The Indianapolis Colts needed another fourth quarter rally to notch their first win of the season. But thanks to a late San Diego Chargers fumble, the Colts managed to get in the win column, 26-22.
What started out as a one-sided affair turned into a dog fight this afternoon. The Colts were off to a great start against the Chargers with a 10-0 lead. A horrendous throw from Andrew Luck set up a San Diego field goal and not long after that Luck was held up for a strip-sack that was returned for a touchdown. In the blink of an eye, the Colts were heading into the half tied with San Diego.
Coach Chuck Pagano opted run out the clock with over 50 seconds left and two timeouts. The Chargers got the ball to start the third and marched down the field to take the lead. A missed extra point attempt allowed the Colts to take a one point lead heading into the fourth.
Luck needed a fourth down completion to keep hope alive, but luckily he had T.Y. Hilton. Two plays later, Luck found Hilton in the middle for the 63-yard game winning touchdown.
Luck finished the day 24-for-37 for 331 yards and a touchdown. He also had the two turnovers. At times Luck looked dialed in and picked apart the Chargers. Other times he struggled to feel the pressure the Chargers were bringing.
Hilton gave the Colts a monster game with eight receptions for 174 yards and the game winning TD. A number of his receptions are sure to make the nightly highlight reel.
Frank Gore seemed well on his way to breaking the Colts 100-yard rusher drought. He had over 70 in the first half alone but the shutdown in the second half as the Chargers started stacking the box. Gore finished with 81 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown.
On defense, Erik Walden was one of the few players to make big plays. He notched two sack and had a forced fumble as well. Clayton Geathers also played the full afternoon and was all over the field. Geathers forced the game sealing fumble on the Chargers final drive.
This marked the first game on the season for Henry Anderson and Vontae Davis. Both players are still working to get back to 100-percent but when healthy are the team’s best defenders.
Up next, the Colts head to London to face the Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3).