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| stadium = [[Lucas Oil Stadium]]
| stadium = [[Lucas Oil Stadium]]
| radio =
| radio =
| playoffs = '''Won''' [[2014–15 NFL playoffs|Wild Card Playoffs]] (vs. [[2014 Cincinnati Bengals season|Bengals]]) 26–10<br>'''Won''' [[2014–15 NFL playoffs|AFC Divisional Playoffs]] (at [[2014 Denver Broncos season|Broncos]]) 24–13<br> Lost [[2014-15 NFL playoffs|AFC Championship]] (at [[2014 New England Patriots season|Patriots]]) [[Deflategate|7–45]]
| playoffs = '''Won''' [[2014–15 NFL playoffs|Wild Card Playoffs]] (vs. [[2014 Cincinnati Bengals season|Bengals]]) 26–10<br>'''Won''' [[2014–15 NFL playoffs|Divisional Playoffs]] (at [[2014 Denver Broncos season|Broncos]]) 24–13<br> Lost [[2014-15 NFL playoffs|AFC Championship]] (at [[2014 New England Patriots season|Patriots]]) [[Deflategate|7–45]]
| pro bowlers = S [[Mike Adams (safety)|Mike Adams]]<br>CB [[Vontae Davis]]<br>WR [[T. Y. Hilton]]<br>MLB [[D'Qwell Jackson]]<br>QB [[Andrew Luck]]<br>P [[Pat McAfee]]<br>K [[Adam Vinatieri]]
| pro bowlers = S [[Mike Adams (safety)|Mike Adams]]<br>CB [[Vontae Davis]]<br>WR [[T. Y. Hilton]]<br>MLB [[D'Qwell Jackson]]<br>QB [[Andrew Luck]]<br>P [[Pat McAfee]]<br>K [[Adam Vinatieri]]
| AP All-pros = P Pat McAfee<br>K Adam Vinatieri
| AP All-pros = P Pat McAfee<br>K Adam Vinatieri

Revision as of 18:39, 10 April 2020

2014 Indianapolis Colts season
OwnerJim Irsay
General managerRyan Grigson
Head coachChuck Pagano
Home fieldLucas Oil Stadium
Results
Record11–5
Division place1st AFC South
Playoff finishWon Wild Card Playoffs (vs. Bengals) 26–10
Won Divisional Playoffs (at Broncos) 24–13
Lost AFC Championship (at Patriots) 7–45
Pro BowlersS Mike Adams
CB Vontae Davis
WR T. Y. Hilton
MLB D'Qwell Jackson
QB Andrew Luck
P Pat McAfee
K Adam Vinatieri
AP All-ProsP Pat McAfee
K Adam Vinatieri

The 2014 Indianapolis Colts season was the franchise's 62nd season in the National Football League and the 31st in Indianapolis. It also marked the third season under head coach Chuck Pagano, general manager Ryan Grigson, and quarterback Andrew Luck.

The Colts entered the 2014 season as the defending AFC South champions, after compiling an 11–5 record during the previous season and falling to the New England Patriots in the divisional round of the playoffs. They clinched their second straight division title with a 17–10 win over the Houston Texans in Week 15. They also went 6–0 in their division for the second straight year. In the postseason, the Colts would defeat both the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos before losing to the eventual Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. The 2014 Colts failed to join the 2010 New York Jets and 2012 Baltimore Ravens as the only teams to beat both Tom Brady and Peyton Manning in the playoffs.

As of 2018, this is the only time in the post-Peyton Manning era in which the Colts made the AFC Championship Game.

Behind former first overall draft pick Andrew Luck, the Colts became the first team since the 1970 AFL-NFL Merger to pass for 300 or more yards in eight consecutive games.[1]

Draft

Main article: 2014 NFL draft
2014 Indianapolis Colts draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
2 59 Jack Mewhort  OT Ohio St
3 90 Donte Moncrief  WR Ole Miss
5 166 Jonathan Newsome  DE Ball St
6 203 Andrew Jackson  LB Western Kentucky
7 232 Ulrick John  DT Georgia St Pick from BAL
      Made roster    †   Pro Football Hall of Fame    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Draft trades

Roster moves

Departures

Position Player Tag 2014 Team Notes
SS Antoine Bethea UFA San Francisco 49ers Signed by San Francisco on March 11, 2014.[3]
RB Donald Brown UFA San Diego Chargers Signed by San Diego on March 12, 2014.[4]
LB Kavell Conner UFA San Diego Chargers Signed by San Diego on March 13, 2014.[5]
G Jeff Linkenbach UFA Kansas City Chiefs Signed by Kansas City on March 12, 2014.[6]
G Mike McGlynn UFA Washington Redskins Signed by Washington on March 28, 2014.[7]
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey UFA Pittsburgh Steelers Signed by Pittsburgh on April 2, 2014.[8]
CB Cassius Vaughn UFA Detroit Lions Signed by Detroit on April 7, 2014.[9]
LB Pat Angerer UFA Atlanta Falcons Signed by Atlanta on July 22, 2014.[10]

