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2003 Indianapolis Colts season

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51st season in franchise history

2003 Indianapolis Colts season
OwnerJim Irsay
General managerBill Polian
Head coachTony Dungy
Home fieldRCA Dome
Results
Record12–4
Division place1st AFC South
Playoff finishWon Wild Card Playoffs
(vs. Broncos) 41–10
Won Divisional Playoffs
(at Chiefs) 38–31
Lost AFC Championship
(at Patriots) 14–24
Pro BowlersQB Peyton Manning
WR Marvin Harrison
DE Dwight Freeney
K Mike Vanderjagt
Uniform

The 2003 Indianapolis Colts season was the 51st season for the team in the National Football League (NFL) and 20th in Indianapolis. The Colts improved on their 10–6 record from 2002, going 12-4 and reached the postseason for the second straight season. After the season, quarterback Peyton Manning was named league MVP along with Steve McNair of the Tennessee Titans.

After defeating the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs in the first two rounds, the Colts lost to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, which saw the first playoff meeting between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. The Patriots defeated the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII. This was the final season that the team wore blue facemasks on the helmets.

Offseason

NFL draft

Main article: 2003 NFL Draft
2003 Indianapolis Colts draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 24 Dallas Clark *  Tight end Iowa
2 58 Mike Doss  Safety Ohio State
3 90 Donald Strickland  Cornerback Colorado
4 122 Steve Sciullo  Guard Marshall
5 138 Robert Mathis *  Defensive end Alabama A&M from Houston
5 162 Keyon Whiteside  Linebacker Tennessee
6 198 Cato June *  Linebacker Michigan
6 208 Makoa Freitas  Tackle Arizona
      Made roster    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Undrafted free agents

2003 Undrafted Free Agents of note
Player Position College
Tom Arth Quarterback John Carroll
Gary Brackett Linebacker Rutgers
Anthony Floyd Safety Louisville
Aaron Moorehead Wide Receiver Illinois

Roster

Indianapolis Colts 2003 final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad


rookies in italics
 53 active, 10 inactive, 4 practice squad

Regular season

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue
1 September 7 at Cleveland Browns W 9–6 1–0 Cleveland Browns Stadium
2 September 14 Tennessee Titans W 33–7 2–0 RCA Dome
3 September 21 Jacksonville Jaguars W 23–13 3–0 RCA Dome
4 September 28 at New Orleans Saints W 55–21 4–0 Louisiana Superdome
5 October 6 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 38–35 (OT) 5–0 Raymond James Stadium
6 October 12 Carolina Panthers L 20–23 (OT) 5–1 RCA Dome
7 Bye
8 October 26 Houston Texans W 30–21 6–1 RCA Dome
9 November 2 at Miami Dolphins W 23–17 7–1 Pro Player Stadium
10 November 9 at Jacksonville Jaguars L 23–28 7–2 Alltel Stadium
11 November 16 New York Jets W 38–31 8–2 RCA Dome
12 November 23 at Buffalo Bills W 17–14 9–2 Ralph Wilson Stadium
13 November 30 New England Patriots L 34–38 9–3 RCA Dome
14 December 7 at Tennessee Titans W 29–27 10–3 The Coliseum
15 December 14 Atlanta Falcons W 38–7 11–3 RCA Dome
16 December 21 Denver Broncos L 17–31 11–4 RCA Dome
17 December 28 at Houston Texans W 20–17 12–4 Reliant Stadium

Note: Division opponents in bold text.

Standings

AFC South
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
Indianapolis Colts 12 4 0 .750 5–1 9–3 447 336 W1
Tennessee Titans 12 4 0 .750 4–2 8–4 435 324 W3
Jacksonville Jaguars 5 11 0 .313 2–4 3–9 276 331 L1
Houston Texans 5 11 0 .313 1–5 3–9 255 380 L4

Game summaries

Week 1: at Cleveland Browns

Week 1: Indianapolis Colts at Cleveland Browns
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 0 3 339
Browns 3 0 036

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

First quarter

  • CLE – Phil Dawson 19-yard field goal, 0:53. Browns 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 76 yards, 8:12.

Second quarter

  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 22-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 3–3. Drive: 6 plays, 6 yards, 0:29.

