – Brandin Cooks : 6 receptions, 81 yards
IND – Frank Gore: 5 receptions, 32 yards
Top tacklers
In the Super Bowl rematch between the two teams, the Saints started the first half, dominating the Colts 20–0, which stunned Indy's home crowd. The Colts looked for answers in the second half, but Andrew Luck struggled to find open receivers and he was intercepted twice.
Week 8: at Carolina Panthers [ edit ]
Week Eight: Indianapolis Colts at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 OT Total
Colts
0
6
0 17 3 26
Panthers
10
0
7 6 6 29
at Bank of America Stadium , Charlotte, North Carolina
Date : Game time : 8:30 p.m. ESTGame weather : 60 °F (16 °C), light rainGame attendance : 74,136Referee : Bill Vinovich TV announcers (ESPN) : Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Jon Gruden (color commentator) and Lisa Salters (sideline reporter)Recap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
CAR – 13:41 Graham Gano 39-yard FG. Drive 4 plays, 3 yards, 0:44. (CAR 3–0)
CAR – 7:21 Jonathan Stewart 3-yard TD run, Graham Gano kick. Drive 11 plays, 37 yards, 5:03. (CAR 10–0)
Second quarter
IND – 10:24 Adam Vinatieri 47-yard FG. Drive 7 plays, 27 yards, 4:16. (CAR 10–3)
IND – 7:04 Adam Vinatieri 34-yard FG. Drive 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:04. (CAR 10–6)
Third quarter
CAR – 0:14 Greg Olsen 27-yard TD pass from Cam Newton , Graham Gano kick. Drive 2 plays, 29 yards, 0:48. (CAR 17–6)
Fourth quarter
CAR – 10:44 Corey Brown 8-yard TD pass from Cam Newton, Graham Gano kick failed, wide left. Drive 3 plays, 30 yards, 1:24. (CAR 23–6)
IND – 7:04 Andre Johnson 18-yard TD pass from Andrew Luck , Adam Vinatieri kick. Drive 8 plays, 86 yards, 3:40. (CAR 23–13)
IND – 2:27 Coby Fleener 8-yard TD pass from Andrew Luck, Adam Vinatieri kick. Drive 8 plays, 57 yards, 2:15. (CAR 23–20)
IND – 0:00 Adam Vinatieri 24-yard FG. Drive 16 plays, 54 yards, 2:02. (23–23)
Overtime
IND – 12:04 Adam Vinatieri 50-yard FG. Drive 6 plays, 23 yards, 2:56. (IND 26–23)
CAR – 7:50 Graham Gano 42-yard FG. Drive 9 plays, 57 yards, 4:14. (26–26)
CAR – 5:22 Graham Gano 52-yard FG. Drive 4 plays, 5 yards 1:40. (CAR 29–26)
Top passers
IND – Andrew Luck: 23/47, 231 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs
CAR – Cam Newton: 16/35, 248 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Top rushers
IND – Frank Gore : 22 carries, 70 yards
CAR – Jonathan Stewart: 24 carries, 82 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
IND – Coby Fleener: 7 receptions, 43 yards, 1 TD
CAR – Greg Olsen: 6 receptions, 79 yards, 1 TD
Top tacklers
The Colts traveled to Charlotte to take on Cam Newton and his undefeated Carolina Panthers, looking to hang their first loss on them. After struggling much in the first half, the Colts answered back in the fourth quarter. However, it wasn't enough to stop the Panthers in overtime and the Colts would lose 29–26.