Additions

Position Player Tag 2013 Team Notes
T Jack Breckner UFA Iowa Barnstormers Signed by Indianapolis on February 5, 2014.[11]
LB Henoc Muamba UFA Winnipeg Blue Bombers Signed by Indianapolis on February 6, 2014.[12]
S David Sims UFA Philadelphia Eagles Signed by Indianapolis on February 10, 2014.[13]
LB D'Qwell Jackson UFA Cleveland Browns Signed by Indianapolis on March 6, 2014.[14]
DE Arthur Jones UFA Baltimore Ravens Signed by Indianapolis on March 11, 2014.[15]
C Phil Costa UFA Dallas Cowboys Signed by Indianapolis on March 13, 2014. (retired on April 21, 2014)[16]
WR Hakeem Nicks UFA New York Giants Signed by Indianapolis on March 15, 2014.[17]
FB Cameron White UFA None Signed by Indianapolis on April 17, 2014.[18]
S Colt Anderson UFA Philadelphia Eagles Signed by Indianapolis on April 21, 2014.[19]
CB Johnny Adams UFA Oakland Raiders Signed by Indianapolis on June 4, 2014.[20]
CB Brandon Burton WVR Cincinnati Bengals Claimed off of Waivers on June 12, 2014.[21]
S Mike Adams UFA Denver Broncos Signed by Indianapolis on June 16, 2014.[22]
NT Brandon McKinney UFA Indianapolis Colts Signed by Indianapolis on June 19, 2014.[23]
G Chad Anderson UFA Los Angeles Kiss Signed by Indianapolis on July 16, 2014.[24]
RB Davin Meggett UFA Winnipeg Blue Bombers Signed by Indianapolis on July 27, 2014.[25]
RB Phillip Tanner UFA Dallas Cowboys Signed by Indianapolis on July 29, 2014.[26]
LB Shawn Loiseau UFA Los Angeles Kiss Signed by Indianapolis on August 4, 2014.[27]
OLB Phillip Hunt UFA Philadelphia Eagles Signed by Indianapolis on August 5, 2014.[28]

Undrafted free agents

Position Player College
QB Seth Lobato Northern Colorado
RB Zurlon Tipton Central Michigan
WR Eric Thomas Troy
WR Ryan Lankford Illinois
WR Tony Washington Appalachian State
WR Greg Moore Lane College
WR Aaron Burks Boise State
WR Nu'Keese Richardson Upike
TE Erik Swoope Miami
C Jonotthan Harrison Florida
C FN Lutz Indiana State
G Marcus Hall Ohio State
G Josh Walker Middle Tennessee
T Eric Pike Towson
T Matt Hall Belhaven
DE Tyler Hoover Michigan State
DE Nnamdi Obukwelu Harvard
DE Gannon Conway Arizona State
NT Zach Kerr Delaware
LB Jonathon Sharpe North Greenville
CB Qua Cox Jackson State
CB Keon Lyn Syracuse
CB Loucheiz Purifoy Florida
CB Kameron Jackson Cal
S Dewey McDonald Calvulcans
K Cody Parkey Auburn

Suspensions

Robert Mathis

On May 16, it was announced the outside linebacker Robert Mathis was suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.[29] It was reported that Mathis took the drug Clomid, a male fertility drug.[29] Greg Aiello, a spokesperson for the league said that the drug was not approved for fertility use in males by the FDA and has been banned by the league for years.[29] It was announced on May 20 that the league would not hear Mathis' appeal on the suspension.[30]

LaRon Landry

On September 29, it was announced the safety LaRon Landry was suspended for four games of the season for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.[31]

Injuries

  • July 25: Running back Vick Ballard suffered a torn left Achilles tendon on the second day of training camp and was later placed on the injured reserve.[32]
  • July 31: Left guard Donald Thomas suffered a torn right quad during training camp, which required season ending surgery.[33]
  • September 8: Outside linebacker Robert Mathis suffered a torn Achilles tendon during a personal workout.[34] Mathis, who was suspended the first four game of the season, was later placed on the injured reserve and ruled out for the remainder of the season.[34]

Staff/Coaches

2014 Indianapolis Colts staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning


Final roster

2014 Indianapolis Colts roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Practice squad

Reserve

Rookies in italics
53 active, 15 reserve, 9 practice squad

Schedule

Preseason

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 August 7 at New York Jets L 10–13 0–1 MetLife Stadium Recap
2 August 16 New York Giants L 26–27 0–2 Lucas Oil Stadium Recap
3 August 23 New Orleans Saints L 17–23 0–3 Lucas Oil Stadium Recap
4 August 28 at Cincinnati Bengals L 7–35 0–4 Paul Brown Stadium Recap