Third quarter

  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 46-yard field goal, 3:43. Colts 6–3. Drive: 11 plays, 52 yards, 6:02.

Fourth quarter

  • CLE – Phil Dawson 20-yard field goal, 8:44. Tied 6–6. Drive: 18 plays, 86 yards, 9:59.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 45-yard field goal, 0:00. Colts 9–6. Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 2:39.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

The Colts had high expectations leading into the 2003 season, and hoped to start the season on the right track after a humiliating loss the New York Jets in the 2002 AFC Divisional Playoffs. Peyton Manning struggled for most of the game, throwing two interceptions in the first half. Kelly Holcomb and the Cleveland Browns suffered from similar problems, however, as Holcomb twice drove the Browns inside of the Indianapolis ten yard line, but failed to score a touchdown on either drive. With the game tied 6–6 in the fourth quarter, Manning flawlessly drove the Colts from their own 8 yard line to the Cleveland 25, the highlight of the drive being a 15-yard connection to wide receiver Reggie Wayne on a 3rd and 10 situation. With six seconds left, coach Tony Dungy called timeout and sent in kicker Mike Vanderjagt to attempt the game-winning field goal, which he connected on. This kick was Vanderjagt's first game winner since being labeled as an idiot kicker by Manning in the offseason after charging that Manning needed to show more emotion in games.

Week 2: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week 2: Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Titans 0 7 007
Colts 3 14 31333

at RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

Game information

First quarter

  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 29-yard field goal, 6:06. Colts 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 6:17.

Second quarter

Third quarter

  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 41-yard field goal, 7:42. Colts 20–7. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 0:59.

Fourth quarter

  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 23-yard field goal, 9:26. Colts 23–7. Drive: 14 plays, 57 yards, 7:05.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 48-yard field goal, 6:52. Colts 26–7. Drive: 4 plays, -6 yards, 2:12.
  • IND – Nick Harper 75-yard interception return (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 0:22. Colts 33–7.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

Week 3: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 3: Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Jaguars 0 3 01013
Colts 0 0 17623

at RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays

Second quarter

  • JAX – Seth Marler 49-yard field goal, 10:11. Jaguars 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 17 yards, 2:08.

Third quarter

  • IND – Reggie Wayne 28-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 10:02. Colts 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 4:58.
  • IND – Reggie Wayne 4-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 5:22. Colts 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 3:11.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 46-yard field goal, 3:37. Colts 17–3. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:33.

Fourth quarter

  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 36-yard field goal, 10:17. Colts 20–3. Drive: 7 plays, 23 yards, 3:29.
  • JAX – Seth Marler 37-yard field goal, 8:57. Colts 20–6. Drive: 5 plays, 40 yards, 1:20.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 29-yard field goal, 2:29. Colts 23–6. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 6:28.
  • JAX – Matthew Hatchette 8-yard pass from Byron Leftwich (Seth Marler kick), 1:02. Colts 23–13. Drive: 5 plays, 32 yards, 1:27.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

After being down 3–0 at halftime, the Colts scored 17 third quarter points followed by six points in the fourth quarter to beat Jacksonville 23-13 and improve to 3–0. A standout moment from the game occurred when Colts' rookie DB Mike Doss caused a fumble by Jaguars' RB Fred Taylor. Doss reportedly quipped, "Hey, Fred, you forgot something." In retaliation, Taylor told reporters ahead of their next encounter, "I'm going to bust his (butt). I'm going to punish him."

Week 4: at New Orleans Saints

Week 4: Indianapolis Colts at New Orleans Saints
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 14 10 24755
Saints 0 10 3821

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • IND – Marvin Harrison 79-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 9:51. Colts 21–0. Drive: 1 play, 79 yards, 0:14.
  • NO – John Carney 38-yard field goal, 6:04. Colts 21–3. Drive: 9 plays, 43 yards, 3:47.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 41-yard field goal, 3:12. Colts 24–3. Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards, 2:52.
  • NO – Deuce McAllister 1-yard run (John Carney kick), 0:42. Colts 24–10. Drive: 8 plays, 71 yards, 2:30.

