INDIANAPOLIS –First Quarter Recap
The Colts got things started on Sunday with an 11-play drive, ending in a 38-yard field goal from Adam Vinatieri.
Defensively, we saw Vontae Davis and Clayton Geathers in the starting lineup. With Geathers making two early stops, the defense forced a three-and-out.
Another drive for the Indy offense and more points went up on the scoreboard. The Colts were aided by a San Diego "leverage" penalty on a fourth down to keep the drive alive. Frank Gore burst in from six yards out, continuing a heavy run dose early on. The Colts lead was 10-0 with 3:39 to go in the first quarter.
The first quarter came to a close with the Chargers driving in Indy territory.
At the end of the first quarter, the Colts led the Chargers 10-0.Second Quarter Recap
A key challenge from Chuck Pagano would keep San Diego from potentially scoring a touchdown. The Colts got a stop on a third-and-one and the Chargers had to settle for a 43-yard field goal from kicker Josh Lambo.
With a 10-3 lead, the Colts would give the ball right back to the Chargers. San Diego cornerback Casey Hayward picked Andrew Luck on the first play of the drive.
Despite golden field position, the Chargers could not punch it into the end zone. Strong coverage by the Colts forced a 34-yard field goal from Lambo. The Colts led 10-6 with 14:04 remaining the half.
The Colts would answer with a field goal of their own. At this point, Frank Gore was chewing up yardage to the tune of 70 yards on 11 carries. Adam Vinatieri's 31-yard make extended the lead to 13-6 with 6:25 to go in the second quarter.
San Diego started to march again into the Colts' side of the field, before the defense made a game-changing play. Erik Walden's strip sack of Philip Rivers came at the Indy 17-yard line. A penalty put the Colts on the 38-yard line with 1:50 left in the first half.
In a half with plenty of swings on both sidelines, San Diego had another their way. With the Colts looking poised for a score, Andrew Luck was sacked and stripped. San Diego defensive tackle Caraun Reid then went 61 yards the other way for a touchdown. The Chargers had the score tied at 13 with 55 seconds left.
The Colts could not get anything going for a final minute score.
At halftime, the score was tied at 13.Third Quarter Recap
To start the third quarter, Philip Rivers had as many completions as he did in the first half. Eight completions from Rivers led to Melvin Gordon punching it in from one yard out. After Josh Lambo missed the extra point, the Chargers lead was 19-13 with 8:23 to go in the third quarter.
Trailing for the first time all game, the Colts answered with Andrew Luck and T.Y. Hilton teaming up. A trio of hookups between that duo helped the Colts down the field. Robert Turbin then dove in from a yard out. The Colts' lead was 20-19 with 2:39 left in the third.
After fireworks from both teams, things slowed down for San Diego's offense. The Colts were able to force a three-and-out.
The third quarter ended with the Colts offense nearing midfield.
At the end of the third quarter, the Colts led the Chargers 20-19.Fourth Quarter Recap
What appeared to be another solid drive for the Colts went nowhere quick due to penalties. A total of 40 penalty yards for the Colts led to a Pat McAfee punt.
San Diego re-took the lead with 7:35 left. A 27-yard field goal by Josh Lambo gave the Chargers a 22-20 lead.
The Chargers were able to dial up a key three-and-out on the next series, preserving their lead and giving them the ball back with less than seven minutes remaining.
Philip Rivers and company tried to milk out the rest of the clock, but the Colts got a stop with less than three minutes remaining. The Colts were down 22-20 with two timeouts remaining.
Once again, it was time for Luck and Hilton to team up. Hilton first converted a fourth-and-seven, setting up the play of the game. Luck found Hilton a crossing route and The Ghost took off 63 yards for a touchdown. The Colts were up 26-22 with 1:17 to go.
It was time for the defense to finish it and they did. Clayton Geathers stripped tight end Hunter Henry and Mike Adams jumped on the loose ball for the victory.
Next up for the Colts (1-2) is a trip across the pond to take on the Jaguars (0-3) in Week Four.
Colts In-Game Injuries
OT-Joe Reitz (questionable to return)
Colts Inactives
CB-Darius Butler (hamstring)
OT-Le'Raven Clark (healthy)
OG-Denzelle Good (back)
DT-T.Y. McGill (healthy)
WR-Donte Moncrief (shoulder)
CB-Patrick Robinson (concussion)
WR-Devin Street (healthy)
Colts Pre-Game Notes
-The Colts are looking to avoid their first 0-3 start since 2011.
-After this week, the Colts will travel to London in Week Four to take on the Jaguars.Weather Update
-It might be fall on the calendar, but it feels like summer in Indianapolis. The roof/window will be closed today at Lucas Oil Stadium.
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