Regular season

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 September 7 at Denver Broncos L 24–31 0–1 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
2 September 15 Philadelphia Eagles L 27–30 0–2 Lucas Oil Stadium Recap
3 September 21 at Jacksonville Jaguars W 44–17 1–2 EverBank Field Recap
4 September 28 Tennessee Titans W 41–17 2–2 Lucas Oil Stadium Recap
5 October 5 Baltimore Ravens W 20–13 3–2 Lucas Oil Stadium Recap
6 October 9 at Houston Texans W 33–28 4–2 NRG Stadium Recap
7 October 19 Cincinnati Bengals W 27–0 5–2 Lucas Oil Stadium Recap
8 October 26 at Pittsburgh Steelers L 34–51 5–3 Heinz Field Recap
9 November 3 at New York Giants W 40–24 6–3 MetLife Stadium Recap
10 Bye
11 November 16 New England Patriots L 20–42 6–4 Lucas Oil Stadium Recap
12 November 23 Jacksonville Jaguars W 23–3 7–4 Lucas Oil Stadium Recap
13 November 30 Washington Redskins W 49–27 8–4 Lucas Oil Stadium Recap
14 December 7 at Cleveland Browns W 25–24 9–4 FirstEnergy Stadium Recap
15 December 14 Houston Texans W 17–10 10–4 Lucas Oil Stadium Recap
16 December 21 at Dallas Cowboys L 7–42 10–5 AT&T Stadium Recap
17 December 28 at Tennessee Titans W 27–10 11–5 LP Field Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Postseason

See also: 2014–15 NFL playoffs
Playoff round Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
Wild Card January 4, 2015 Cincinnati Bengals (5) W 26–10 1–0 Lucas Oil Stadium Recap
Divisional January 11, 2015 at Denver Broncos (2) W 24–13 2–0 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
AFC Championship January 18, 2015 at New England Patriots (1) L 7–45 2–1 Gillette Stadium Recap

Game summaries

Regular season

Week 1: at Denver Broncos

Week One: Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 0 7 31424
Broncos 3 21 0731

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Game information

The Colts began the season on the road against the defending AFC champion Denver Broncos. The Colts began the game on offense, driving down to the Broncos' 36-yard line. However, following a delay of game penalty, they were forced to punt. Peyton Manning led the Broncos' offense on a 16-play drive, but would settle only for a field goal, giving Denver a 3–0 lead. An Andrew Luck interception on the Colts' ensuing offensive possession set the Broncos up at midfield and would lead to a touchdown on a pass from Manning to Julius Thomas to give the Broncos a 10–0 lead. After a three and out from the Colts' offense, Manning and the Broncos again take advantage and drive 83-yard to score on another Thomas touchdown reception. Late in the second quarter, the Broncos again scored on a touchdown pass from Manning to Thomas and extended Denver's lead to 24–0 with two minutes remaining in the half. The Colts put together an 8-play, 80-yard drive to end the half and scored their first points on a 9-yard run from Luck, making the score 24–7 in favor of Denver at halftime.[35]

The Broncos' began the second half on offense, though they were eventually forced to punt. After driving into the red zone on their first offensive possession of the half, the Colts' failed to convert a fourth down on the goal line and turned the ball over on downs. The Colts' next offensive possession would again stall in the red zone, with the Colts settling for an Adam Vinatieri field goal, cutting the Bronco lead to 24–10. A 48-yard drive early in the fourth quarter gave the Broncos as 31–10 lead after a Montee Ball touchdown run. The Colts would respond on their next drive with a touchdown pass from Luck to Dwayne Allen, cutting the Broncos' lead down to two scores. The Colts failed to take advantage of a recovered onside kick, after Luck threw an interception in Broncos' territory. After the Colts defense forced a three and out, Luck again drove the Colts down to the goal line, eventually scoring on a touchdown pass to Hakeem Nicks. After again stopping the Broncos' offense, the Colts received the ball with a little under three minutes remaining in the game and a change to tie the game. Though the Colts would drive into Bronco territory, the drive would end after a failed fourth down pass attempt from Luck to Reggie Wayne.[35] With the loss, the Colts began the season with an 0–1 record.

