Indianapolis Colts lose on the road to Denver Broncos, 34-20

The Indianapolis Colts open the season 0-2 for the third straight year following a 34-20 loss at the hands of the Denver Broncos.

The final score won’t show you how close this game really was on Sunday. The Colts had a chance to steal the win, but it didn’t last very long.

Down six with just under two minutes left to play, the Colts had the ball at their own 25. But their hopes of a last second victory died immediately. Super Bowl MVP Von Miller slid past right tackle Joe Reitz too easily to strip the ball from Andrew Luck‘s hands, and it was picked up for the Denver touchdown.

A two point conversion wrapped it up for the Broncos.

Luck struggled for most of the afternoon, but looked prime for another late game rally bringing the Colts to within three late in the fourth. Luck completed just 21-of-40 passes for 197 yards and a touchdown. He also threw a pick six and was sacked five times.

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Luck still managed to distribute the ball evenly, completing two or more passes to five different receivers with eight players catching his attempts. Luck’s receivers struggled to get open, but Luck’s accuracy left a lot to be desired this afternoon.

Once again, the ground game was largely non-existent. Gore had 44 yards on a 3.4 yard per carry average to go along with an impressive touchdown reception late in the game.

To their credit, the Colts defense played well this afternoon despite suffering more injuries and having a crippling talent deficiency. The Colts gave up just 20 points to the Broncos on defense, with 14 more coming off Denver defensive scores. The problem is that the Colts simply don’t have any impact players on this side of the ball.

Darius Butler had an interception, and would have easily had a touchdown had he not pulled his hamstring on the return. Robert Mathis was inches away from a few strip-sacks, but couldn’t connect (much like last week).

The Colts really needed a repeat of Luck’s Week 1 performance, and had he given that, they would have won easily. Luck didn’t look comfortable till the Colts were down two scores and didn’t have the chance to put the team in the win column.

Up next, the Colts will host the Chargers.