Third quarter

  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 42-yard field goal, 9:27. Colts 27–10. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 5:33.
  • IND – Dominic Rhodes 12-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 8:24. Colts 34–10. Drive: 2 plays, 12 yards, 0:48.
  • NO – John Carney 43-yard field goal, 5:11. Colts 34–13. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 3:13.
  • IND – Marvin Harrison 32-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 1:38. Colts 41–13. Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 3:33.
  • IND – Dallas Clark 11-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 0:04. Colts 48–13. Drive: 3 plays, 18 yards, 0:55.

Fourth quarter

Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

The Colts offense was nearly flawless as Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison hooked up six times for 158 yards and three touchdowns. Harrison accounted for half of Manning's 308 passing yards while Ricky Williams, Marcus Pollard, and Dallas Clark threw in good receiving days as well. The Colts rushing attack was not as strong without Edgerrin James but Indianapolis still picked up 101 yards on the ground.

Week 5: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 5: Indianapolis Colts at Tampa Bay Buccaneeers
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Colts 0 0 728338
Buccaneers 14 7 77035

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Game information

First quarter

  • TB – Keenan McCardell 74-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Martin Gramatica kick), 9:52. Buccaneers 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 74 yards, 0:14.
  • TB – Keenan McCardell 57-yard fumble return (Martin Gramatica kick), 4:55. Buccaneers 14–0

Second quarter

  • TB – Reggie Barlow 3-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Martin Gramatica kick), 10:16. Buccaneers 21–0. Drive: 11 plays, 71 yards, 6:21.

Third quarter

  • IND – Marvin Harrison 37-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 13:05. Buccaneers 21–7. Drive: 5 plays, 73 yards, 1:55.
  • TB – Keenan McCardell 15-yard pass from Brad Johnson (Martin Gramatica kick), 1:14. Buccaneers 28–7. Drive: 12 plays, 85 yards, 7:28.

Fourth quarter

  • IND – Ricky Williams 1-yard run (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 12:01. Buccaneers 28–14. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:13.
  • TB – Ronde Barber 29-yard interception return (Martin Gramatica kick), 5:09. Buccaneers 35–14
  • IND – James Mungro 3-yard run (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 3:37. Buccaneers 35–21. Drive: 4 plays, 12 yards, 1:32.
  • IND – Marvin Harrison 28-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 2:29. Buccaneers 35–28. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 1:08.
  • IND – Ricky Williams 1-yard run (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 0:35. Tied 35–35. Drive: 5 plays, 85 yards, 1:06.

Overtime

  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 29-yard field goal, 3:47. Colts 38–35. Drive: 15 plays, 76 yards, 6:46.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

In Tampa on Monday Night, the Bucs scored 21 unanswered points and held a 35–14 lead with 5:09 remaining. The game began to change hands when Brad Pyatt returned the ensuing kickoff 90 yards. James Mungro scored a short touchdown, the Colts recovered an onside kick, and Peyton Manning threw a touchdown to Marvin Harrison to cut the lead to a touchdown. With 35 seconds left, Ricky Williams scored a touchdown from 3 yards out to tie the game. With four minutes to go in overtime, Mike Vanderjagt missed a potential game-winning 40 yard field goal wide right, but it was called back by a rare leaping penalty when Bucs DE Simeon Rice landed on his own player. Vanderjagt's ensuing 29 yard attempt was blocked, but kept going and bounced off the right upright and through the posts.

Week 6: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week 6: Carolina Panthers at Indianapolis Colts
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Panthers 3 0 143323
Colts 0 13 07020

at RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

Game information

First quarter

  • CAR – John Kasay 29-yard field goal, 2:32. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 4:17.

Second quarter

  • IND – James Mungro 1-yard run (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 13:33. Colts 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 81 yards, 3:59.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 39-yard field goal, 8:19. Colts 10–3. Drive: 6 plays, 15 yards, 2:31.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 22-yard field goal, 0:15. Colts 13–3. Drive: 12 plays, 76 yards, 6:10.

Third quarter

  • CAR – Stephen Davis 28-yard run (John Kasay kick), 13:59. Colts 13–10. Drive: 1 play, 28 yards, 0:08.
  • CAR – Steve Smith 52-yard pass from Jake Delhomme (John Kasay kick), 10:22. Panthers 17–13. Drive: 5 plays, 85 yards, 2:17.