Week 2: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Week Two: Philadelphia Eagles at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Eagles 3 3 141030
Colts 7 10 3727

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

Game information

After losing to the Broncos in the season opener, the Colts faced the Philadelphia Eagles in their first home game of the season on Monday night. After a three and out on the Colts' opening possession, the Eagles, led by quarterback Nick Foles, drove down the field and settled for a 31-yard field goal to give them an early 3–0 lead. On their ensuing offensive drive, the Colts drove 72 yards in nine plays and scored on an Andrew Luck touchdown pass to Ahmad Bradshaw, giving the Colts their first lead at 7–3. The Colts extended their lead early in the second quarter on a 46-yard Adam Vinatieri field goal to 10–3. Later in the second quarter, the Eagles closed the gap after a 23-yard field goal from Cody Parkey. The next Colts possession ended in a Luck touchdown pass to Jack Doyle, extending their lead to 17–6 at halftime.[36]

The Colts scored on their second offensive possession of the third quarter, with a field goal from Vinatieri, giving the Colts a two possession lead at 20–6. Philadelphia responded on their next drive after driving 80 yards in seven plays and scoring on 1-yard touchdown run from LeSean McCoy, making the score 20–13. After a fumble by running back Trent Richardson on the Colts next offensive possession, set up the Eagles to tie the game on a 19-yard touchdown run from Darren Sproles. On the first possession of the fourth quarter, the Colts offense drive 80 yards to reclaim the lead on a pass from Luck to Bradshaw and giving the Colts a 27–20 lead. The Colts failed to put away the Eagles, after Luck threw an interception during a play that involved a controversial no-call penalty on the Colts next offensive drive, which set up a five play drive, that allowed the Eagles to tie the game at 27–27.[37] After a three and out on the next Colts possession, the Eagles took possession of the ball at their own forty yard line. Foles and the Eagles offense drove 42 yards to the Colts 18 yard line, with Parkey hitting a 36-yard field goal as time expired, which gave the Eagles the 30–27 victory.[36] With the loss, the Colts dropped to 0–2 for only the third time since 1998.

Week 3: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Week Three: Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 10 20 01444
Jaguars 0 0 31417

at EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

Game information

After back-to-back losses to begin the season, the Colts faced their AFC South rival, the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts opened the game on offense and put together a twelve play, 50-yard drive that ended in an Adam Vinatieri field goal, giving the Colts an early 3–0 lead. Following a three and out forced by the Colts defense, Andrew Luck again drove the offense down the field, this time scoring on a touchdown throw Ahmad Bradshaw, extending the Colts' lead to 10–0 at the end of the first quarter. The Colts again extended their lead early in the second quarter on a pass from Luck to Dwayne Allen. The Jaguars were again stopped by the Colts defense on their next offensive possession, with the Colts defense preventing the Jaguars for converting a first down on their first three possessions. The Colts' offense, though they would deep into Jaguars' territory, were forced to settle for Vinatieri field goals on their next two offensive possessions, giving them a 23–0 lead. After a fumble recovery by Darius Butler late in the first half, they were set up with good field position in Jaguars territory. A Luck touchdown pass to Coby Fleener extended the Colts' lead to 30–0 at halftime.[38]

After struggling to move the ball in the first half, the Jaguars replaced quarterback Chad Henne with rookie Blake Bortles. The Jaguars were able to convert a first down on their first drive of the half, though they were forced to punt following a penalty that sent them back to midfield. On the Jaguars' next possession, they again drove into Colts' territory, enough to get their first points of the game on a 41-yard field goal from Josh Scobee. At the end of the third quarter, the Colts continued to hold a commanding 30–3 lead. The Colts scored their first points of the second half on a pass from Luck to Hakeem Nicks early in the fourth quarter. Bortles threw his first career touchdown pass on the Jaguars' next possession, throwing it to Allen Hurns. With the large lead late in the game, the Colts replaced Luck with backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. Late in the fourth quarter the Colts defense extended the lead, with an interception returned for a touchdown by Greg Toler. A Bortles pass to Cecil Shorts III was the last scoring play of the game, giving the Colts the 44–17 win.[38]

At the end of the game, Andrew Luck completed 31 of 39 pass attempts for 370 yards and four touchdown passes, which earned him the honor of AFC Offensive Player of the Week.[39] The game marked the first win of the season for the Colts and improved their overall record to 1–2.

Week 4: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week Four: Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Titans 0 10 7017
Colts 14 6 14741

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: September 28
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 78 °F (26 °C), partly sunny (retractable roof open)
  • Game attendance: 64,757
  • Referee: Jerome Boger
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) and Rich Gannon (color commentator)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Following their first win of the season, the Colts faced another divisional rival in the Tennessee Titans. After being forced to punt on their first offensive drive, the Colts' defense forced a fumble that was recovered by Ricky Jean-Francois and set up the Colts inside Titan territory. After a 37-yard pass from quarterback Andrew Luck to T. Y. Hilton set the Colts up at the one yard line, Trent Richardson scored on the next play, putting the Colts up 7–0. An onside kick gave the ball back to the Colts, which led to an eleven play, 44-yard drive that ended in a touchdown pass from Luck to Dwayne Allen. The Colts' defense again forced a turnover on the Titans' next possession, with Charlie Whitehurst throwing an interception to Mike Adams. Luck and the Colts' offense again drove down the field, though this time having to settle for a field goal, extending the lead to 17–0. Tennessee scored their first points midway through the second quarter on a Ryan Succop. The Colts responded on their next possession with a 30-yard field goal from Adam Vinatieri. A Luck interception late in the half, set up the Titans in Colts' territory and allowed them to score on a pass from Whitehurst to Delanie Walker, cutting the Colts' lead to 20–10 at halftime.[40]

