1987 Indianapolis Colts season

The 1987 Indianapolis Colts season was the 35th season for the team in the National Football League (NFL) and fourth in Indianapolis. It was also their first full season under head coach Ron Meyer, who had taken over an 0-13 Colts team the previous season after Rod Dowhower was fired.

Dickerson rushing the ball during an away game against the Cleveland Browns in 1987.

1987 Indianapolis Colts season
Owner	Robert Irsay
General manager	Jim Irsay
Head coach	Ron Meyer
Home field	Hoosier Dome
Local radio	WIBC–AM 1070
Results
Record	9–6
Division place	1st AFC East
Playoff finish	Lost Divisional Playoffs (at Browns) 21–38
Pro Bowlers	6[1] K Dean Biasucci LB Duane Bickett RB Eric Dickerson C Ray Donaldson OT Chris Hinton OG Ron Solt
AP All-Pros	6[2] K Dean Biasucci LB Duane Bickett RB Eric Dickerson C Ray Donaldson OT Chris Hinton OG Ron Solt
← 1986 Colts seasons 1988 →

The team finished the strike-shortened season with a record of 9-6 and won the AFC East division.

This season marked the first winning season, division championship, and playoff appearance for the Colts since 1977, when they were still in Baltimore.

NFL Films produced a documentary about the team's season entitled Off and Running; it was narrated by Jeff Kaye.

Offseason

NFL draft

Main article: 1987 NFL draft

1987 Indianapolis Colts Draft

Round	Selection	Player	Position	College
1	2	Cornelius Bennett	LB	Alabama
2	30	Choice to Washington
3	58	Chris Gambol	OG	Iowa
4	85	Randy Dixon	OG	Pittsburgh
5	114	Roy Banks	WR	Eastern Illinois
6	142	Freddie Robinson	DB	Alabama
7	170	Mark Bellini	WR	Brigham Young
8	197	Choice to Tampa Bay
	200 (Choice from Buffalo)	Chuckie Miller	DB	UCLA
9	225	Choice to N.Y. Giants
	247 (Choice from Cleveland)	Bob Ontko	LB	Penn State
10	253	Chris Goode	DB	Alabama
11	281	Jim Reynosa	DE	Arizona State
12	309	David Adams	RB	Arizona

NFL replacement players

After the league decided to use replacement players during the NFLPA strike, the following team was assembled:

1987 Indianapolis Colts replacement roster
Quarterbacks 5 Blair Kiel QB/P 7 Gary Hogeboom 14 Terry Nugent Running backs 30 Mel Carver 36 Chris McLemore 37 Chuck Banks 42 Gordon Brown Jeff Atkins Wide receivers 80 Steve Bryant 80 James Noble 84 Kelley Johnson 85 Tim Kearse 86 Walter Murray 87 Mark Bellini Clyde Duncan Todd Feldman Tight ends 81 Joe Jones 83 Greg Hawthorne 88 John Brandes Deron Miller Mike Russell		Offensive linemen 60 Mark Boggs 61 Marsharne Graves 62 Jeff Criswell 67 Ron Plantz 68 Milt Carthens 69 Sid Abramowitz 73 Steve Knight 79 Shawn Heffern Defensive linemen 62 Don Thorp 63 Steve Knight 65 Jim Merritts 94 Chris Scott 94 Scott Kellar 95 Bob Hamm 96 Bill Elko 97 Frank Mattiace Mark Smythe		Linebackers 54 Will Benjamin 52 Ricky Chatman 56 Ed Grimsley 92 Jeff Leiding 51 Bob Ontko 90 Gary Padjen 90 Roger Remo 59 Brad Saar 57 Brian Bulluck Defensive backs 27 Terry Wright 28 Lee Davis 29 Jitter Fields 33 Bryant Jones 39 Mike Prior 40 Pat Ballage 41 John Simmons 43 Jim Perryman 45 Craig Curry Richard Peavy Special teams 6 Steve Jordan K Manny Matsakis K 5 Craig Colquitt P

