Top 10 Andrew Luck Moments: Part 2

As the Indianapolis Colts wrap up offseason activities and prepare to break until training camp, we’re killing the time by looking at quarterback Andrew Luck’s Top 10 moments with the horseshoe, part two.

#5: Peyton’s Last Ride at Lucas Oil Stadium (November 8, 2015)

 

In the 2015 NFL season, the struggling Indianapolis Colts were headed into a matchup with the at-the-time undefeated Denver Broncos, in what would eventually be Peyton Manning’s second Super Bowl winning season and his final season as a quarterback in the NFL.

Sitting at 7-0, facing the 3-5 Colts, the Broncos were heavy favorites in the game. Despite solid performances from Peyton Manning and the Denver defense, Luck looked nearly flawless, throwing for 252 yards and two touchdowns without any turnovers, including a drive that set up kicker Adam Vinatieri for the go-ahead field goal that would eventually win the game. Luck’s scramble at the beginning of the 4th quarter to help keep the team alive was one of the signature moments of the game, as the Colts took down the undefeated Broncos 27-24.

#4: Last-Second Victory in Detroit (December 2, 2012)

Luck’s rookie year was full of magical moments, including this memorable game in Detroit in early December.

Sitting at 7-4, the Colts were looking to return to the NFL Playoffs just one year removed from their abysmal 2-14 campaign in 2011. In their first year of the post-Manning era, Luck did not disappoint.

Despite throwing three interceptions, Luck also threw for 391 yards and four touchdowns, including the game-winner to wide receiver Donnie Avery. Getting the ball back with 1:07 on the clock, starting at their own 25-yard line and down 28-33, Luck led the team marching down the field, snapping the ball with 0:03 left on their final play for a 14-yard touchdown to Avery, giving the Colts a 35-33 victory (with the extra point).

Luck’s throw and subsequent celebration in the end zone with Avery was one of the signature moments from the 2012 season.

#3: Passing of the Torch (October 20, 2013)

 

The decision in early March of 2012 to release franchise quarterback Peyton Manning and subsequently draft Andrew Luck with the 1st overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft was one that sent shockwaves through the NFL. In October of 2013, the Denver Broncos visiting the Indianapolis Colts marked the first official game Peyton Manning would ever play against his former team, in an emotional game for Manning and Colts fans alike.

After the pre-game emotions had subsided, it was time to focus on the game. In their first ever head-to-head matchup, the rookie outmatched the veteran, as Luck would throw for 228 yards and three touchdowns in a 39-33 victory over the 6-0 Denver Broncos, pushed the Colts to 5-2 on the season.

#2: “ChuckStrong” Comeback against Cheeseheads (October 7, 2012)

In early 2012, in his first year at the helm, head coach Chuck Pagano announced he was facing a battle with leukemia, a form of cancer, thus leaving offensive coordination (and current Arizona Cardinals head coach) Bruce Arians as the interim head coach. And in the Colts first game following the announcement, the team played for Chuck.

Down 21-3 at halftime to the Green Bay Packers, the Colts would embrace the new motto of the season, “ChuckStrong,” by storming back to take the lead early in the 4th quarter. And after allowing Green Bay to go up 27-22, the Colts would close the door for good, with Luck tossing a touchdown to wide receiver Reggie Wayne, donning his signature orange “ChuckStrong” gloves, to put the Colts up 30-27 with just 35 seconds left, giving them the eventual victory and pushing the team to 2-2, and 1-0 in Pagano’s absence.

 

#1: 2nd-Largest Playoff Comeback in NFL History (January 4, 2014)

 

Undoubtedly the most iconic game thus far of the Andrew Luck era, the Colts found themselves down 38-10 to the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2013 Wild Card round of the NFL Playoffs. The following charge and victory for the Colts, led by Luck, would go on to become the second largest NFL playoff comeback in the history of the league.

Indianapolis would score four touchdowns in just over 15 minutes of game time, but would still find themselves down 44-38 with 5:36 left in the game. Luck’s 64-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, however, would give the team the 45-44 Wild Card victory over the Chiefs.

But it wasn’t the 64-yard touchdown that would go down as an iconic image for Colts fans, but Luck’s incredible fumble-recovery-scramble with 10:38 left in the 4th quarter to bring the team within three, a 41-38 lead by the Chiefs.