The Colts' scored on their first offensive possession of the second half, on a 28-yard touchdown pass from Luck to Reggie Wayne and then later in the quarter on a pass from Luck to Coby Fleener, extending the Colts' lead to 34–10. Tennessee responded with an eight play, 80-yard drive that ended with a touchdown run from Bishop Sankey. Luck completed his fourth touchdown pass of the game early in the fourth quarter, this time on a 15-yard pass to Ahmad Bradshaw, giving the Colts a 41–17 lead. Late in the game, Adams again forced another turnover, with Zach Mettenberger throwing the interception.[40]

During the game, Reggie Wayne caught seven passes for 119 yards and one touchdown, which was enough to move him to seventh on the NFL all-time receptions list and tenth on the most receiving yards list.[41] With the win, the Colts improved to 2–2.

Week 5: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Week Five: Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Ravens 0 3 01013
Colts 3 3 7720

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: October 5
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C), sunny (retractable roof open)
  • Game attendance: 65,258
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) and Rich Gannon (color commentator)
  • Recap Gamebook
Game information

Following back to back wins over division rivals, the Colts' returned to Lucas Oil Stadium to face the Baltimore Ravens. Andrew Luck and the Colts' offense drove 59 yards on their first offensive possession, with the drive ending on a turnover after the Colts failed to convert a fourth down. On the first play of the Ravens' offensive possession, Steve Smith fumbled the ball, which was then recovered by Montori Hughes of the Colts. The Colts settled for a 38-yard field goal by Adam Vinatieri, giving then an early 3–0 lead. A muffed punt return by Jacoby Jones resulted in a second Ravens' turnover, however, on the ensuing Colts' drive, Haloti Ngata intercepted Luck, their first turnover of the game. After a stalled Ravens' drive early in the second quarter, the Colts drove 70 yards in 20 plays, though they again settled for a Vinatieri. The Ravens responded, scoring on a 52-yard field goal from Justin Tucker as time expired, cutting the Colts' lead to 6–3 at halftime.[42]

The Ravens opened the second half on offense and committed their third turnover on a Joe Flacco interception by Vontae Davis. The Colts' took advantage of the turnover, by scoring their first touchdown on a Luck touchdown pass from Dwayne Allen, giving them a 13–3 lead. The Ravens' defense again stepped up later in the third quarter, forcing the Colts' second turnover on a Luck interception by C.J. Mosley, which resulted in a second Tucker field goal. The Colts again extended their lead early in the fourth quarter on a Luck touchdown run, which gave the Colts a two possession lead at 20–6. The Ravens closed the gap again on their ensuing possession, Justin Forsett 11-yard touchdown run, cutting the lead back to one possession. After driving down to the Ravens' 10-yard line, Colts running back Ahmad Bradshaw fumbled the ball, giving the Ravens possession with under two minutes remaining in the game. The Colts' defense forced a turnover on downs and sealed the 20–13 win.[42] With the win, the Colts improved to 3–2.

Week 6: at Houston Texans

Week Six: Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 24 3 6033
Texans 0 14 7728

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

Following three straight wins, the Colts traveled to NRG Stadium for a divisional matchup against the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football. The Colts' defense forced a three and out on the first possession of the game. The Colts settled for a 27-yard Adam Vinatieri field goal to give them a 3–0 lead. Following a recovered onside kick by the Colts, the Colts scored in two plays on a Trent Richardson touchdown run. On the Colts' next offensive drive, they scored on a touchdown pass from Andrew Luck to Ahmad Bradshaw, extending their lead to 17–0. A Coby Fleener touchdown pass from Luck capped off the first quarter, with the Colts leading 24–0. After failing to convert a first down the entire first quarter, the Texans moved the chains on their first possession of the second quarter, and following an 11-play drive, scored their first points on a touchdown pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick to Andre Johnson. Houston linebacker Justin Tuggle intercepted Luck on the Colts' next offensive possession, which set up a 3-play, 26-yard drive that ended with an Arian Foster touchdown run, closing Colts' lead to 24–14. The Colts responded with a 15-play drive that ended in a Vinatieri field goal, and extended their lead to 27–14 going into halftime.[43]