Roster

1987 Indianapolis Colts roster

Quarterbacks (QB)  7 Gary Hogeboom 10 Jack Trudeau 13 Sean Salisbury Running backs (RB) 20 Albert Bentley 29 Eric Dickerson 34 George Wonsley Wide receivers (WR) 86 Roy Banks 87 Mark Bellini 85 Matt Bouza 80 Bill Brooks 86 Walter Murray Tight ends (TE) 81 Pat Beach 88 John Brandes 84 Mark Boyer 49 Mike McCloskey

Offensive linemen (OL) 74 Bob Brotzki T 71 Kevin Call T 69 Randy Dixon 53 Ray Donaldson C 75 Chris Hinton T 65 Joel Patten G 66 Ron Solt G 64 Ben Utt G Defensive linemen (DL) 79 Harvey Armstrong DT 72 Byron Darby NT 78 Jon Hand DE 76 Jerome Sally NT 99 Donnell Thompson DE 62 Don Thorp DE

Linebackers (LB) 57 Dave Ahrens 50 Duane Bickett 98 Johnie Cooks 58 June James 55 Barry Krauss 56 Orlando Lowry 93 Cliff Odom Defensive backs (DB) 38 Eugene Daniel CB 25 Nesby Glasgow SS 37 Chris Goode 43 Jim Perryman 39 Mike Prior FS 47 Freddie Robinson 42 Willie Tullis CB 27 Terry Wright Special teams  4 Dean Biasucci K  3 Rohn Stark P

Reserve -- Chuck Banks RB (IR) 31 Leonard Coleman CB (IR) 74 Chris Gambol T (IR) -- Ed Grimsley LB (IR) 94 Scott Kellar NT (IR) 92 Jeff Leiding LB (IR) 32 Randy McMillan RB (PUP) 48 Chuckie Miller DB (IR) 52 Micah Moon LB (IR) 83 Tim Sherwin TE (IR) Rookies in italics

Pre season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Time	TV	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	Recap
1	August 15	at Detroit Lions	7:00 p.m. EST	WTHR	W 22–19	1–0	Pontiac Silverdome	45,753
2	August 22	at Minnesota Vikings	7:00 p.m. EST	WTHR	L 19–37	1–1	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	49,304
3	August 29	Houston Oilers	7:30 p.m. EST	WTHR	W 17–6	2–1	Hoosier Dome	51,975
4	September 5	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	7:30 p.m. EST	WTHR	W 23–6	3–1	Hoosier Dome	50,111

Preseason Game summaries

Week P1 (Saturday, August 15, 1987): at Detroit Lions

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts	3	10	2	7	22
Lions	0	13	6	0	19

Preseason Week 1: Indianapolis Colts at Detroit Lions – Game summary

at Pontiac Silverdome • Pontiac, Michigan

• Date: August 15, 1987
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. EST
• Game attendance: 45,753
• TV announcers (WTHR): Don Hein (play-by-play) and Darrel Burnett (color commentator)

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
IND	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
DET	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP IND DET "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 22 19

• Point spread:
• Over/Under:
• Time of Game:

Colts	Game Statistics	Lions
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Week P2 (Saturday, August 22, 1987): at Minnesota Vikings

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts	3	10	0	0	13
Vikings	3	17	7	10	37

Preseason Week 2: Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome • Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: August 22, 1987
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. EST
• Game attendance: 49,304
• TV announcers (WTHR): Don Hein (play-by-play) and Darrel Burnett (color commentator)

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
IND	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
MIN	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP IND MIN "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 13 37

• Point spread:
• Over/Under:
• Time of Game:

Colts	Game Statistics	Vikings
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Week P3 (Saturday, August 29, 1987): vs. Houston Oilers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Oilers	6	0	0	0	6
Colts	0	3	14	0	17

Preseason Week 3: Houston Oilers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana

• Date: August 29, 1987
• Game time: 7:30 p.m. EST
• Game attendance: 51,975
• TV announcers (WTHR): Don Hein (play-by-play) and Darrel Burnett (color commentator)

