Top-5 Greatest Colts Games of the Manning/Luck Era

5. September 14th, 2008 vs. Minnesota

This pick may be slightly biased, being this is the only Colts game I have attended in person. However, I think I can make a compelling argument for this game because it was a great one.

As I sat in the nosebleeds of the old Metrodome, I watched the Colts, then led by Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, and Dallas Clark get down by 15 points to a very average Vikings team. The Colts defense was holding fairly well, giving up only five field goals to Ryan Longwell. Surprisingly, it was the Colts offense that had trouble as Manning threw two interceptions in that game.

Down by 15 with just over a minute left in the third quarter the Colts were able to score on a goal line run by Joseph Addai, giving them some momentum going into the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter featured stagnant offense from both sides, but the Colts were able to strike with about six minutes remaining as Manning found Wayne in the end zone for a touchdown, a much needed one. The Colts were faced with a decision of whether or not to go for two to tie the game of kick the extra point to be down one. Coach Tony Dungy elected for the two point try and Dominic Rhodes made the conversion successful on the ground.

The Colts had a tough time stopping Adrian Peterson all afternoon, but they were able to finally do so late in the fourth forcing a punt. The punt return was decent, but really helped the Colts was an unnecessary roughness penalty on Minnesota, putting Manning and the Colts well within striking distance with just over a minute left to play.

Manning then completed a huge 20 yard pass to Wayne that put the Colts on the Viking’s 29 yard line with eight seconds remaining. Coach Dungy then elected to bring on the always clutch Adam Vinatieri, who drilled the 47 yard attempt, giving the Colts the lead and ultimately the victory 18-15.

As the Metrodome fell silent, there was one person who was not and that one was me. Needless to say, I was looking over my shoulder the whole way out of the Dome that day.

Click here for a link to the highlights.

Next: Number 4: The Call