Colts Roar Back Against Giants, Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

The Colts defeated the New York Giants 28-27 in a thriller. For 59 minutes, the Colts trailed the Giants. Late in the fourth quarter, an Andrew Luck touchdown on the goal line to Chester Rogers put the Colts up one point. On the ensuing Giant drive, Malik Hooker netted his first interception of the season, which could not have come at a better time. The Colts did not play a good game today. The Giants came out and punched them in the mouth but Indy never stopped battling and kept their playoff hopes alive.

Andrew Luck started off slow, throwing a gimme interception in the back of the end zone on a miscommunication. He ended strong, though, leading the game-winning drive that sealed the win for the Colts. Luck threw for 357 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. More impressively is the fact that Luck rallied the troops without Ryan Kelly and Eric Ebron, who both sustained injuries in this game. T.Y. Hilton dominated once again, catching seven passes for 138 yards. Chester Rogers had a fantastic day, catching seven balls for 54 yards and the game-winning touchdown. Marlon Mack only netted 34 yards but ran for a huge touchdown.

Andrew Luck started off slow, throwing a gimme interception in the back of the end zone on a miscommunication. He ended strong, though, leading the game-winning drive that sealed the win for the Colts. Luck threw for 357 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. More impressively is the fact that Luck rallied the troops without Ryan Kelly and Eric Ebron, who both sustained injuries in this game. T.Y. Hilton dominated once again, catching seven passes for 138 yards. Chester Rogers had a fantastic day, catching seven balls for 54 yards and the game-winning touchdown. Marlon Mack only netted 34 yards but ran for a huge touchdown.

• Grading the 2021 Offseason for the AFC’s 2020 Playoff Teams
• The Indianapolis Colts Have Something the Rest of the AFC South Doesn’t
• Miami Faces WHO? Toughest Games on Dolphins’ 2021-22 Schedule
• What If Andrew Luck Hadn’t Retired? We Asked The Colts’ Jim Irsay
• Just For Kicks: Adam Vinatieri Officially Call It a Career

Playing in Lucas Oil Stadium, Eli Manning channeled the spirit of his brother, dicing up the Colts’ secondary for most of the game. Doing his best Peyton impression, Eli was sharp against a Colt defense that had been the best scoring defense in the NFL since week seven, passing for 309 yards and a touchdown before ending the game with an interception.

The Colts, who have not allowed a 100-yard rusher all season, held the dynamic rookie Saquon Barkley mostly in check. He rushed 21 times for 43 yards and a touchdown and caught five passes for 34 yards. Evan Engram was a matchup nightmare, catching six passes for 87 yards. Sterling Shepard put on his Odell Beckham mask, amassing 113 yards on six catches.

Darius Leonard racked up nine tackles, pacing the team once again. George Odum had a spectacular day in relief of Clayton Geathers, recording nine tackles, defending the run well. Matthew Adams did a nice job filling in for Anthony Walker, recording three tackles for loss. Pierre Desir deflected a pass and covered well all day and Malik Hooker finally caught his first pick of the season.

This win keeps the Colts’ playoff hopes alive. In order to make it in, the Colts need to beat the Titans next week and the Steelers or Ravens have to lose once. Fingers crossed.

Ben Pfeifer is the Managing Editor of the Colts for Full Press Coverage, the AFC South Division Editor, and head NBA editor. Want to continue the discussion? Contact Ben Pfeifer on Twitter @Ben_Pfeifer_, @FPC_NBA and @FPC_Colts.