Indianapolis Colts Remain Solid at Home

In front of their 85th-consecutive sellout crowd, the Indianapolis Colts (7-4) held off the competitive Buffalo Bills (4-7), to help solidify their standings in the AFC wild card playoff race. With the win, the Colts move to 5-1 at home this season.

The Colts have been fighting hard at home, and on Sunday, were assisted to the win by strong play on all sides of the ball. The Colts’ 20-13 win included a passing score by the offense, as well as two field goals and a special teams score on a punt return. It had been 76 games (and almost exactly five years) since the Colts had scored a touchdown on a punt return, but the much-needed points were welcomed as better late than never.

The Indianapolis defense, which has been struggling to cause turnovers all season, only had one interception against the Bills on Sunday. Safety Tom Zbikowski intercepted a pass by Ryan Fitzpatrick, but negated the turnover by fumbling the ball away soon afterwards, and giving possession back to the Bills. The Colts still kept Buffalo held to only 13 points, which is the fourth time this season that the Indianapolis defense has given up 13 points or less this season.

The Colts have held home court well so far this season. Indianapolis is firmly entrenched in the playoff race, and with Sunday’s win, has all-but eliminated the Buffalo Bills from playoff contention. The Colts continue to impress, but still must learn to win on the road more often, if they expect to make their presence felt in the postseason.