Fourth quarter

  • CAR – John Kasay 23-yard field goal, 11:17. Panthers 20–13. Drive: 5 plays, 21 yards, 2:48.
  • IND – Reggie Wayne 25-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 0:45. Tied 20–20. Drive: 9 plays, 91 yards, 2:23.

Overtime

  • CAR – John Kasay 47-yard field goal, 9:21. Panthers 23–20. Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 5:39.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

Week 8: vs. Houston Texans

Week 8: Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Texans 0 14 0721
Colts 3 14 10330

at RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

Game information

First quarter

  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 31-yard field goal, 0:44. Colts 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 6:28.

Second quarter

  • HOU – Domanick Davis 15-yard run (Kris Brown kick), 11:14. Texans 7–3. Drive: 2 plays, 28 yards, 0:37.
  • HOU – Billy Miller 1-yard pass from David Carr (Kris Brown kick), 4:55. Texans 14–3. Drive: 8 plays, 79 yards, 4:39.
  • IND – Marcus Pollard 1-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 1:54. Texans 14–10. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 3:01.
  • IND – Reggie Wayne 2-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 0:15. Colts 17–14. Drive: 4 plays, 23 yards, 0:42.

Third quarter

  • IND – Reggie Wayne 57-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 14:03. Colts 24–14. Drive: 2 plays, 68 yards, 0:57.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 29-yard field goal, 4:34. Colts 27–14. Drive: 12 plays, 81 yards, 5:41.

Fourth quarter

  • HOU – Domanick Davis 2-yard run (Kris Brown kick), 12:31. Colts 27–21. Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards, 7:03.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 22-yard field goal, 5:16. Colts 30–21. Drive: 13 plays, 67 yards, 7:15.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

Week 9: at Miami Dolphins

Week 9: Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 0 9 7723
Dolphins 7 0 7317

at Pro Player Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 50-yard field goal, 11:11. Dolphins 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 14 yards, 2:08.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 44-yard field goal, 2:20. Dolphins 7–6. Drive: 14 plays, 65 yards, 6:45.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 25-yard field goal, 0:00. Colts 9–7. Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 1:35.

Third quarter

  • IND – Edgerrin James 1-yard run (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 9:18. Colts 16–7. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 5:42.
  • MIA – Chris Chambers 28-yard pass from Brian Griese (Olindo Mare kick), 7:27. Colts 16–14. Drive: 4 plays, 69 yards, 1:51.

Fourth quarter

  • IND – Troy Walters 3-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 9:40. Colts 23–14. Drive: 13 plays, 91 yards, 8:18.
  • MIA – Olindo Mare 23-yard field goal, 3:10. Colts 23–17. Drive: 8 plays, 50 yards, 2:52.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

Week 10: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 10: Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 7 13 0323
Jaguars 7 0 71428

at Alltel Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida

  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C)
  • Game attendance: 45,037
  • Referee: Ron Winter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Solomon Wilcots
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 27-yard field goal, 11:08. Colts 10–7. Drive: 13 plays, 61 yards, 5:11.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 26-yard field goal, 6:51. Colts 13–7. Drive: 6 plays, 57 yards, 2:22.
  • IND – Marcus Pollard 13-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 0:28. Colts 20–7. Drive: 11 plays, 62 yards, 4:21.

Third quarter

  • JAX – Byron Leftwich 4-yard run (Seth Marler kick), 8:26. Colts 20–14. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 6:34.

Fourth quarter

  • JAX – Jimmy Smith 43-yard pass from Byron Leftwich (Seth Marler kick), 11:32. Jaguars 21–20. Drive: 7 plays, 93 yards, 3:59.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 27-yard field goal, 9:44. Colts 23–20. Drive: 5 plays, 70 yards, 1:48.
  • JAX – Fred Taylor 32-yard run (Seth Marler kick), 1:08. Jaguars 28–23. Drive: 2 plays, 31 yards, 0:20.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

