The Indianapolis Colts achieved a thrilling 29-28 victory over the Denver Broncos on September 17, 2023, thanks to a last-second field goal by kicker Spencer Shrader. The decisive moment came after Shrader’s initial attempt from 60 yards fell short, but a personal foul penalty on the Broncos gave the Colts another chance to secure the win.
As the game neared its end, the Colts’ strategy drew scrutiny. Head coach Shane Steichen opted for a conservative approach during the final possession. Despite crossing midfield, the Colts did not attempt a pass after reaching the Denver 40-yard line and allowed the clock to run down. This led to Shrader’s initial field goal attempt, which ultimately missed wide right and fell short.
The pivotal moment occurred when Broncos linebacker Dondrea Tillman was penalized for leveraging, as he attempted to jump over a Colts player to block the kick. This penalty advanced the ball 15 yards, providing the Colts with an untimed opportunity for a field goal. Shrader capitalized on the second chance, successfully kicking a 45-yard field goal to seal the game.
Referee Craig Wrolstad explained the penalty decision, stating, “As a defender, you’re not allowed to place your hand on an opponent or a teammate and push off to propel yourself into the air to block a kick.” Tillman expressed his intent to make a play, saying, “I was just going for the ball… just trying to make a play.”
For Shrader, the experience was filled with highs and lows. After the first miss, he felt the pressure from Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain, which disrupted his follow-through. Reflecting on the moment, Shrader noted, “I felt that disappointment right after the kick… I saw the flag was thrown and then it was like, ‘Reset your mentality. You’re getting another opportunity.'”
The Colts, now 2-0 for the first time since 2009, managed to secure the win despite questions surrounding their offensive tactics. In the closing moments of the game, quarterback Daniel Jones connected with receiver Alec Pierce for a crucial 7-yard gain. However, the running game faltered, with star running back Jonathan Taylor managing 165 rushing yards but struggling on a critical third down, losing 2 yards.
Steichen clarified that his strategy was to avoid risking a kickoff to the Broncos after a potential field goal. “We were in field goal range there,” he said, acknowledging the decision to let the clock wind down. “But, yeah, that’s football sometimes. Obviously, we got the penalty that helped us out and found a way to win.”
On the Colts’ sideline, there was a mix of relief and elation as Shrader’s kick sailed through the uprights, igniting celebration among teammates. Mo Alie-Cox, a Colts tight end, voiced the sentiment shared by many, reflecting, “I just thought we would throw it at least one time… But the football gods were with us today.”
As the Colts look forward, this victory sets a positive tone for their season, showcasing resilience and the ability to capitalize on crucial moments. The Broncos, now 1-1, will need to regroup after a heartbreaking loss that was decided in the final seconds.