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
HOU	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
IND	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP HOU IND "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 6 17

• Point spread:
• Over/Under:
• Time of Game:

Oilers	Game Statistics	Colts
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Week P4 (Saturday, September 5, 1987): vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Buccaneers	6	10	0	0	16
Colts	3	20	0	0	23

Preseason Week 4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana

• Date: September 5, 1987
• Game time: 7:30 p.m. EST
• Game attendance: 50,111
• Referee: Ben Dreith
• TV announcers (WTHR): Don Hein (play-by-play) and Darrel Burnett (color commentator)

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
TB	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
IND	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP TB IND "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 16 23

• Point spread:
• Over/Under:
• Time of Game: 3 hours, 19 minutes

Buccaneers	Game Statistics	Colts
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Regular season

On October 31, 1987, the Los Angeles Rams traded Eric Dickerson to the Indianapolis Colts in a three team trade involving the Buffalo Bills. The Rams sent Dickerson to the Colts for six draft choices and two players. Buffalo obtained the rights to Cornelius Bennett from Indianapolis. Buffalo sent running back Greg Bell and three draft choices to the Rams, while Indianapolis added Owen Gill and three of their own draft picks to complete the deal with the Rams.^[3]

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance	Recap
1	September 13	Cincinnati Bengals	L 21–23	0–1	Hoosier Dome	59,387	Recap
2	September 20, 1987	Miami Dolphins	L 10–23	0–2	Hoosier Dome	57,524	Recap
3	September 27	at St. Louis Cardinals	Canceled [4]	0–2	Busch Stadium
4	October 4	at Buffalo Bills	W 47–6	1–2	Rich Stadium	9,860	Recap
5	October 11	New York Jets	W 6–0	2–2	Hoosier Dome	34,927	Recap
6	October 18	at Pittsburgh Steelers	L 7–21	2–3	Three Rivers Stadium	34,627	Recap
7	October 25	New England Patriots	W 30–16	3–3	Hoosier Dome	48,850	Recap
8	November 1	at New York Jets	W 19–14	4–3	Giants Stadium	60,863	Recap
9	November 8	San Diego Chargers	L 13–16	4–4	Hoosier Dome	60,459	Recap
10	November 15	at Miami Dolphins	W 40–21	5–4	Joe Robbie Stadium	65,433	Recap
11	November 22	at New England Patriots	L 0–24	5–5	Sullivan Stadium	56,906	Recap
12	November 29	Houston Oilers	W 51–27	6–5	Hoosier Dome	54,999	Recap
13	December 6	at Cleveland Browns	W 9–7	7–5	Cleveland Stadium	70,661	Recap
14	December 13	Buffalo Bills	L 3–27	7–6	Hoosier Dome	60,253	Recap
15	December 20	at San Diego Chargers	W 20–7	8–6	Jack Murphy Stadium	46,211	Recap
16	December 27	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	W 24–6	9–6	Hoosier Dome	60,468	Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Regular Season Game summaries

Week 1 (Sunday, September 13, 1987): vs. Cincinnati Bengals

^[5]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bengals (1–0)	13	0	0	10	23
Colts (0–1)	7	0	7	7	21

Week 1: Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana

• Date: September 13, 1987
• Game time: 12 Noon EST
• Game weather: indoors
• Game attendance: 59,367
• Referee: Gene Barth
• TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond (play-by-play) and Dave Casper (color commentator)
• ^[6]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
CIN	Passing	Boomer Esiason	17/26, 236 YDS, 2 TDs
	Rushing	James Brooks	19 CAR, 86 YDS 1 TD
	Receiving	Rodney Holman	3 REC, 79 YDS, 1 TD
IND	Passing	Jack Trudeau	13/23, 206 YDS, 1 TD, 3 INTs
	Rushing	Albert Bentley	25 CAR, 77 YDS, 1 TD
	Receiving	Bill Brooks	6 REC, 146 YDS, 1 TD