By the start of the fourth quarter, the Jaguars rallied with two touchdowns to take the lead. On the next possession, Peyton Manning connected with Marcus Pollard, who raced 70 yards to set up a go–ahead field goal. The Jaguars then moved deep into Colts' territory, but a fumbled field goal snap by punter/holder Mark Royals thwarted their efforts. After the Colts went three–and–out and a strong punt return set Jacksonville up at the Indianapolis 31–yard line, Fred Taylor made a 32–yard run, evading Mike Doss as he fell, to score a touchdown and put the Jaguars ahead with just a minute remaining. Manning's attempt to respond ended in an interception, sealing the Jaguars' first–ever victory over the Colts in a surprising upset. After the game, Doss remarked, "I guess you'd have to say he got the final word today." Taylor expressed that his frustration arose from Doss forcing his head to the ground after he recovered the fumble, expressing "I felt he truly disrespected me,"

Week 11: vs. New York Jets

Week 11: New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Jets 7 3 21031
Colts 10 14 14038

at RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Game played indoors (Domed stadium)
  • Game attendance: 56,801
  • Referee: Pete Morelli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Phil Simms and Armen Keteyian
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • IND – Edgerrin James 1-yard run (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 6:41. Colts 17–7. Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, 4:30.
  • NYJ – Doug Brien 43-yard field goal, 1:55. Colts 17–10. Drive: 8 plays, 47 yards, 4:46.
  • IND – Edgerrin James 4-yard run (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 0:07. Colts 24–10. Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 1:48.

Third quarter

  • NYJ – Curtis Conway 28-yard pass from Chad Pennington (Doug Brien kick), 13:41. Colts 24–17. Drive: 2 plays, 46 yards, 1:19.
  • IND – Edgerrin James 1-yard run (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 10:18. Colts 31–17. Drive: 6 plays, 46 yards, 3:23.
  • NYJ – Jonathan Carter 90-yard kickoff return (Doug Brien kick), 10:05 . Colts 31–24. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:13.
  • NYJ – Santana Moss 48-yard pass from Chad Pennington (Doug Brien kick), 6:50. Tied 31–31. Drive: 3 plays, 89 yards, 1:25.
  • IND – Hunter Smith 21-yard run (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 3:12. Colts 38–31. Drive: 7 plays, 78 yards, 3:38.

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

Week 12: at Buffalo Bills

Week 12: Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 0 3 01417
Bills 0 7 0714

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays

Second quarter

  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 24-yard field goal, 8:42. Colts 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 49 yards, 4:26.
  • BUF – Drew Bledsoe 1-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), 2:07. Bills 7–3. Drive: 13 plays, 66 yards, 6:35.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays

Fourth quarter

  • BUF – Sammy Morris 7-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), 14:51. Bills 14–3. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 3:35.
  • IND – Edgerrin James 14-yard run (run failed), 10:40. Bills 14–9. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 4:11.
  • IND – Edgerrin James 1-yard run (Peyton Manning–James Mungro pass), 1:38. Colts 17–14. Drive: 16 plays, 83 yards, 6:00.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

Week 13: vs. New England Patriots

Week 13: New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Patriots 10 14 7738
Colts 0 10 141034

at RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Game played indoors (Domed stadium)
  • Game attendance: 57,102
  • Referee: Bill Leavy
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Phil Simms, and Armen Keteyian
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • NE – Adam Vinatieri 43-yard field goal, 9:04. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 5:56.
  • NE – Mike Cloud 4-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), 2:32. Patriots 10–0. Drive: 6 plays, 36 yards, 2:32.

Second quarter

  • NE – Dedric Ward 31-yard pass from Tom Brady (Adam Vinatieri kick), 11:54. Patriots 17–0. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 4:03.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 40-yard field goal, 7:04. Patriots 17–3. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 4:50.
  • IND – Marcus Pollard 8-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 0:12. Patriots 17–10. Drive: 11 plays, 86 yards, 3:20.
  • NE – Bethel Johnson 92-yard kickoff return (Adam Vinatieri kick), 0:00. Patriots 24–10. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:12.

Third quarter

  • NE – Mike Cloud 1-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), 7:36. Patriots 31–10. Drive: 11 plays, 61 yards, 5:33.
  • IND – Reggie Wayne 13-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 1:20. Patriots 31–17. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 4:04.
  • IND – Marvin Harrison 26-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 0:14. Patriots 31–24. Drive: 1 play, 26 yards, 0:06.

