Dec 30 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano coaching on the sidelines against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Horseshoe Hero

Colts 28 – Houston 16

Even the opponents paid their respect to Chuck Pagano on Sunday afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium. Early in the third quarter, Texans running back Arian Foster ran into the end zone for a 13-yard score, cutting the Colts’ lead to 1. Instead of taunting his defenders, Foster immediately ran to a nearby CHUCKSTRONG banner and patted it a few times. Then he bowed towards it. The small but impactful tribute was just one of the magical moments that befell the Indianapolis Colts in their final regular season outing of 2012. With little to gain but a lot to prove, the Colts beat the top-seeded Texans in their head coach’s first game back on the sidelines since leaving the team to undergo cancer treatment. Pagano is now in complete remission, and while he undoubtedly is the Horseshoe Hero of this Colts team, many players have stepped up to play admirably in his honor.

Offense

Award-winning sportswriter Rick Reilly put it best: “Andrew Luck is Mozart in cleats.” Luck put together a symphony of offense on Sunday, throwing for 191 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions. Luck’s accuracy still needs improvement, but he did throw a career-long 70-yard touchdown pass to T.Y. Hilton on a 3rd and 23 in the 4th quarter — remarkable.

Speaking of Hilton, the rookie out of Florida International recorded his 5th 100-yard receiving game, catching 4 passes for 111 yards. Hilton currently leads the NFL with 5 touchdown catches on throws that were more than 20 yards downfield. Tight end Coby Fleener caught the first score of the game — the second of his young career — with a 1-yard reception in the end zone on the Colts’ very first drive. Meanwhile, Reggie Wayne extended his own NFL record by catching at least 3 passes for the 64th-consecutive game.

On the ground, Vick Ballard, yet another rookie, stepped up to the plate by rushing for 78 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries.

Luck, Fleener, Hilton, and Ballard were 1st-round, 2nd-round, 3rd-round, and 5th-round picks, respectively, in this year’s NFL draft (Ryan Grigson for GM of the Year?).

Credit also goes to the offensive line for not allowing J.J. Watt to get to Andrew Luck. Watt needed 2.5 sacks to break an NFL record, but he did not get any. That is a huge accomplishment of the O-Linemen.

Defense

In Week 15 when the Colts played the Texans in Houston, the Colts defense allowed Arian Foster and Andre Johnson to rack up yards all around them. While Foster and Johnson definitely got going Sunday, the defense did a much better job of containing them, especially in the red zone. The solid defensive effort was largely due to some strong corner play by Vontae Davis and Cassius Vaughn. Davis intercepted Matt Schaub twice on Sunday, one of which was in the end zone; he now has 3 interceptions over the last 2 games. Davis was picked up in a mid-season trade with the Miami Dolphins (again, Ryan Grigson for GM of the year?).

Dwight Freeney also played strongly, making several key stops in the red zone, including a huge tackle for a loss on third down, and recording one of the team’s 4 sacks of Matt Schaub. Clifton Geathers, Lawrence Guy, and Jamaal Westerman also brought Schaub to the ground before he could get rid of the football.

Special Teams

Deji Karim was signed to the active roster just 2 short weeks ago. On Sunday, he recorded the longest kick return for a touchdown in Indianapolis Colts history, a 101-yarder in the 3rd quarter.

Adam Vinatieri was not needed much on Sunday – a rarity. He did not attempt a single field goal, but he did take the field 4 times to kick 4 perfect PATs after each of the Colts’ touchdowns.

Pat McAfee – snubbed of a Pro Bowl spot, in my opinion – continued his strong play. McAfee removed all doubts of a questionable punt call late in the 2nd quarter by kicking the ball directly to the Texans’ own 3-yard line. He currently has the 2nd-best punting average in the AFC. McAfee’s contract is up at the end of this year. If the Colts do not re-sign him, I may cry.