What are some of your favorite moments from Andrew Luck’s career with the Indianapolis Colts so far? Comment below or tweet us at @Bullseye_Event!

Tickets for the 2017 Indianapolis Colts VIP Tailgates are officially available! With a new general manager and a re-shaped roster, the Colts look to start anew and make a triumphant return to the NFL Playoffs. Get your 2017 Colts VIP Tailgate tickets today

Top 10 Andrew Luck Moments: Part 1

Despite a couple of disappointing seasons, one of the lone bright spots through the rebuilding years for the Indianapolis Colts has been quarterback Andrew Luck. We’re taking a look back at the QB’s first five season and his Top 10 moments with the team.

#10: Playoff Victory vs. Denver Broncos (January 11, 2015)

Luck didn’t have a particularly spectacular game when visiting the Denver Broncos in the divisional round of the 2014 NFL Playoffs, throwing for 265 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions while completing 62.8% of his passes.

However, it wasn’t Luck’s statistical game that made the 24-13 victory significant, but the fact that the victory led the Colts to their first AFC Championship game of Luck’s career. And despite a crushing loss to the eventual champion New England Patriots, the postseason run provided hope for the Colts fanbase.

#9: Aerial Attack vs. Washington Redskins (November 30, 2014)

In a Week 13 matchup against the Washington Redskins, Luck had one of the best games of his young career. The aerial attack, leading the Colts to a 49-27 blowout of the Redskins, saw Luck complete 70.4% of his passes for 370 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. The win would push the Colts to 8-4, all but securing the team’s AFC South championship late in the year.

#8: Big Day in Jacksonville (September 21, 2014)

The 2014 NFL season was the best of Luck’s young career, seeing the QB finish with a 96.5 quarterback rating for the season, throwing for 4,761 yards and 40 touchdowns with just 16 interceptions. Week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars was one of the games that helped boost those numbers.

Luck would finish the day in Jacksonville with 370 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions, a 123.3 quarterback rating.

#7: 2016-17 NFL Season Opener (September 11, 2016)

Despite a heartbreaking 39-35 loss to the Detroit Lions, Luck’s return to form for the start of the 2016 NFL season after missing most of the prior season with various injuries was a sight for the sore eyes of Indianapolis Colts fans.

Luck finished the game with 385 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions, a game that gave fans hope for the future. Despite a losing season, Luck’s Week 1 performance was a testament to the quarterback’s talents when at 100%, something that Colts fans should see promise in.

#6: Overtime Thriller in Tennessee (October 28, 2012)

One of the most iconic games of Luck’s rookie season, and no necessarily for the statistical side of things. In just the 7th game of Luck’s career, Luck had garner 297 yards through the air, despite throwing for just one touchdown and one interception. It was the final drive of the game, however, that Colts fans remember so well.

Luck led the team on an overtime drive, tied 13-13, down to the Titans’ 16-yard-line. Snapping the ball, Luck threw a dump pass to running back Vick Ballard, who danced his way to the goal line before going full-matrix into the end zone to push the team to a 19-13 victory and 4-3 on the young season. An image Colts fans won’t soon forget.

 

Tickets for the 2017 Indianapolis Colts VIP Tailgates are officially available! With a new general manager and a re-shaped roster, the Colts look to start anew and make a triumphant return to the NFL Playoffs. Get your 2017 Colts VIP Tailgate tickets today

Indianapolis Colts Draft: #15, DB Malik Hooker

In the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft on Thursday night, the emphasis turned to offense early, with seven of the top 10 picks being offensive players. A good sign for the defense-needy Indianapolis Colts, a top-10 talent fell to the #15 slot. Here are what experts from around the web are saying about the newest Colts defensive back, Malik Hooker out of Ohio State.

Mike Wells, ESPN NFL Reporter

“Hooker, who became a full-time starter at Ohio State last season, has something the Colts needed last season: ball instincts. He returned three of his seven interceptions for touchdowns last season at Ohio State. The Colts didn’t return any interceptions for a touchdown in 2016. Ballard mentioned Hooker being “unique” a number of times during his media conference Thursday evening. Hooker is another piece in Ballard’s attempt to revamp what has routinely been one of the NFL’s worse defenses under Pagano. ” For the full article, click here.