Week 9: vs. Denver Broncos [ edit ]
Week Nine: Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Broncos
0
7
10 7 24
Colts
7
10
0 10 27
at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Date : November 8Game time : 4:25 p.m. ESTGame weather : 54 °F (12 °C), sunny — retractable roof openGame attendance : 66,894Referee : Brad Allen TV announcers (CBS) : Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Phil Simms (color commentator) and Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporter)Recap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
IND – 12:13 Adam Vinatieri 43-yard FG. Drive 9 plays, 63 yards, 6:01. (IND 10–0)
IND – 7:12 Jack Doyle 3-yard TD pass from Andrew Luck , Adam Vinatieri kick. Drive 8 plays, 63 yards, 3:43. (IND 17–0)
DEN – 0:00 Omar Bolden 83-yard punt return for a TD, Brandon McManus kick. (IND 17–7)
Third quarter
DEN – 11:27 Emmanuel Sanders 64-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning , Brandon McManus kick. Drive 3 plays, 60 yards, 1:23. (IND 17–14)
DEN – 4:57 Brandon McManus 29-yard FG. Drive 10 plays, 79 yards, 4:40. (17–17)
Fourth quarter
IND – 14:05 Ahmad Bradshaw 8-yard TD pass from Andrew Luck, Adam Vinatieri kick. Drive 12 plays, 80 yards, 5:52. (IND 24–17)
DEN – 8:54 Owen Daniels 1-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Brandon McManus kick. Drive 9 plays, 80 yards, 5:11. (24–24)
IND – 6:13 Adam Vinatieri 55-yard FG. Drive 7 plays, 33 yards, 2:41. (IND 27–24)
Top passers
DEN – Peyton Manning: 21/36, 281 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
IND – Andrew Luck: 21/36, 252 yards, 2 TDs
Top rushers
DEN – C. J. Anderson : 7 carries, 34 yards
IND – Frank Gore: 28 carries, 83 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
DEN – Owen Daniels: 6 receptions, 102 yards, 1 TD
IND – T. Y. Hilton : 5 receptions, 82 yards
Top tacklers
Peyton Manning returned to Indianapolis for the final time.
Late in the fourth quarter, with the Colts leading 27–24, they looked to extend the lead on a field goal by Adam Vinatieri, but it was overturned and the Colts still won 27–24.
With the win, the Colts went to 4–5, while the Broncos suffered their first loss and dropped to 7–1.
However, two days later, Andrew Luck was hospitalized with a lacerated kidney along with an abdominal injury. He ended up missing the rest of the season, putting more pressure on veteran backup Matt Hasselbeck , who was 2–0 in 2 starts due to Luck's previous injury.
Week 11: at Atlanta Falcons [ edit ]
Week Eleven: Indianapolis Colts at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Colts
0
7
7 10 24
Falcons
7
7
7 0 21
at Georgia Dome , Atlanta
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
ATL – 8:54 Patrick DiMarco 1-yard TD pass from Matt Ryan, Matt Bryant kick. Drive 10 plays, 83 yards, 4:18. (ATL 14–0)
IND – 1:55 Ahmad Bradshaw 7-yard TD pass from Matt Hasselbeck , Adam Vinatieri kick. Drive 13 plays, 80 yards, 6:59. (ATL 14–7)
Third quarter
ATL – 9:38 Leonard Hankerson 3-yard TD pass from Matt Ryan, Matt Bryant kick. Drive 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:22. (ATL 21–7)
IND – 0:10 Ahmad Bradshaw 2-yard TD pass from Matt Hasselbeck, Adam Vinatieri kick. Drive 10 plays, 90 yards, 4:58. (ATL 21–14)
Fourth quarter
IND – 10:07 D'Qwell Jackson 6-yard interception return for a TD, Adam Vinatieri kick. (21–21)
IND – 0:52 Adam Vinatieri 43-yard FG. Drive 9 plays, 56 yards, 4:02. (IND 24–21)
Top passers
IND – Matt Hasselbeck: 23/32, 213 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
ATL – Matt Ryan: 25/46, 280 yards, 3 TDs, 3 INTs
Top rushers
Top receivers
IND – Frank Gore: 5 receptions, 46 yards
ATL – Julio Jones : 9 receptions, 160 yards
Top tacklers
The Colts would trail 21–7 late in the third quarter, but they would fight back to tie the game at 21 after D'Qwell Jackson returned an interception at the Atlanta 6-yard line for a touchdown. The Colts would then later on march down the field to win it with an Adam Vinatieri field goal with 52 seconds left. With the win, the Colts improved to 5–5. They also improved to 14–2 all time against the Falcons.
