Colts’ Comeback Comes Up Short; Fall to Broncos 31-24

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Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) runs for a touchdown with Denver Broncos linebacker Nate Irving (56) in pursuit during the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Denver, CO – The Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts faced off in what was expected to be an exciting Sunday Night Football game, and it didn’t disappoint. Peyton Manning led the Broncos to a 24-7 lead heading into halftime, but Andrew Luck and the Colts came out firing and outscored Denver 17-7 in the second half. Unfortunately, the Colts were unable to make the plays down the stretch to win the football game.

Both teams left everything they had on the field, and the Colts proved a point despite the loss. Many didn’t expect Indianapolis to be able to compete in the Denver atmosphere against the Broncos, and they proved those doubters wrong. While losing the game is always disappointing in the end, the Colts can walk away with their heads held high, knowing that they played the Broncos tough and nearly came all the way back to win.

Andrew Luck put up big numbers this evening, throwing for 370 yards and two touchdowns. He completed 35 of his 53 passing attempts, but did throw two interceptions as well. Trent Richardson was the leading rusher for the Colts with six carries for 20 yards, and was extremely disappointing once again. Reggie Wayne was back at full health, catching nine passes for 98 yards, while Dwayne Allen chipped in with a touchdown and 64 yards on four receptions.

Denver was led by star quarterback Peyton Manning, who ended up completing 22 of his 36 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns. He didn’t turn the football over, and kept calm throughout the entire game to lead his team to victory. Second-year running back Montee Ball led the Broncos in rushing with 67 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Julius Thomas came through with a huge game for the Broncos, catching seven passes for 104 yards and three touchdowns.

Indianapolis started extremely sluggish, which ended up costing them the game in the end. They are a good football team that showed promise in the second half, but will need to learn to start games much quicker than they did. Denver on the other hand, should be disappointed that they allowed the Colts to make that large of a comeback late in the game.

Needless to say, the Colts are disappointed about coming up short tonight. They went into Denver to come away with a statement win, but at the very least they were able to make a major comeback and compete against one of the best teams in the NFL. Both teams proved that they are going to compete for a Super Bowl appearance in the AFC, and could be the top two teams in the conference after seeing the way that New England lost to the Miami Dolphins.