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The Texans have never won at Lucas Oil Stadium — they are now 0-11 in Indianapolis. Can the Colts keep their winning streak going into the playoffs? We will find out next week when the Colts will likely take on the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of postseason action. Horseshoe Hero will have the game recap for you next week.

Stay CHUCKSTRONG, Colts fans! This truly has been a magical regular season.

Dec 23, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne (87) catches the winning touchdown pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Colts won the game 20-13. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Horseshoe Hero

Colts 20 - Chiefs 13

The Colts did not win the game of statistics on Sunday afternoon in Kansas City, but they did win the scoring contest, and that not only earned them their 10th victory of the season, but it also clinched them a place in the playoffs. The Colts have clinched the 5th seed in the AFC, and they will be a Wild Card team when the postseason begins in 2 weeks. Postseason appearances have become all but expected of the Colts over the years – this is the 12th time the Colts will contest the playoffs in the past 14 seasons – but few imagined the winning tradition would continue after the Colts cut most of their roster after last season’s 2-14 debacle. The Colts are just the 4th team in NFL history to win 10 games after recording a season of 2 or fewer victories.

Offense

With one week of regular season play remaining, quarterback Andrew Luck surpassed Cam Newton’s rookie passing record, throwing for 205 yards to bring his season total to 4,183 passing yards. The previous record was 4,051 yards. However, while Luck’s passing yards have skyrocketed, his accuracy has waned. Luck completed less than 50% of his throws, and at one point in the second half he had 9 consecutive incompletions. Luck may not be the most accurate passer yet – proof that he is indeed a rookie – but his strength continues to be his unflappable psyche, his ability to not let bad plays get to him. Luck played his best when the pressure was the greatest, when he was needed most. He led the Colts to yet another 4th quarter winning touchdown drive that culminated with a beautiful 7-yard catch in the end zone by Reggie Wayne. He also did not throw an interception for the second straight week.

After having an off week of his own, Wayne returned to his team-leading ways, topping the Colts’ charts in receptions (5) and receiving yards (81). He had an especially productive 4th-quarter, again playing his best football when it mattered most.

The Colts’ rushing game regressed a bit Sunday. Vick Ballard only managed 69 yards on 20 carries after rushing for 105 yards in Houston last week with two fewer carries.

Defense

The Colts defense of late has done a very good job of stopping the run but has struggled with containing receivers. In Kansas City, however, that trend was reversed. The Colts allowed a whopping 352 yards on the ground, 226 of which belonged to Jamaal Charles. However, linebacker Pat Angerer arguably had the play of the day when he forced Charles to fumble late in the first half, which the Colts turned into a field goal.

Darius Butler, who was signed as a free agent by the Colts in late September, has turned out to be a great addition to the team. Butler had a pick-six of Chiefs QB Brady Quinn early in the game. The interception was his 4th of the year, which ties the franchise record. Cornerback Vontae Davis, whom the Colts picked up in a mid-season trade with the Miami Dolphins, also had an interception. Dwight Freeney recorded the team’s only sack, and Jerrell Freeman led the team in tackles with 8 tackles and 2 assists.

Special Teams

Adam Vinatieri had another perfect game, contributing 8 points to the Colts scoreboard with his 2 field goals and 2 extra point kicks.

Punter Pat McAfee was also solid. His 7 punts averaged 45.5 yards, a number that would be higher had the punt protection been a bit better.

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Surprisingly, the Colts will have less to play for than the AFC South-champion Texans when the teams conclude their regular seasons together at Lucas Oil Stadium next week. The Texans are in danger of losing their top seeding in the AFC, while the Colts playoff position will not change with any particular outcome. Still, the Colts will look to seek revenge of an embarrassing loss last week in Houston and will likely give their best effort, because head coach Chuck Pagano – in remission from leukemia – will be back on the sidelines for the first time since his diagnosis in the bye week. Horseshoe Hero will have the game recap for you after the score is final.

Stay #CHUCKSTRONG, Colts fans!