Scoring summary

Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP CIN IND 1 6:21 13 79 5:43 Bengals Brooks 18-yard touchdown reception from Esiason, Breech kick good 7 0 1 3:59 2 61 0:48 Bengals Holman 61-yard touchdown reception from Esiason, Breech kick no good 13 0 1 1:25 5 68 2:34 Colts Brooks 52-yard touchdown reception from Trudeau, Biasucci kick good 13 7 3 2:29 13 80 7:58 Colts Bentley 2-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good 13 14 4 10:36 16 78 6:53 Bengals 20-yard field goal by Breech 16 14 4 7:50 3 25 1:19 Bengals Brooks 1-yard touchdown run, Breech kick good 23 14 4 2:33 9 70 5:17 Colts Sherwin 1-yard touchdown reception from Trudeau, Biasucci kick good 23 21 "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 23 21

• Point spread: Colts +5½
• Over/Under: 44.0 (push)
• Time of Game: 2 hours, 48 minutes

Bengals	Game Statistics	Colts
25	First downs	15
42–187	Rushes–yards	27–85
236	Passing yards	206
17–26–0	Passes	13–23–3
2–20	Sacked–yards	0–0
216	Net passing yards	206
403	Total yards	291
134	Return yards	129
3–52.0	Punts	4–52.3
4–1	Fumbles–lost	2–0
5–50	Penalties–yards	2–25
27:16	Time of possession	32:44

Week 2 (Sunday, September 20, 1987): vs. Miami Dolphins

^[7]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins (1–1)	7	9	7	0	23
Colts (0–2)	0	7	3	0	10

Week 2: Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana

• Date: September 20, 1987
• Game time: 12:01 p.m. EST
• Game weather: indoors
• Game attendance: 57,524
• Referee: Fred Wyant
• TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond (play-by-play) and Dave Casper (color commentator)
• ^[8]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
MIA	Passing	Dan Marino	23/32, 254 YDS, 3 TDs
	Rushing	Lorenzo Hampton	13 CAR, 44 YDS
	Receiving	Lorenzo Hampton	7 REC, 49 YDS
IND	Passing	Gary Hogeboom	27/43, 282 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
	Rushing	Albert Bentley	22 CAR, 84 YDS
	Receiving	Albert Bentley	9 REC, 69 YDS

Scoring summary

Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP MIA IND 1 5:37 11 81 5:33 Dolphins Stradford 18-yard touchdown reception from Marino, Reveiz kick good 7 0 2 12:37 8 57 3:43 Dolphins 27-yard field goal by Reveiz 10 0 2 6:12 7 62 2:25 Colts Bouza 17-yard touchdown reception from Hogeboom, Biasucci kick good 10 7 2 1:12 11 80 5:00 Dolphins Jensen 6-yard touchdown reception from Marino, Reveiz kick no good 16 7 3 7:19 8 60 3:50 Dolphins Clayton 10-yard touchdown reception from Marino, Reveiz kick good 23 7 3 1:32 7 30 3:21 Colts 50-yard field goal by Biasucci 23 10 "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 23 10

• Point spread: Colts +5
• Over/Under: 46.5 (under)
• Time of Game: 3 hours, 0 minutes

Dolphins	Game Statistics	Colts
20	First downs	20
34–130	Rushes–yards	23–84
254	Passing yards	282
23–32–0	Passes	27–43–1
1–9	Sacked–yards	2–24
245	Net passing yards	258
375	Total yards	342
76	Return yards	113
4–42.8	Punts	4–37.5
2–2	Fumbles–lost	4–3
1–5	Penalties–yards	4–30
33:16	Time of possession	26:44

Week 3 (Sunday, September 27, 1987): at St. Louis Cardinals

Cancelled due to player's strike.