The Texans scored the first points on the second half on their offensive possession, scoring on another Foster touchdown run, which cut the Colts lead to one possession. Luck and the Colts responded on their ensuing possession, driving 80 yards and scoring on a 33-yard touchdown pass from Luck to T. Y. Hilton. After a failed two-point conversion attempt, the Colts led 33–21 at the end of the third quarter. Midway through the fourth quarter, Texans' defensive end J. J. Watt forced a fumble that was returned for 45-yards for a touchdown and again closing the Colts' lead to one possession. Fumbles on the two ensuing Texan possessions ensured the Colts' 33–28 win.[43]

Punter Pat McAfee was recognized for his league best 44.8 yard punt average, as well as his third successful onside kick of the season, by being named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.[44] With the win, the Colts improved to 4–2, winning four straight games, as well as their tenth straight win within the division, dating back to the 2012 season.[45]

Week 7: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Week Seven: Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bengals 0 0 000
Colts 3 7 71027

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: October 19
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 49 °F (9 °C), partly sunny (retractable roof open)
  • Game attendance: 66,539
  • Referee: Gene Steratore
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Dan Fouts (color commentator) and Jenny Dell (sideline reporter)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

The Colts franchise reached its 500th win, counting regular season and playoffs.

Colts offense playing against the Bengals.

Week 8: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week Eight: Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 3 17 14034
Steelers 7 28 7951

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: October 26
  • Game time: 4:25 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 62,479
  • Referee: John Parry
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Phil Simms (color commentator) and Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporter)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Week 9: at New York Giants

Week Nine: Indianapolis Colts at New York Giants – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 3 13 21340
Giants 0 3 71424

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

  • Date: November 3
  • Game time: 8:30 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C), mostly clear
  • Game attendance: 77,975
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Jon Gruden (color commentator) and Lisa Salters (sideline reporter)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Week 11: vs. New England Patriots

Week Eleven: New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Patriots 7 7 141442
Colts 3 7 3720

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: November 16
  • Game time: 8:30 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 66,751
  • Referee: Pete Morelli
  • TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (color commentator) and Michele Tafoya (sideline reporter)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Week 12: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week Twelve: Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Jaguars 3 0 003
Colts 3 3 14323

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: November 23
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 64,328
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Tom McCarthy (play-by-play) and Chris Simms (color commentator)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Week 13: vs. Washington Redskins

Week Thirteen: Washington Redskins at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Redskins 3 7 14327
Colts 7 14 21749

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: November 30
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 65,352
  • Referee: John Parry
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert (play-by-play), Daryl Johnston (color commentator) and Tony Siragusa (sideline reporter)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Week 14: at Cleveland Browns

Week Fourteen: Indianapolis Colts at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 0 7 9925
Browns 7 7 7324

at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

Week 15: vs. Houston Texans

Week Fifteen: Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Texans 7 0 0310
Colts 0 14 0317

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: December 14
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 65,148
  • Referee: Gene Steratore
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) and Rich Gannon (color commentator)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

With the win, the Colts clinched the AFC South title for a second consecutive season while improving to 10–4 and 13–0 against the Texans at home.

Week 16: at Dallas Cowboys

Week Sixteen: Indianapolis Colts at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 0 0 077
Cowboys 14 14 7742

at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

  • Date: December 21
  • Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST/3:25 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 91,899
  • Referee: Bill Leavy
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Phil Simms (color commentator) and Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporter)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Week 17: at Tennessee Titans

Week Seventeen: Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 7 10 01027
Titans 0 7 3010

at LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee

  • Date: December 28
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 40 °F (4 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 69,143
  • Referee: Tony Corrente
  • TV announcers (CBS): Tom McCarthy (play-by-play) and Adam Archuleta (color commentator)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

With the win, the Colts finished the season 11–5 for the third straight year, good enough for the AFC's #4 seed. This would be their 13th straight win over a division rival as they improved to 16–2 against divisional opponents overall under Andrew Luck.

Postseason

See also: 2014–15 NFL playoffs

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: vs. #5 Cincinnati Bengals

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: (#5) Cincinnati Bengals at (#4) Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bengals 7 3 0010
Colts 7 6 10326

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

Game information

AFC Divisional Playoffs: at #2 Denver Broncos

AFC Divisional Playoffs: (#4) Indianapolis Colts at (#2) Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 0 14 7324
Broncos 7 3 0313

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: January 11, 2015
  • Game time: 4:40 p.m. EST/2:40 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 40 °F (4 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 76,867
  • Referee: Bill Leavy
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Phil Simms (color commentator) and Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporter)
  • Recap, Game book
Game information

AFC Championship: at #1 New England Patriots

AFC Championship: (#4) Indianapolis Colts at (#1) New England Patriots – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 0 7 007
Patriots 14 3 21745

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: January 18, 2015
  • Game time: 6:40 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 51 °F (11 °C), rain
  • Game attendance: 68,756
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Phil Simms (color commentator) and Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporter)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Standings