Week 12: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers [ edit ]
Week Twelve: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Buccaneers
3
9
0 0 12
Colts
3
3
13 6 25
at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Game information
First quarter
IND – 8:13 Adam Vinatieri 49-yard FG. Drive 15 plays, 52 yards, 6:47. (IND 3–0)
TB – 2:50 Connor Barth 38-yard FG. Drive 12 plays, 60 yards, 5:23. (3–3)
Second quarter
IND – 12:44 Adam Vinatieri 27-yard FG. Drive 11 plays, 76 yards, 5:06. (IND 6–3)
TB – 5:38 Connor Barth 30-yard FG. Drive 15 plays, 68 yards, 7:06. (6–6)
TB – 1:54 Cameron Brate 20-yard TD pass from Jameis Winston , Connor Barth kick failed, wide left. Drive 5 plays, 76 yards, 2:40. (TB 12–6)
Third quarter
IND – 10:01 Adam Vinatieri 26-yard FG. Drive 8 plays, 56 yards, 3:04. (TB 12–9)
IND – 7:22 T. Y. Hilton 19-yard TD pass from Matt Hasselbeck , Adam Vinatieri kick. Drive 3 plays, 46 yards, 1:05. (IND 16–12)
IND – 1:02 Adam Vinatieri 44-yard FG. Drive 7 plays, 15 yards, 2:55. (IND 19–12)
Fourth quarter
IND – 5:53 T. Y. Hilton 3-yard TD pass from Matt Hasselbeck, Adam Vinatieri kick failed, wide left. Drive 15 plays, 76 yards, 7:30. (IND 25–12)
Top passers
TB – Jameis Winston: 20/36, 245 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
IND – Matt Hasselbeck: 26/42, 315 yards, 2 TDs
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
With the win, the Colts improved to 6–5 and remained in the playoff hunt.
Week 13: at Pittsburgh Steelers [ edit ]
Week Thirteen: Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Colts
3
7
0 0 10
Steelers
6
15
7 17 45
at Heinz Field , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Date : December 6Game time : 8:30 p.m. ESTGame weather : 37 °F (3 °C), partly cloudyGame attendance : 58,701Referee : Ron Torbert TV announcers (NBC) : Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele TafoyaRecap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
IND – 10:19 Adam Vinatieri 35-yard FG. Drive 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:59. (IND 3–0)
PIT – 5:27 Chris Boswell 29-yard FG. Drive 10 plays, 69 yards, 4:52. (3–3)
PIT – 3:15 Chris Boswell 51-yard FG. Drive 4 plays, 5 yards, 0:49. (PIT 6–3)
Second quarter
IND – 8:26 Frank Gore 9-yard TD pass from Matt Hasselbeck , Adam Vinatieri kick. Drive 4 plays, 46 yards, 2:28. (IND 10–6)
PIT – 4:04 Antonio Brown 7-yard TD pass from Ben Roethlisberger , 2-point conversion successful (Ben Roethlisberger pass to Will Johnson ). Drive 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:22. (PIT 14–10)
PIT – 0:10 Markus Wheaton 5-yard TD pass from Ben Roethlisberger, Chris Boswell kick. Drive 8 plays, 60 yards, 1:38. (PIT 21–10)
Third quarter
PIT – 12:35 Martavis Bryant 68-yard TD pass from Ben Roethlisberger, Chris Boswell kick. Drive 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:23. (PIT 28–10)
Fourth quarter
PIT – 14:11 Antonio Brown 5-yard TD pass from Ben Roethlisberger, Chris Boswell kick. Drive 10 plays, 85 yards, 4:23. (PIT 35–10)
PIT – 6:29 Chris Boswell 42-yard FG. Drive 11 plays, 54 yards, 6:24. (PIT 38–10)
PIT – 4:01 Antonio Brown 71-yard punt return for a TD, Chris Boswell kick. (PIT 45–10)
Top passers
IND – Matt Hasselbeck: 16/26, 169 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
PIT – Ben Roethlisberger: 24/39, 364 yards, 4 TDs
Top rushers
IND – Frank Gore: 13 carries, 45 yards
PIT – DeAngelo Williams : 26 carries, 134 yards
Top receivers
IND – Coby Fleener : 4 receptions, 20 yards
PIT – Antonio Brown: 8 receptions, 118 yards, 2 TDs
Top tacklers
The Colts would suffer an embarrassing loss on national television to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers would lead for the majority of the game, and the Colts could not get into any rhythm. With the loss, the Colts fell to 6–6.
