Indianapolis Colts Pull Off Improbable Comeback

Jan 4, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the 2013 AFC wild card playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts were dead and buried by halftime. A 28-point deficit early in the third quarter and people were changing the channel and leaving Lucas Oil Stadium.

Then Andrew Luck happened.

Luck led five touchdown drives in the second half en route to the 45-44 victory for the Colts. It was the second largest comeback in playoff history.

Luck’s legacy grew by leaps and bounds Saturday night. Aside from the pinpoint passes, Luck’s most impressive play came early in the fourth quarter. Donald Brown fumbled at the goal line only to have Luck scoop up the ball and dive into the endzone to make it a one score game (see picture above).

After giving up 31 points in the first half, the defense managed to clamp down on Alex Smith and hold the Jamaal Charles-less to just 13 second half points. Robert Mathis keyed the comeback with a sack/strip of Smith when the Colts were down by 28.

Luck sandwiched an interception with two touchdown drives. The Colts operated out of the no-huddle shotgun set nearly exclusively the entire second half.

TY Hilton scored the go-ahead touchdown with 4:21 left in the game. He set a Colts record for most catches and yards in a game with 13 receptions and 224 yards. He also had two touchdowns.

Luck finished the day completing 29-of-45 attempts for 443 yards. He also had seven carries for 45 yards. He accounted for five of his teams six touchdowns.

Brown continued to make a case for a new contract next season (and will be forgiven for the fumble). He had 55 yards on 11 carries and a touchdown. He also hauled in four passes for 47 yards and a touchdown.

The two teams combined for 1,049 yards and 99 points. The Colts lost the turnover over battle, 4-1. It was their only victory of the season when that happened.

The Colts will either head to New England or Denver next week, depending on who wins tomorrow AFC game.

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