Division

AFC South
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(4) Indianapolis Colts 11 5 0 .688 6–0 9–3 458 369 W1
Houston Texans 9 7 0 .563 4–2 8–4 372 307 W2
Jacksonville Jaguars 3 13 0 .188 1–5 2–10 249 412 L1
Tennessee Titans 2 14 0 .125 1–5 2–10 254 438 L10

Conference

AFC[46][47]
# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division leaders
1[a] New England Patriots East 12 4 0 .750 4–2 9–3 .514 .487 L1
2[a] Denver Broncos West 12 4 0 .750 6–0 10–2 .521 .484 W1
3[b] Pittsburgh Steelers North 11 5 0 .688 4–2 9–3 .451 .486 W4
4[b] Indianapolis Colts South 11 5 0 .688 6–0 9–3 .479 .372 W1
Wild Cards
5 Cincinnati Bengals North 10 5 1 .656 3–3 7–5 .498 .425 L1
6 Baltimore Ravens North 10 6 0 .625 3–3 6–6 .475 .378 W1
Did not qualify for the postseason
7[c] Houston Texans South 9 7 0 .563 4–2 8–4 .447 .299 W2
8[c] Kansas City Chiefs West 9 7 0 .563 3–3 7–5 .512 .500 W1
9[c] San Diego Chargers West 9 7 0 .563 2–4 6–6 .512 .403 L1
10[c] Buffalo Bills East 9 7 0 .563 4–2 5–7 .516 .486 W1
11 Miami Dolphins East 8 8 0 .500 3–3 6–6 .512 .406 L1
12 Cleveland Browns North 7 9 0 .438 2–4 4–8 .479 .371 L5
13 New York Jets East 4 12 0 .250 1–5 4–8 .543 .375 W1
14[d] Jacksonville Jaguars South 3 13 0 .188 1–5 2–10 .514 .313 L1
15[d] Oakland Raiders West 3 13 0 .188 1–5 2–10 .570 .542 L1
16 Tennessee Titans South 2 14 0 .125 1–5 2–10 .506 .375 L10
Tiebreakers[e]
  1. ^ a b New England defeated Denver head-to-head (Week 9, 43–21).
  2. ^ a b Pittsburgh defeated Indianapolis head-to-head (Week 8, 51–34).
  3. ^ a b c d Kansas City finished ahead of San Diego in the AFC West based on head-to-head sweep (Week 7, 23–20; Week 17, 19–7).
    Houston finished ahead of Kansas City and Buffalo based on conference record.
    Kansas City finished ahead of Buffalo based on head-to-head victory (Week 10, 17–13).
    San Diego finished ahead of Buffalo based on head-to-head victory (Week 3, 22–10).
  4. ^ a b Jacksonville finished ahead of Oakland based on record vs. common opponents (1–4 to 0–5).
  5. ^ 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.

