Last Sunday the Horseshoe played their most electrifying and stomach churning game of the season at Lucas Oil against the Green Bay Packers. The Colts defense won it with turnovers and the team nearly lost it through excessive penalties. The offensive line in particular got called for holding penalties which cost the team two touchdowns. Losing right tackle Braden Smith to a thumb injury at the beginning may have thrown off their chemistry as his replacement wasn’t up to the job. It was rough going for the Colts in the first half as the Pack took a 28-14 lead into the locker room at half time.
In the second half the Colts came out with a vengeance. They dominated possession and scored points. Rookie running back Jonathan Taylor ran for 90 yards on 22 carries. Rookie Michael Pittman Jr. caught 3 passes for 66 yards and scored his first touchdown as a professional. The Horseshoe had come from behind to take a 31-28 lead.
With under 2 minutes to go the Pack got the ball and flew down the field. The big play of his drive was a 49 yard pass from Rogers to wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Mason Crosby kicked a field goal to send the game into overtime.
The Packers won the toss and took the ball. On the second play Valdes-Scantling took a screen pass from Rogers but was hit by Colt rookie safety Julian Blackmon who stripped the ball and then was recovered by Deforest Buckner on the 32. Four plays later Rodrigo Blankenship kicked the game-winning field goal. On the sideline Valdes-Scantling sobbed in shame and guilt — you can’t blame the poor guy. During the regular part of the game he made some big plays. He has talent. But he will more than likely be remembered as the guy who fumbled the game away when the Packers lost to the Colts in 2020. A bit sad.
Next the Colts play the Titans at home. The Colts of course, whipped the Titans in Nashville a week ago so Tennessee will be out for some big “get even.” It will probably be another edge of your seat game for us all.
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