Week 4 (Sunday, October 4, 1987): at Buffalo Bills

^[9]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts (1–2)	7	21	19	0	47
Bills (1–2)	0	0	0	6	6

Week 4: Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills – Game summary

at Rich Stadium • Orchard Park, New York

• Date: October 4, 1987
• Game time: 12 Noon EST
• Game weather: 43 °F (6 °C); relative humidity 62%; wind 13 miles per hour (21 km/h; 11 kn)
• Game attendance: 9,860
• Referee: Dick Hantak
• TV announcers (NBC): Sam Nover (play-by-play) and Dave Casper (color commentator)
• ^[10]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
IND	Passing	Gary Hogeboom	17/25, 259 YDS, 5 TDs
	Rushing	Chuck Banks	16 CAR, 69 YDS
	Receiving	Walter Murray	7 REC, 161 YDS, 2 TDs
BUF	Passing	Willie Totten	4/12, 71 YDS, 1 TD
	Rushing	Johnny Shepherd	7 CAR, 38 YDS
	Receiving	Sheldon Gaines	6 REC, 98 YDS

Scoring summary

Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP IND BUF 1 2:48 3 56 0:49 Colts Murray 37-yard touchdown reception from Hogeboom, Jordan kick good 7 0 2 7:04 7 68 3:05 Colts Murray 11-yard touchdown reception from Hogeboom, Jordan kick good 14 0 2 1:38 8 71 2:09 Colts Jones 37-yard touchdown reception from Hogeboom, Jordan kick good 21 0 2 0:18 2 40 0:16 Colts Jones 18-yard touchdown reception from Hogeboom, Jordan kick good 28 0 3 14:10 2 21 0:36 Colts Jones 18-yard touchdown reception from Hogeboom, Jordan kick good 35 0 3 12:30 — — — Colts Clark tackled in the end zone by Leiding for a safety 37 0 3 7:11 10 50 5:07 Colts 36-yard field goal by Jordan 40 0 3 4:50 2 44 0:37 Colts Brown 18-yard touchdown run, Jordan kick good 47 0 4 8:52 3 12 0:52 Bills Brown 8-yard touchdown reception from Totten, Schlopy kick no good 47 6 "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 47 6

• Point spread: Colts –3.5
• Over/Under:
• Time of Game:

Colts	Game Statistics	Bills
28	First downs	14
41–166	Rushes–yards	28–81
306	Passing yards	148
20–30–0	Passes	12–35–3
1–9	Sacked–yards	6–66
297	Net passing yards	82
463	Total yards	163
87	Return yards	77
2–30.5	Punts	6–32.2
3–2	Fumbles–lost	7–4
5–30	Penalties–yards	10–70
31:44	Time of possession	28:16

This game was played with replacement players.

Week 5 (Sunday, October 11, 1987): vs. New York Jets

^[11]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Jets (2–2)	0	0	0	0	0
Colts (2–2)	0	3	3	0	6

Week 5: New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana

• Date: October 11, 1987
• Game time: 12 Noon EST
• Game weather: indoors
• Game attendance: 34,927
• Referee: Pat Haggerty
• TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond (play-by-play) and Sam Rutigliano (color commentator)
• ^[12]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
NYJ	Passing	David Norrie	17/35, 163 YDS, 3 INTs
	Rushing	Dennis Bligen	12 CAR, 35 YDS
	Receiving	Michael Harper	5 REC, 56 YDS
IND	Passing	Gary Hogeboom	15/28, 115 YDS, 1 TDs
	Rushing	Chuck Banks	25 CAR, 159 YDS
	Receiving	Chuck Banks	5 REC, 22 YDS

Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP NYJ IND 2 1:57 5 36 2:51 Colts 35-yard field goal by Jordan 0 3 3 7:28 12 67 5:51 Colts 25-yard field goal by Jordan 0 6 "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 0 6

• Point spread: Colts –11
• Over/Under:
• Time of Game:

Jets	Game Statistics	Colts
16	First downs	14
28–66	Rushes–yards	32–174
163	Passing yards	115
17–35–3	Passes	15–31–1
4–18	Sacked–yards	3–19
145	Net passing yards	96
211	Total yards	270
60	Return yards	73
8–39.4	Punts	7–34.6
5–2	Fumbles–lost	2–1
8–65	Penalties–yards	7–70
30:00	Time of possession	30:00

This game was played with replacement players.