References

  1. ^ Pro-Football-Reference.com: From 1970 to 2015, any team, vs. any team, in the regular season, streaks of games with at least 300 Passing Yards
  2. ^ Wagoner, Nick (January 11, 2014). "Rams-related playoff notes: Divisional round". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 15, 2014. Indianapolis cornerback Josh Gordy, whom the Rams receive a seventh-round draft choice for this year from a 2012 trade, made a big play to keep the Colts alive and will play the Patriots tonight.
  3. ^ Josh Wilson (March 11, 2014). "Antoine Bethea Signs with the 49ers". stampedeblue.com. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
  4. ^ Williams, Eric D. (March 12, 2014). "Chargers agree with Donald Brown". espn.go.com. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
  5. ^ Williams, Eric D. (March 13, 2014). "Bolts, Kavell Conner agree to 3-year deal". espn.go.com. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
  6. ^ Herbie Teope (March 12, 2014). "Chiefs sign LB Joe Mays, OL Jeff Linkenbach". chiefsspin.com. Archived from the original on March 20, 2014. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
  7. ^ Darin Gantt (March 28, 2014). "Redskins sign veteran center Mike McGlynn". profootballtalk/nbcsports. Retrieved April 12, 2014.
  8. ^ John Breech (April 2, 2014). "Steelers sign WR Darrius Heyward-Bey to one-year deal". Retrieved April 12, 2014.
  9. ^ Associated Press (April 7, 2014). "Lions sign CB Cassius Vaughn to 1-year contract". Retrieved June 2, 2014.
  10. ^ Josh Alper (July 22, 2014). "Pat Angerer signs with Falcons". Retrieved July 25, 2014.
  11. ^ Josh Wilson (February 5, 2014). "Colts Sign offensive lineman Jack Breckner". Stampede Blue. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  12. ^ Josh Wilson (February 6, 2014). "Colts Sign former CFL linebacker Henoc Muamba". Stampede Blue. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  13. ^ coltsindianapolis (February 10, 2014). "INDIANAPOLIS COLTS SIGN S-DAVID SIMS". colts.com. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  14. ^ The Sports Network (March 6, 2014). "Colts Sign D'Qwell Jackson". 11alive.com. Retrieved March 19, 2014.[permanent dead link‍]
  15. ^ Michael David Smith (March 11, 2014). "Colts announce Arthur Jones has signed". profootballtalk.nbcsports.com. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
  16. ^ Josh Alper (March 13, 2014). "Phil Costa signs with Colts". profootballtalk.nbcsports.com. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
  17. ^ ESPN.com news services (March 15, 2014). "Colts, Hakeem Nicks reach deal". abcnews.go.com. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
  18. ^ Aaron Wilson (April 17, 2014). "Colts sign fullbacks Stephen Campbell, Cameron White". nationalfootballpost.com. Archived from the original on June 21, 2014. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  19. ^ Josh Alper (April 21, 2014). "Colts sign Colt Anderson". nbcsports. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  20. ^ The Sports Xchange (April 4, 2014). "Colts sign CB Adams, C Lutz". yahoo! sports. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
  21. ^ Aaron Wilson (June 12, 2014). "Colts claim Brandon Burton, cut Marcus Hall". nationalfootballpost. Archived from the original on 2014-06-14. Retrieved June 16, 2014.
  22. ^ Stephen Holder (June 17, 2014). "Mike Adams expects to start at safety for Colts". indystar. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
  23. ^ Josh Alper (June 19, 2014). "Colts bring back Brandon McKinney". nbcsports. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  24. ^ Mike Wilkening (July 16, 2014). "Colts sign offensive guard Chad Anderson". nbcsports. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
  25. ^ Josh Alper (July 27, 2014). "Colts sign a running back". nbcsports. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
  26. ^ Darin Grantt (July 27, 2014). "Colts sign a pair, including Phillip Tanner". nbcsports. Retrieved August 3, 2014.
  27. ^ Colts Media Relations (August 4, 2014). "Colts Sign Linebacker Shawn Loiseau". wane.com. Retrieved August 10, 2014.
  28. ^ Brandon Lee Gowton (August 5, 2014). "Indianapolis Colts sign former Philadelphia Eagles pass rusher Phillip Hung". bleedinggreennation.com. Retrieved August 10, 2014.
  29. ^ a b c Rosenthal, Gregg (May 16, 2014). "Colts' Robert Mathis suspended four games for PED". NFL.com. Retrieved October 7, 2014.
  30. ^ Holder, Stephen (May 20, 2014). "NFL commissioner declined to hear Mathis appeal". Indianapolis Star. Retrieved October 7, 2014.
  31. ^ Sessler, Marc (September 29, 2014). "LaRon Landry suspended four games for PED violation". NFL.com. Retrieved October 7, 2014.
  32. ^ Holder, Stephen (July 25, 2014). "Colts RB Vick Ballard likely out for the season". Indianapolis Star. Retrieved October 7, 2014.
  33. ^ Chappell, Mike (July 31, 2014). "Colts' Donald Thomas out for season with torn quad". Indianapolis Star. Retrieved October 7, 2014.
  34. ^ a b Hanzus, Dan (September 8, 2014). "Colts' Robert Mathis tears Achilles, out for season". NFL.com. Retrieved October 7, 2014.
  35. ^ a b "Peyton Manning keys Broncos' first-half romp before Colts' rally falters". ESPN. September 8, 2014. Retrieved September 9, 2014.
  36. ^ a b "Nick Foles steady in clutch to rally Eagles past Andrew Luck, Colts". ESPN. September 15, 2014. Retrieved September 21, 2014.
  37. ^ Wells, Mike (September 16, 2014). "Bad play call and bad no-call cost Colts". ESPN. Retrieved September 21, 2014.
  38. ^ a b "Andrew Luck throws 4 TDs, leads Colts to 1st win of season". ESPN. September 21, 2014. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  39. ^ Sessler, Marc (September 24, 2014). "Matt Ryan, Andrew Luck lead Week 3 Players of Week". NFL.com. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  40. ^ a b "Wayne's big day helps Colts rout Titans 41–17". ESPN. September 28, 2014. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
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  43. ^ a b "Andrew Luck, Colts hold on against J.J. Watt (return TD), Texans". ESPN. October 9, 2014. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
  44. ^ Orr, Conor (October 15, 2014). "Tyron Smith, Joe Flacco headline Players of the Week". NFL.com. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
  45. ^ Holder, Stephen (October 10, 2014). "Insider: Colts survive wake up call in Houston". Indianapolis Star. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
  46. ^ "2014 Conference Standings". NFL.com. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  47. ^ "2014 NFL playoff picture". CBS Sports. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
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