Fourth quarter

  • IND – Troy Walters 6-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 10:21. Tied 31–31. Drive: 9 play, 69 yards, 3:47.
  • NE – Deion Branch 13-yard pass from Tom Brady (Adam Vinatieri kick), 8:36. Patriots 38–31. Drive: 4 plays, 31 yards, 1:45.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 29-yard field goal, 3:27. Patriots 38–34. Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, 0:18.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

The Colts hosted the Patriots in the first meeting between the two clubs since October 2001 and the first meeting since divisional realignment took the Colts out of the AFC East into the AFC South. With both teams at 9–2 it was the latest in a season in which two teams with no more than two losses had ever met. The Patriots opened up with a flurry; an Adam Vinatieri field goal was followed by the sacking of Peyton Manning and a fumble recovery, followed by a Mike Cloud rushing score. Dedric Ward then caught a 31-yard Tom Brady touchdown throw for a 17–0 Patriots lead. Peyton Manning led two scoring drives that left the score 17–10 New England with 12 seconds in the first half, but on the ensuing kick to end the half Bethel Johnson ran the ball back for a 92-yard touchdown.

The Patriots increased their lead to 31–10 on another Cloud rushing score, but the tide turned decisively as Brady threw two picks late in the third quarter; Manning completed a 13-yard touchdown to Reggie Wayne on fourth down, then found Marvin Harrison for a 23-yard score. A six-yard Troy Walters touchdown catch in the fourth tied the game at 31, then Bethel Johnson had another huge kickoff return, setting up a 13-yard Brady to Deion Branch touchdown. Kevin Faulk was then steamrolled in the Pats' redzone and fumbled the ball, leading to a 29-yard Mike Vanderjagt kick and a 38–34 Patriots lead. The Patriots were forced to punt in the final minutes and Ken Walter laid a huge egg as his punt landed at the 50. The Colts drove to the Patriots 2-yard line entering the final minute and Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest suffered a momentary leg injury that necessitated stopping the clock. On first down Edgerrin James was stopped at the 1; on second he was stopped and Manning called the Colts' final timeout; on third he threw to the left side of the endzone but the ball sailed over everyone's heads; finally on fourth with 15 seconds remaining James was stopped at the 1 by McGinest, Ted Washington, and Rodney Harrison. The 38–34 thriller left the Patriots shaken ("I've never seen anything like it," Rodney Harrison said afterward) and left them 10–2 and the Colts 9–3.

Week 14: at Tennessee Titans

Week 14: Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 3 9 17029
Titans 10 0 31427

at The Coliseum, Nashville, Tennessee

  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 42 °F (6 °C), Sunny and Cold
  • Game attendance: 68,809
  • Referee: Terry McAulay
  • TV announcers (CBS): Dick Enberg, Dan Dierdorf and Bonnie Bernstein
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • TEN – Gary Anderson 40-yard field goal, 10:25. Titans 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 4:35.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 21-yard field goal, 6:46. Tied 3–3. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 3:39.
  • TEN – Steve McNair 2-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 1:47. Titans 10–3. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:59.

Second quarter

  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 35-yard field goal, 8:56. Titans 10–6. Drive: 9 plays, 26 yards, 3:25.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 36-yard field goal, 1:48. Titans 10–9. Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 5:29.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 23-yard field goal, 0:02. Colts 12–10. Drive: 9 plays, 24 yards, 1:37.

Third quarter

  • IND – Edgerrin James 2-yard run (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 9:33. Colts 19–10. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 5:27.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 26-yard field goal, 7:16. Colts 22–10. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 2:08.
  • TEN – Gary Anderson 40-yard field goal, 2:40. Colts 22–13. Drive: 11 plays, 54 yards, 4:36.
  • IND – Edgerrin James 5-yard run (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 0:37. Colts 29–13. Drive: 4 plays, 68 yards, 2:03.

Fourth quarter

  • TEN – Robert Holcombe 1-yard pass from Steve McNair (Steve McNair run), 9:24. Colts 29–21. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 6:13.
  • TEN – Derrick Mason 2-yard pass from Steve McNair (pass failed), 1:52. Colts 29–27. Drive: 7 plays, 48 yards, 0:48.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

Week 15: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week 15: Atlanta Falcons at Indianapolis Colts
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Falcons 0 0 707
Colts 14 10 14038

at RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 43-yard field goal, 10:09. Colts 17–0. Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 3:41.
  • IND – Marvin Harrison 17-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 2:40. Colts 24–0. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:10.