Week 6 (Sunday, October 18, 1987): at Pittsburgh Steelers

^[13]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts (2–3)	0	7	0	0	7
Steelers (3–2)	7	0	0	14	21

Week 6: Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary

at Three Rivers Stadium • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Date: October 18, 1987
• Game time: 12 Noon EST
• Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C); relative humidity 62%; wind 6 miles per hour (9.7 km/h; 5.2 kn) (Scattered Clouds)
• Game attendance: 34,627
• Referee: Tom Dooley
• TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond (play-by-play) and Sam Rutigliano (color commentator)
• ^[14]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
IND	Passing	Blair Kiel	17/30, 195 YDS, 1 TD, 3 INTs
	Rushing	Gordon Brown	9 CAR, 32 YDS
	Receiving	Mark Bellini	5 REC, 69 YDS
PIT	Passing	Steve Bono	11/23, 138 YDS, 2 TDs, 1 INT
	Rushing	Earnest Jackson	24 CAR, 134 YDS
	Receiving	John Stallworth	5 REC, 54 YDS, 1 TD

Scoring summary

Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP IND PIT 1 7:06 2 11 0:42 Steelers Stallworth 3-yard touchdown reception from Bono, Trout kick good 0 7 2 1:54 6 80 1:06 Colts Murray 20-yard touchdown reception from Kiel, Jordan kick good 7 7 4 10:01 9 59 5:37 Steelers Hoge 20-yard touchdown reception from Bono, Trout kick good 7 14 4 3:00 8 38 4:55 Steelers Sanders 20-yard touchdown run, Trout kick good 7 21 "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 7 21

• Point spread: Colts +11½
• Over/Under:
• Time of Game:

Colts	Game Statistics	Steelers
15	First downs	23
22–75	Rushes–yards	47–252
195	Passing yards	138
17–30–3	Passes	11–23–1
0–0	Sacked–yards	2–12
195	Net passing yards	126
270	Total yards	378
68	Return yards	62
5–39.6	Punts	6–41.8
2–2	Fumbles–lost	4–0
8–69	Penalties–yards	6–57
23:21	Time of possession	36:39

This game was played with replacement players.

Week 7 (Sunday, October 25, 1987): vs. New England Patriots

^[15]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots (3–3)	3	3	7	3	16
Colts (3–3)	0	10	13	7	30

Week 7: New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana

• Date: October 25, 1987
• Game time: 1:01 p.m. EST
• Game weather: indoors
• Game attendance: 48,850
• Referee: Bob McElwee
• TV announcers (NBC): Kevin Slaten (play-by-play) and Reggie Rucker (color commentator)
• ^[16]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
NE	Passing	Tony Eason	22/42, 246 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
	Rushing	Mosi Tatupu	12 CAR, 39 YDS
	Receiving	Stanley Morgan	7 REC, 102 YDS, 1 TD
IND	Passing	Jack Trudeau	17/28, 239 YDS, 1 TD
	Rushing	Albert Bentley	16 CAR, 65 YDS, 1 TD
	Receiving	Albert Bentley	4 REC, 53 YDS

Scoring summary

Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP NE IND 1 5:59 13 52 5:38 Patriots 30-yard field goal by Franklin 3 0 2 7:42 15 72 7:11 Patriots 31-yard field goal by Franklin 6 0 2 1:54 7 71 5:48 Colts Bouza 25-yard touchdown reception from Trudeau, Biasucci kick good 6 7 2 0:28 6 33 0:46 Colts 48-yard field goal by Biasucci 6 10 3 11:11 9 55 3:49 Colts 38-yard field goal by Biasucci 6 13 3 6:56 6 36 2:36 Colts 24-yard field goal by Biasucci 6 16 3 5:14 — — — Colts Fumble recovery returned 28 yards for touchdown by Thompson, Biasucci kick good 6 23 3 1:42 9 76 3:32 Patriots Morgan 17-yard touchdown reception from Eason, Franklin kick good 13 23 4 8:52 9 34 4:37 Patriots 49-yard field goal by Franklin 16 23 4 3:25 4 22 2:14 Colts Bentley 12-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good 16 30 "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 16 30