Week 14: at Jacksonville Jaguars [ edit ]
Week Fourteen: Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Colts
3
10
3 0 16
Jaguars
3
6
21 21 51
at EverBank Field , Jacksonville, Florida
Date : December 13Game time : 1:00 p.m. ESTGame weather : 79 °F (26 °C), clearGame attendance : 62,372Referee : Carl CheffersTV announcers (CBS) : Tom McCarthy (play-by-play) and Adam Archuleta (color commentator)Recap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
The Colts would lead 13–3, but Jacksonville would outscore Indianapolis 48–3 from then on. With the loss, the Colts fell to 6–7 and lost to a divisional opponent for the first time since 2012 , snapping their NFL record 16-game winning streak in division play.
Week 15: vs. Houston Texans [ edit ]
Week Fifteen: Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Texans
0
3
3 10 16
Colts
0
10
0 0 10
at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Date : December 20Game time : 1:00 p.m. ESTGame weather : Played indoors (retractable roof closed)Game attendance : 66,083Referee : Ed HochuliTV announcers (CBS) : Greg Gumbel (play-by-play), Trent Green (color commentator) and Jamie Erdahl (sideline reporter)Recap , Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
This, notably, is the Colts' first loss to the Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium since the latter team began play in 2002.
Week 16: at Miami Dolphins [ edit ]
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
With the win, the Colts improved to 7–8. This was Matt Hasselbeck 's final career game.
Week 17: vs. Tennessee Titans [ edit ]
Week Seventeen: Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Titans
7
7
3 7 24
Colts
10
10
7 3 30
at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
With the win, the Colts ended their season at 8–8 and won their 9th straight game against the Titans.
#
Team
Division
W
L
T
PCT
DIV
CONF
SOS
SOV
STK
Division Leaders
1[ a]
Denver Broncos
West
12
4
0
.750
4–2
8–4
.500
.479
W2
2[ a]
New England Patriots
East
12
4
0
.750
4–2
9–3
.473
.448
L2
3[ a]
Cincinnati Bengals
North
12
4
0
.750
5–1
9–3
.477
.406
W1
4
Houston Texans
South
9
7
0
.563
5–1
7–5
.496
.410
W3
Wild Cards
5
Kansas City Chiefs
West
11
5
0
.688
5–1
10–2
.496
.432
W10
6[ b]
Pittsburgh Steelers
North
10
6
0
.625
3–3
7–5
.504
.463
W1
Did not qualify for the postseason
7[ b]
New York Jets
East
10
6
0
.625
3–3
7–5
.441
.388
L1
8[ c]
Buffalo Bills
East
8
8
0
.500
4–2
7–5
.508
.438
W2
9[ c]
Indianapolis Colts
South
8
8
0
.500
4–2
6–6
.500
.406
W2
10
Oakland Raiders
West
7
9
0
.438
3–3
7–5
.512
.366
L1
11
Miami Dolphins
East
6
10
0
.375
1–5
4–8
.469
.469
W2
12[ d]
Jacksonville Jaguars
South
5
11
0
.313
2–4
5–7
.473
.375
L3
13[ d]
Baltimore Ravens
North
5
11
0
.313
3–3
4–8
.508
.425
L1
14
San Diego Chargers
West
4
12
0
.250
0–6
3–9
.527
.328
L2
15[ e]
Cleveland Browns
North
3
13
0
.188
1–5
2–10
.531
.271
L3
16[ e]
Tennessee Titans
South
3
13
0
.188
1–5
1–11
.492
.375
L4
Tiebreakers [ f]
^ a b c Denver finished ahead of New England and Cincinnati for the No. 1 seed based on head-to-head sweep. New England finished ahead of Cincinnati for the No. 2 seed based on record vs. common opponents — New England's cumulative record against Buffalo, Denver, Houston and Pittsburgh was 4–1, while Cincinnati's cumulative record against the same four teams was 2–3.