Third quarter

  • IND – Brandon Stokley 37-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 12:51. Colts 31–0. Drive: 5 plays, 60 yards, 2:09.
  • ATL – T. J. Duckett 17-yard run (Jay Feely kick), 4:57. Colts 31–7. Drive: 6 plays, 41 yards, 1:58.
  • IND – Marvin Harrison 16-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 2:35. Colts 38–7. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:22.

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

Week 16: vs. Denver Broncos

Week 16: Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 14 14 0331
Colts 7 10 0017

at RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Game time: 8:30 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Game played indoors (Domed stadium)
  • Game attendance: 57,149
  • Referee: Jeff Triplette
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann, Paul Maguire and Suzy Kolber
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • IND – Edgerrin James 16-yard run (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 14:10. Tied 14–14. Drive: 6 plays, 57 yards, 2:56.
  • DEN – Jake Plummer 1-yard run (Jason Elam kick), 6:20. Broncos 21–14. Drive: 12 plays, 81 yards, 7:50.
  • DEN – Rod Smith 15-yard pass from Jake Plummer (Jason Elam kick), 1:11. Broncos 28–14. Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 3:58.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 40-yard field goal, 0:04. Broncos 28–17. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 1:07.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays

Fourth quarter

  • DEN – Jason Elam 24-yard field goal, 4:26. Broncos 31–17. Drive: 15 plays, 82 yards, 9:34.
Top passers
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Top receivers

Week 17: at Houston Texans

Week 17: Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 0 3 01720
Texans 0 10 7017

at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays

Second quarter

  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 39-yard field goal, 10:51. Colts 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 54 yards, 5:04.
  • HOU – Domanick Davis 11-yard run (Kris Brown kick), 5:23. Texans 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 5:28.
  • HOU – Kris Brown 36-yard field goal, 1:49. Texans 10–3. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 1:33.

Third quarter

  • HOU – Domanick Davis 13-yard run (Kris Brown kick), 10:34. Texans 17–3. Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 4:26.

Fourth quarter

  • IND – Edgerrin James 6-yard run (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 14:57. Texans 17–10. Drive: 11 plays, 67 yards, 5:36.
  • IND – Brandon Stokley 5-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 3:50. Tied 17–17. Drive: 1 play, 5 yards, 0:05.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 43-yard field goal, 0:00. Colts 20–17. Drive: 12 plays, 65 yards, 2:40.
Top passers
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Top receivers

Postseason

Further information: NFL playoffs, 2003-04
Round Date Opponent (seed) Result Record Venue Recap
Wild Card January 4 Denver Broncos (6) W 41–10 1–0 RCA Dome Recap
Divisional January 11 at Kansas City Chiefs (2) W 38–31 2–0 Arrowhead Stadium Recap
AFC Championship January 18 at New England Patriots (1) L 14–24 2–1 Gillette Stadium Recap

Game summaries

AFC Wild Card: vs. Denver Broncos

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: (6) Denver Broncos at (3) Indianapolis Colts
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 3 0 0710
Colts 14 17 10041

at RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

Game information

First quarter

  • IND – Brandon Stokley 31-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 11:55. Colts 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 3:05.
  • DEN – Jason Elam 49-yard field goal, 3:41. Colts 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 47 yards, 8:14.
  • IND – Marvin Harrison 46-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 0:24. Colts 14–3. Drive: 8 plays, 81 yards, 3:17.

Second quarter

  • IND – Marvin Harrison 23-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 7:28. Colts 21–3. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:49.
  • IND – Brandon Stokley 87-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 1:51. Colts 28–3. Drive: 1 play, 87 yards, 0:10.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 27-yard field goal, 0:00. Colts 31–3. Drive: 6 plays, 49 yards, 0:55.

Third quarter

  • IND – Reggie Wayne 7-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 5:19. Colts 38–3. Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 5:45.
  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 20-yard field goal, 0:55. Colts 41–3. Drive: 6 plays, 17 yards, 3:38.

