Colts agonisingly beat Broncos: Key penalty and decisive goal

INDIANAPOLIS – The thrilling encounter between the Broncos and the Colts on Sunday culminated in a roller coaster of emotions: confusion, anguish, relief, frustration, and finally, euphoria for the home team.The Colts secured a 29-28 agonizing victory thanks to a 45-yard field goal by Spencer Shrader, who had a second chance after missing a 60-yard attempt that was nullified by a Broncos penalty.Coach Shane Steichen’s strategy in the final possession raised doubts, as the Colts didn’t attempt any passes after crossing midfield and let the clock run while they were on Denver’s 40-yard line. This led to a long field goal attempt, which Shrader initially missed.However, a “use of leverage” penalty against Broncos linebacker Dondrea Tillman gave the Colts an extra opportunity. Tillman was penalized for apparently using his arm to propel himself over Colts guard Dalton Tucker. The penalty advanced the ball 15 yards and awarded the Colts a final play with no time on the clock.Shrader, with a second chance, converted the game-winning 45-yard field goal, sealing the victory for the Colts and leaving a bitter taste in the Broncos’ mouths.

“I was trying to make a play to help this team win the game,” said Denver linebacker Nik Bonitto.

Nik Bonitto

“I was just going for the ball… trying to make a play,” added Tillman.

Dondrea Tillman

Referee Craig Wrolstad explained that the penalty was due to the defender not being able to use his hands to push himself up and block a field goal attempt.Shrader, visibly emotional, admitted that he felt pressure from the Broncos cornerback, Pat Surtain, which affected his first attempt. Despite the initial disappointment, Shrader focused and made the decisive field goal.The Colts, now with a 2-0 record for the first time since 2009, secured the victory despite Steichen’s questionable offensive decisions in the final minutes.After advancing to Denver’s 43-yard line with a Daniel Jones to Alec Pierce connection, the Colts ran the ball three times with Jonathan Taylor, who was stopped on the crucial play, leading to an even longer field goal attempt.Steichen chose to let the clock run before calling a timeout, making it clear that the team was not looking for a first down.

“We were in field goal range,” Steichen said. “I felt good about it. And then, on that third down, obviously, we went back on that play. But, yeah, sometimes that’s how football is. Obviously, we got the penalty that helped us and found a way to win.”

Shane Steichen

Steichen didn’t explain why he felt comfortable with such a long field goal attempt, but he clarified that he wanted to avoid having to give the ball back to the Broncos after a possible field goal.The situation generated moments of tension, even on the Colts’ bench.”I thought we’d at least throw the ball once,” Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox said.”You don’t want to take a short sack either. We talk about these situations all the time. But the football gods were with us today.”