^ a b Pittsburgh finished ahead of the New York Jets for the No. 6 seed and qualified for the last playoff spot based on record vs. common opponents — Pittsburgh's cumulative record against Cleveland, Indianapolis, New England and Oakland was 4–1, while the Jets' cumulative record against the same four teams was 3–2.
^ a b Buffalo finished ahead of Indianapolis based on head-to-head victory.
^ a b Jacksonville finished ahead of Baltimore based on head-to-head victory.
^ a b Cleveland finished ahead of Tennessee based on head-to-head victory.
^ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.
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^ Josh Wilson (March 8, 2015). "Colts Re-Sign Darius Butler" . stampedeblue.com. Retrieved March 16, 2015 .
^ "INDIANAPOLIS COLTS RESTRICTED FREE AGENTILB-JERRELL FREEMAN SIGNS QUALIFYING OFFER" . April 27, 2015. Archived from the original on April 29, 2015. Retrieved May 1, 2015 .
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^ Stephen Holder (February 26, 2015). "Indianapolis Colts extend contract of Matt Hasselbeck" . Indystar.com. Retrieved March 11, 2015 .
^ "INDIANAPOLIS COLTS RB-DANIEL HERRON SIGNS TENDER" . April 1, 2015.
^ Stephen Holder (March 10, 2015). "Colts re-sign versatile lineman Joe Reitz, others" . indystar.com. Retrieved March 16, 2015 .
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: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link )
^ Josh Wilson (March 3, 2015). "Colts Re-Sign Matt Overton" . stampedeblue.com. Retrieved March 11, 2015 .
^ Doughtery, Drew (August 19, 2015). "Texans add Quintin Demps and Fili Moala" . houstontexans.com . Archived from the original on August 20, 2015. Retrieved August 19, 2015 .
^ Darin Gantt (March 10, 2015). "Colts extend versatile offensive lineman Joe Reitz" . profootballtalk.nbcsports.com. Retrieved March 11, 2015 .
^ Gantt, Darin (April 24, 2015). "Hakeem Nicks is heading to Tennessee for his next chance" . profootballtalk.nbcsports.com . Retrieved April 24, 2015 .
^ "INDIANAPOLIS COLTS SIGN DT-JERIS PENDLETON" . June 30, 2015.
^ a b Kent Somers (March 11, 2015). "Arizona Cardinals sign Cory Redding, A.Q. Shipley" . azcentral.com.
^ "Titans sign OLB Andy Studebaker, waive WR Clyde Gates" . usatoday.com . August 17, 2015. Retrieved August 17, 2015 .
^ Alper, Josh (August 24, 2015). "Report: Patriots sign Reggie Wayne" . NBC Sports . Retrieved August 24, 2015 .
^ Gantt, Darin (February 6, 2015). "Colts deal for Duron Carter included no signing bonus at all" . profootballtalk.nbcsports.com . Retrieved February 6, 2015 .
^ "Indianapolis Colts agree to terms with G-Ben Heenan" . colts.com . February 3, 2015. Retrieved February 5, 2015 .
^ Aaron Wilson (March 3, 2015). "Colts sign Earl Okine" . nationalfootballpost.com. Retrieved March 16, 2015 .
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^ Josh Wilson (March 10, 2015). "Colts Sign Kendall Langford" . stampedeblue.com. Retrieved March 16, 2015 .
^ Michael Marot (March 11, 2015). "Colts sign veteran WR Andre Johnson" . sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved March 16, 2015 .
^ Patra, Kevin (March 20, 2015). "Indianapolis Colts agree to terms with ILB Nate Irving" . NFL.com .
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Franchise Stadiums Culture Lore Rivalries Division championships (16) Conference championships (7) League championships (5) Retired numbers Media Current league affiliations
Played in Baltimore (1953–1983)