Josh Wilson, Stampede Blue

“A lot of it comes down to the fact that Hooker gives the Colts a lot of flexibility, more so than they already had at safety. The Colts now have a safety group that features Malik Hooker, Clayton Geathers, Darius Butler, and T.J. Green, meaning the Colts have three young guys with upside and a veteran making the move to safety. This pick gives the Colts the flexibility to utilize some of those guys in other areas that could help mitigate some of the concerns about other areas of need.” For the full article, click here.

Jeanna Thomas, SB Nation

Malik Hooker is an elite free safety in a class that’s stacked with them. The Indianapolis Colts got an All-American with great range and closing speed to upgrade their secondary when they took Hooker with the No. 15 overall pick. Hooker is a phenomenal athlete and has all of the talent he needs to excel at the free safety position in the NFL. His fluidity and change-of-direction skills are advanced for a player with such limited starting experience, and will serve him well at the next level. Once he refines his technique and puts it all together, he should become an All-Pro caliber player.” For the full article, click here.

Gregg Doyel, Indianapolis Star

“But this isn’t normal. The Colts didn’t pick a normal guy. The Colts just selected a player they literally have no idea how good he can be – because he hasn’t played much football. Like, barely any compared to someone else, anyone else, taken in the first round of the draft. So maybe he’s not the best tackler. Maybe he takes imperfect angles. An athlete like this, he’ll get better with more coaching, more experience, more reps. How much better? That’s the thing: Nobody has any idea. But man it’s going to be fun to find out.” For the full article, click here.

Tickets for the 2017 Indianapolis Colts VIP Tailgates are officially available! With a new general manager and a re-shaped roster, the Colts look to start anew after their disappointing 2016 campaign. Get your 2017 Colts VIP Tailgate tickets today

2017 NFL Draft: Top Prospects for the Indianapolis Colts

Just under one month away from the 2017 NFL Draft, teams are nearing the finish line of the acquisition aspect of the NFL’s offseason, looking to begin organized team activities (OTA’s) and set sights on Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis. Who are experts predicting the Indianapolis Colts will take with the 15th overall selection in April’s draft?

Charles Harris, EDGE, Missouri | Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

“Harris did not have the most impressive 40-yard time (4.82 seconds), but his field work showed a Round 1 talent. He’s an agile, quick player with great bend in his hips and the strong hands teams want from an edge setter. The Missouri defense also asked him to be more of a run-defender this year and it paid off, as he’s become a more well-rounded player.” – Matt Miller

Charles Harris, EDGE, Missouri | Conrad Brunner, 1070 The Fan, ESPN Radio Indianapolis

“Although his overall productivity dropped as Missouri struggled through a coaching transition and a down year, Harris showed his elite skills in 2015 and wasn’t exactly terrible last season, despite a couple of changes in scheme. He isn’t just a pass-rusher, flashing the skills to be an every-down contributor.” – Conrad Brunner

Forrest Lamp, Offensive Lineman, Western Kentucky | Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network

“It’s not a sexy pick, but Lamp would team up with last year’s first-round selection (Ryan Kelly) and Jack Mewhort to provide a rock-solid interior offensive line.” – Daniel Jeremiah

Dalvin Cook, Running Back, Florida State | Nate Davis, USA Today Sports

“Frank Gore gave a heroic effort last season at age 33, but it’s time to give QB Andrew Luck a young, dynamic threat for the future. Cook is a fierce competitor and every-down back who would be a boon to Luck by virtue of his running, blocking and capability as an outlet receiver when all else fails.” – Nate Davis

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Indianapolis Colts Week 16: Eliminated

The Indianapolis Colts traveled to Oakland on Christmas Eve to face the AFC West-leading Raiders in a showdown in the Black Hole. In order to keep their playoffs hopes alive, the Colts had to come out of Saturday’s matchup with a victory, among other things.

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Eliminated

After falling to the Raiders 33-25 (the score was a lot closer than the game was), the Colts officially eliminated themselves from NFL Playoff contention, missing playoffs in back-to-back years since the 1997 and 1998 campaigns.

After falling behind (again) by 26, quarterback Andrew Luck and company did their best to provide fans with a Christmas miracle, but were stopped short in their comeback attempts.

Into The Offseason

With the Colts officially eliminated from postseason contention, all eyes turn towards the 2017 NFL offseason. The big question among the media and fanbase: will there be a change made in key front office and coaching positions moving forward?

