INDIANAPOLIS –First Quarter Recap
The Colts won the toss and elected to defer.
A promising opening drive for the Bears halted in Colts' territory because of penalties. Connor Barth knocked home a 35-yard field goal to cap the 12-play drive. Chicago's lead was 3-0 at the 8:24 mark of the first quarter.
Indianapolis would respond with their own field goal, using some muddle huddle for a quicker pace to start the game. A 54-yarder from Adam Vinatieri tied the score up at 3. The make from Vinny was his eight straight from at least 50 yards.
The first quarter came to a close with the Colts penetrating deep in Chicago territory, thanks to contributions from Quan Bray and Frank Gore.
At the end of the first quarter, the score was tied 3-3.Second Quarter Recap
Overcoming two penalties, the Colts found the end zone on a fourth-and-goal from the one-yard line. A play-action fake to Frank Gore, sprung a wide open Dwayne Allen for the touchdown reception. The Colts took the lead 10-3 with 12:58 left in the first half. A 21-yard completion to Jacoby Brissett was a critical third-and-12 conversion on the touchdown drive.
The scoring was frequent in this Week Five contest. Connor Barth's 49-yard field goal cut the Indy lead to 10-6 with 8:22 left in the first half.
After the next Colts' drive, the teams combined for scores on five of the game's first six series. Adam Vinatieri connected on a 53-yard field goal, marking his 35th straight make. The lead for the Colts was 13-6 with 6:08 left in the second.
The first-half fireworks did not stop. Chicago drove quickly thanks to a 57-yard run by rookie back Jordan Howard. Brian Hoyer tossed a corner route touchdown to Cameron Meredith for the score. The score was back tied at 13 with 3:35 left in the first half.
Some improvisation from Andrew Luck and T.Y. Hilton added one more score for the Colts before half. Adam Vinatieri's 26-yard field goal gave the Colts a 16-13 lead with 11 second remaining in the first half.
At halftime, the Colts led the Bears 16-13.Third Quarter Recap
After all the scoring drives in the first half, the Colts and Bears exchanged punts to start the third quarter.
The Colts then put together an 11-play drive with Adam Vinatieri capping it via a 41-yard field goal. The lead was 19-13 with 5:52 remaining in the third quarter.
Chicago looked to be on the verge of cutting into the lead. But kicker Connor Barth missed a 54-yard field goal and then again from 49 yards out, after a penalty had given the Bears a mulligan.
With pretty good field position, the Colts could not take advantage. Pat McAfee's punt came after a three-and-out.
To end the third, the Bears put together a really strong drive deep into Colts' territory.
At the end of the third quarter, the Colts led the Bears 19-13.Fourth Quarter Recap
Connor Barth's 24-yard field goal trimmed the Indy lead in half. The Colts' lead was 19-16 with 13:31 remaining.
Another punt from the Colts would follow, but Pat McAfee did flip field position significantly with a 74-yarder.
The big punt from McAfee wouldn't matter. The Bears drove 96 yards with Brian Hoyer finding rookie Jordan Howard in the middle of the field for a 21-yard touchdown. Chicago re-took the lead, 23-19, with 7:04 left.
Needing a jolt, the Colts turned to their best playmaker. A 35-yard touchdown pass from Andrew Luck to T.Y. Hilton sent the lead back to the home sideline. Hilton's touchdown gave him 10 grabs for 171 yards on the afternoon.
The Colts then got the defensive play of the day so far. Cornerback Rashaan Melvin stripped Bears wideout Cameron Meredith and D'Qwell Jackson jumped on the loose ball. The Colts had the football at the Chicago 29-yard line, leading by three with 3:29 left.
It would be yet another field goal for Adam Vinatieri. This one from 45 yards out gave the Colts a 29-23 lead with 2:28 remaining.
Chicago would make things very interesting on their final drive. However, a failed fourth-and-eight conversion with a minute to play ended any comeback for the Bears.
A 29-23 victory put the Colts one game back in the AFC South.
Next week the Colts (2-3) will head to Houston (3-2) for a matchup on Sunday Night Football.
Colts In-Game Injuries
ILB-Josh McNary (neck, questionable to return)
CB-Patrick Robinson (knee, doubtful to return)
Colts Inactives
OT-Le'Raven Clark (healthy)
C/G-Jonotthan Harrison (appendectomy)
DT-Arthur Jones (healthy)
WR-Donte Moncrief (shoulder)
RB-Robert Turbin (wrist)
OT-Jeremy Vujnovich (healthy)Colts Pre-Game Notes
-The Colts will begin the second quarter of the season hosting the Bears, before consecutive divisional games on the road.
-Since 1990, when the NFL playoffs expanded to the current format of 12 participants, 27 teams have made the postseason after starting 1-3 or 0-4.Weather Update
-It's a beautiful fall Sunday in Indianapolis. The roof and window will be open at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Colts have teamed up with Uber and ICJI to help fans ride responsibly on game day! Download the Uber app and enter code COLTS2016 for a free first ride up to $15. Make the right call - get home safe with Uber!