Fourth quarter

  • DEN – Rod Smith 7-yard pass from Jake Plummer (Jason Elam kick), 7:04. Colts 41–10. Drive: 12 plays, 62 yards, 6:18.
Top passers
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AFC Divisional Playoff: at Kansas City Chiefs

AFC Divisional Playoffs: (3) Indianapolis Colts at (2) Kansas City Chiefs
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 14 7 10738
Chiefs 3 7 14731

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • KC – Dante Hall 9-yard pass from Trent Green (Morten Andersen kick), 8:35. Colts 14–10. Drive: 12 plays, 77 yards, 7:02.
  • IND – Tom Lopienski 2-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 4:29. Colts 21–10. Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 4:06.

Third quarter

  • IND – Mike Vanderjagt 45-yard field goal, 9:24. Colts 24–10. Drive: 11 plays, 51 yards, 5:08.
  • KC – Priest Holmes 1-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 5:26. Colts 24–17. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 3:58.
  • IND – Reggie Wayne 19-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 1:48. Colts 31–17. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 3:38.
  • KC – Dante Hall 92-yard kickoff return (Morten Andersen kick), 1:35. Colts 31–24. Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:13.

Fourth quarter

  • IND – Edgerrin James 1-yard run (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 11:14. Colts 38–24. Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 5:21.
  • KC – Priest Holmes 1-yard run (Morten Andersen kick), 4:22. Colts 38–31. Drive: 17 plays, 76 yards, 6:52.
Top passers
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This offensive shootout became the second game without a punt in NFL history, and first since the Buffalo Bills played the San Francisco 49ers in 1992. Colts quarterback Peyton Manning threw for 304 yards and three touchdowns, while Edgerrin James ran for a career postseason high 125 yards and two scores. On the Kansas City side, Dante Hall caught a touchdown and returned a kickoff for another; and Priest Holmes, who set the regular-season rushing touchdown record, rushed for 176 yards, caught 5 passes for 32 yards, and scored twice. Kansas City quarterback Trent Green threw for 212 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 18 yards in his first career postseason game. The Chiefs defense failed to stop the Colt's offense. Kansas City's defensive coordinator Greg Robinson was asked to resign the following week.

AFC Championship: at New England Patriots

AFC Championship: (3) Indianapolis Colts at (1) New England Patriots
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 0 0 7714
Patriots 7 8 6324

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Game time: 3:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 32 °F (0 °C), cloudy, occasional snow
  • Game attendance: 68,436
  • Referee: Walt Coleman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Phil Simms, Armen Keteyian and Bonnie Bernstein
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • NE – Adam Vinatieri 31-yard field goal, 12:44. Patriots 10–0. Drive: 13 plays, 67 yards, 5:42.
  • NE – Adam Vinatieri 25-yard field goal, 8:06. Patriots 13–0. Drive: 11 plays, 52 yards, 4:22.
  • NE – Justin Snow fumble out of bounds in the end zone for a safety, 4:08. Patriots 15–0

Third quarter

  • IND – Edgerrin James 2-yard run (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 9:44. Patriots 15–7. Drive: 12 plays, 52 yards, 5:16.
  • NE – Adam Vinatieri 27-yard field goal, 7:20. Patriots 18–7. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 2:24.
  • NE – Adam Vinatieri 21-yard field goal, 1:32. Patriots 21–7. Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 4:45.

Fourth quarter

  • IND – Marcus Pollard 7-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 2:27. Patriots 21–14. Drive: 13 plays, 67 yards, 3:43.
  • NE – Adam Vinatieri 34-yard field goal, 0:50. Patriots 24–14. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 0:51.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers

Awards and records

See also

References

  1. ^ "Taylor said it, did it". Jacksonville Jaguars. November 9, 2003. Archived from the original on October 7, 2022. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  2. "Top 10 greatest comebacks in NFL history". Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved October 13, 2009.
  3. Pells, Eddie (November 10, 2003). "Taylor Lifts Jaguars Past Colts for Upset Victory". The Ledger. Lakeland, Florida: Leon Tucker. Archived from the original on August 22, 2024. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  4. Maxwell Football Club – Bert Bell Award Past Recipients Archived June 19, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
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