It’s no doubt the Colts have struggled to supply Luck with talent. Who’s shoulders that should fall on is a tough question, one with various answers and leaving many speculating.

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Looking Ahead

The Colts will head home for their final game of the 2016-17 NFL season, facing off against the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Both teams are fighting for pride and draft positioning on Sunday, as both teams are eliminated from postseason contention (and Jacksonville has already begun the search for a new head coach).

Don’t leave your tailgating plans to the cold. Enjoy the warm indoor atmosphere of the Colts VIP Tailgate for the New Year’s Day game vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars! A great holiday gift for the football fan in your life. Get your Colts VIP Tailgate or Tailgate+Ticket Combo Packages today! 

Indianapolis Colts Week 15: Playoff Hopes Survive

As the Indianapolis Colts traveled to the frigid city of Minneapolis, MN to take on the Minnesota Vikings, the quest for the AFC South took another hit for the team, despite dominating the Vikings wire to wire. This week’s Colts Weekly Update presented by Bullseye Event Group.

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Flawless Victory

The Indianapolis Colts dominated the Vikings #1-ranked defense on Sunday, heading home with at 34-6 victory.

Colts quarterback Andrew Luck put together his most complete performance of the 2016 campaign, completing 21 of his 28 passes, for 250 yards and two touchdowns, before taking a seat in the 4th quarter. Running back Frank Gore also ran for 101 yards on 26 carries, marking the first time the Colts have had two 100-yard rushers in the same season since 2010.

The defense also held their ground, holding the Vikings to just two field goals throughout the entire game. No doubt, the most complete performance of any Colts game this year.

Too Little, Too Late?

In a twist that captures the essence of this Colts season, despite the team’s dominant victory, the playoff chances seemed to diminish. Although the Kansas City Chiefs were beating the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars were leading the Houston Texans, both the Texans and Titans rallied to win, thus striking a blow to the Colts playoff chances.

If the Colts hope to take the AFC South and host a playoff game in January, the odds must be ever in their favor come weeks 16 and 17.

Don’t leave your tailgating plans to the cold. Enjoy the warm indoor atmosphere of the Colts VIP Tailgate for the New Year’s Day game vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars! A great holiday gift for the football fan in your life. Get your Colts VIP Tailgate or Tailgate+Ticket Combo Packages today! 

Indianapolis Colts Week 14: Slipping Away

Fresh off a dominant week 13 victory over the New York Jets, the Indianapolis Colts returned home to face the division rival Houston Texans, with monstrous playoff implications on the line. The week 14 Colts Update presented by Bullseye Event Group.

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Offensive Struggles

Despite a second-half rally, the Colts would fall to the Houston Texans on Sunday, 22-17. But after trailing 13-3 at halftime, it was apparent early that the team’s offense was out of sync.

Quarterback Andrew Luck was responsible for three turnovers in Sunday’s game, throwing two critical interceptions and losing a fumble in a first-and-goal situation for the Colts. The fumble, a failure in protection by Colts tight end Dwayne Allen, was not on Luck. The interceptions, however, were squarely on the QB’s shoulders.

Playoff Scenarios

After losing both matchups to the Texans this season, the Colts find themselves having to rely on some magic to make the playoffs for the second-straight season. One-game behind the Texans and Titans for first place in the division, the Texans own the tiebreaker over the Colts, making the playoff hopes nothing but a bleak glimmer for the team.

Looking Forward

The Colts will travel to Minnesota next Sunday to face a Vikings team that is desperate for wins in the tight NFC North race. Now, the fate of the playoffs will be in scoreboard watching for the Colts, something fans have become all-too familiar with in recent years.

Don’t leave your tailgating plans to the cold. Enjoy the warm indoor atmosphere of the Colts VIP Tailgate for the New Year’s Day game vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars! A great holiday gift for the football fan in your life. Get your Colts VIP Tailgate or Tailgate+Ticket Combo Packages today! 

Indianapolis Colts Week 13: Back On Track?

After what was a dismal showing on Thanksgiving against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Indianapolis Colts hit the road to take on the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Monday Night Football.

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Return of the Luck

After missing the team’s Thanksgiving game against the Steelers while in the NFL’s concussion protocol, Colts quarterback Andrew Luck returned in a big way on Monday night against the Jets.