Nov 4, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws a pass as he is hit by a Miami Dolphins defender during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-US PRESSWIRE

Horseshoe Hero

Colts 23 - Dolphins 20

The Colts continued to build upon their magical season Sunday afternoon at Lucas Oil, winning their fifth game of the year and their third in a row. En route to defeating the now 4-4 Miami Dolphins, quarterback Andrew Luck broke the league’s rookie passing record for a single game, surpassing Cam Newton’s mark of 432 yards, which was set last year, by a single yard (433). Even better, Coach Chuck Pagano, still undergoing treatment for leukemia, was in attendance and even spoke with the team in the locker room before and after the game, giving an incredibly powerful post-game speech (Caution: tear jerker). The Colts needed no better motivation. At an almost unbelievable 5-3, the Colts would be a Wild Card team if the playoffs began today.

Offense

Today’s Horseshoe Hero was undoubtedly Andrew Luck. The rookie phenom continued his dominance of defenses by tearing up the Dolphins secondary. Not only did he break the rookie passing record for a single game, but he also became just the second rookie in history with four 300-yard passing games. He is also the second player this year, rookie or veteran, to throw for over 270 yards in the first half. The other players to join Luck on these lists are Peyton Manning (You guessed it!) and Drew Brees, respectively.

The numbers say enough, but the visual says even more. Luck could have very well distanced himself further from Newton’s record had it not been for at least 3 inexcusable drops by receivers. Moreover, Luck displayed a remarkable ability to escape the pass rush and throw on the run. Thanks to Luck, the Colts converted an astonishing 13 of 19 third down attempts (68%!).

On the receiving end, Donnie Avery led the way for the Horseshoe with five receptions for 108 yards. Rookie T.Y. Hilton also had a productive game, catching 6 passes for 102 yards (his second career 100-yard game) and a touchdown. He would have had a second score had he not dropped a would-be touchdown late in the second quarter. Of course, Reggie Wayne also did his part. Although he did not lead the team in receiving yards, he did lead the team in receptions with 7, and he earned the first touchdown of the game. Wayne currently leads the league in receiving yards and is in the running for Offensive Player of the Year.

While the passing game flourished, the running game at times stalled. Rookie Vick Ballard continued to show promise, executing a 19-yard run, but he only had 60 total yards on the day. Starting back Donald Brown was once again out with more swelling in his knee.

In fact, the Colts had several injuries on Sunday. To begin with, the team was notably without tight end Coby Fleener, wide receiver Nathan Palmer, and cornerback Vontae Davis. But by the game’s end, they had also lost defensive star Robert Mathis, center Samson Satele, and cornerback Jerraud Powers. Hopefully the injuries will not impact the team’s next game, which unfortunately comes up quickly. The Colts will visit the Jacksonville Jaguars for Thursday Night Football in four days. It will be the team’s only primetime game this season.

Defense

Before Mathis left the game with a back injury, he contributed the team’s only sack of the Dolphins’ Ryan Tannehill. Moise Fokou and Cassius Vaughn led the team in tackles (They each had 4 solo tackles), but Antoine Bethea, with 3 solo tackles and 3 assists, looked the best to me, making several key stops throughout the day.

Although the defense gave up 20 points, they did do a very good job of stopping the Dolphins on third down late in the game when the Miami team had a chance to tie the contest up. The boisterous LOS home crowd did their part by contributing loud cheers and words of encouragement.

Special Teams

Kicker Adam Vinatieri started out a bit shaky, missing two early field goals, but he came through when it really counted, sealing the win with his 43-yard score in the fourth quarter. He also successfully converted field goal attempts of 47 yards and 23 yards, in addition to his 2 PATs.

Punter Pat McAfee continues to play well, although he has not been needed as often in the past 2 games. This is a good thing!

The Colts are a force to be reckoned with. On Thursday they will try to extend their winning streak to four while seeking revenge of a Week 3 loss to division rival Jacksonville. Horseshoe Hero will have the game recap for you on Friday, two days earlier than usual.

Stay #CHUCKSTRONG, Colts fans! These Colts are playing for something a lot bigger than just football.