Luck’s big day helped get the team back on track, as the Colts would take a blowout victory over the Jets, 41-10.

Controlling Their Destiny

With the Houston Texans’ loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, there is a three-way tie for first place in the AFC South between the Texans, Colts and Tennessee Titans. With two victories over the Titans and a divisional matchup against the Texans looming, the Colts officially control their own destiny when it comes to winning the division and making the playoffs.

Looking Forward

The Colts head home for Sunday’s BIG divisional matchup against the Houston Texans, with the winner of this game most likely to win the division and a spot in the playoffs moving forward.

Don’t leave your tailgating plans to the cold. Enjoy the warm indoor atmosphere of the Colts VIP Tailgate for the December 11 game vs. the Houston Texans! A big divisional matchup looms at home for the Colts as they look to close the gap on the AFC South title. Get your Colts VIP Tailgate or Tailgate+Ticket Combo Packages today! 

Indianapolis Colts Week 12: Nightmare Before Christmas

The Indianapolis Colts were hosting their first ever Thanksgiving game in Indianapolis in week 12, facing the Pittsburgh Steelers on short rest and without franchise quarterback Andrew Luck, who entered the league’s concussion protocol following the week 11 win against the Tennessee Titans. It’s a nightmarish Colts Weekly Update.

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No Luck, Lots of Problems

Without Luck, the Colts were ready to go with backup quarterback Scott Tolzien at the helm on Thursday night. Tolzien actually performed better than expected (albeit throwing two interceptions), tossing for 205 yards and a touchdown. It was the rest of the offense, however, that seemed to be a problem.

Drops plagued the Colts wide receiving corps on Thursday night, costing the team at least 14 points.

https://twitter.com/si_nfl/status/801995020647723008

Injuries (Again)

While QB Andrew Luck and safety Clayton Geathers missed Thursday’s game due to the league’s concussion protocol, there were several other key Colts players that would suffer injury and exit Thursday night’s game as well.

Wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, center Ryan Kelly, and cornerback Vontae Davis, among others, all left Thursday’s game with respective injuries and would not return. Hilton, who would try to come back on an offensive drive during the 3rd quarter, would last only one play before having to return to the sidelines.

Looking Forward

It appears as though Luck has been cleared to return to practice on Monday, which is a good sign for Colts fans. While we await injury updates on all of those injured in the Thanksgiving night matchup, it helps that the Colts are on 11-days of rest as they will head to New York to face the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Monday Night Football.

Don’t leave your tailgating plans to the cold. Enjoy the warm indoor atmosphere of the Colts VIP Tailgate for the December 11 game vs. the Houston Texans! A big divisional matchup looms at home for the Colts as they look to close the gap on the AFC South title. Get your Colts VIP Tailgate or Tailgate+Ticket Combo Packages today! 

 

Indianapolis Colts Week 11: The Reunion

Not only was Sunday the 10-year celebration of the Indianapolis Colts’ Super Bowl XLI team, it was also an important divisional matchup for the 2016 team. This week’s Colts Weekly Update presented by Bullseye Event Group features a win, and plenty of nostalgia.

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Luck Shines (Again)

Despite struggling in the second half of Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans, Colts quarterback Andrew Luck finished with 262 yards and two touchdowns, with just one interception. Luck’s numbers, and 3rd-and-short pass to receiver T.Y. Hilton, helped seal the Colts’ 24-17 victory over the Titans, bringing the team to 5-5 on the year.

2006 Super Bowl XLI Team Reunion

It has been 10 years since the Indianapolis Colts made that magical run to Super Bowl XLI in Miami, Florida. Throughout the weekend, team owner Jim Irsay hosted several events to bring that historic team back together, starting with a 2006 Super Bowl team dinner on Saturday night, and ending with the recognition of the team at halftime of Sunday’s game.

And when the day was all said and done, the 2006 Super Bowl champions broke it down one more time in the tunnel.

Looking Forward

The Colts have a short week this week, as the team will host its first ever Thanksgiving game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Thursday night, facing the Pittsburgh Steelers, and hoping to continue to gain ground on the AFC South-leading Houston Texans.

JUST ANNOUNCED: Colts VIP Ticket+Tailgate Combos are officially AVAILABLE for Thursday’s Thanksgiving night matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Click here for more information. 

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