• Point spread: Colts +6½
• Over/Under: 44.0 (over)
• Time of Game: 3 hours, 8 minutes

Patriots	Game Statistics	Colts
18	First downs	17
27–79	Rushes–yards	25–87
246	Passing yards	239
22–43–1	Passes	17–28–0
2–21	Sacked–yards	3–26
225	Net passing yards	213
304	Total yards	300
162	Return yards	129
4–45.0	Punts	5–44.6
2–2	Fumbles–lost	3–1
5–40	Penalties–yards	9–65
32:54	Time of possession	27:06

Week 8 (Sunday, November 1, 1987): at New York Jets

^[17]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts (4–3)	3	7	3	6	19
Jets (3–4)	0	7	0	7	14

Week 8: Indianapolis Colts at New York Jets – Game summary

at The Meadowlands • East Rutherford, New Jersey

• Date: November 1, 1987
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C); relative humidity 62%; wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
• Game attendance: 60,863
• Referee: Ben Dreith
• TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play-by-play) and Joe Namath (color commentator)
• ^[18]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
IND	Passing	Jack Trudeau	14/23, 192 YDS, 1 TD
	Rushing	Albert Bentley	29 CAR, 145 YDS
	Receiving	Pat Beach	4 REC, 31 YDS
NYJ	Passing	Ken O'Brien	15/29, 174 YDS, 1 INT
	Rushing	Johnny Hector	5 CAR, 37 YDS, 2 TDs
	Receiving	Al Toon	7 REC, 79 YDS

Scoring summary

Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP IND NYJ 1 7:56 12 59 7:04 Colts 36-yard field goal by Biasucci 3 0 2 10:23 5 89 2:53 Colts Bouza 44-yard touchdown reception from Trudeau, Biasucci kick good 10 0 2 2:14 15 80 8:01 Jets Hector 12-yard touchdown run, Leahy kick good 10 7 3 7:58 4 4 2:43 Colts 44-yard field goal by Biasucci 13 7 4 14:56 11 30 7:00 Colts 38-yard field goal by Biasucci 16 7 4 9:21 9 28 4:45 Colts 33-yard field goal by Biasucci 19 7 4 6:30 7 69 2:51 Jets Hector 20-yard touchdown run, Leahy kick good 19 14 "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 19 14

• Point spread: Colts +7
• Over/Under: 44.0 (under)
• Time of Game: 2 hours, 50 minutes

Colts	Game Statistics	Jets
21	First downs	15
45–186	Rushes–yards	20–101
192	Passing yards	190
14–23–0	Passes	16–30–1
1–1	Sacked–yards	7–61
191	Net passing yards	129
377	Total yards	230
73	Return yards	142
3–40.0	Punts	5–35.8
1–0	Fumbles–lost	2–2
4–35	Penalties–yards	6–34
34:47	Time of possession	25:13

• Eric Dickerson's first game with Colts

Week 9 (Sunday, November 8, 1987): vs. San Diego Chargers

^[19]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers (7–1)	0	0	6	10	16
Colts (4–4)	3	10	0	0	13

Week 9: San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana

• Date: November 8, 1987
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: indoors
• Game attendance: 54,009
• Referee: Jerry Markbreit
• TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play-by-play) and Joe Namath (color commentator)
• ^[20]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
SD	Passing	Dan Fouts	16/30, 214 YDS, 1 TD, 3 INTs
	Rushing	Curtis Adams	13 CAR, 52 YDS
	Receiving	Wes Chandler	4 REC, 73 YDS
IND	Passing	Jack Trudeau	12/18, 127 YDS
	Rushing	Eric Dickerson	35 CAR, 138 YDS
	Receiving	Matt Bouza	3 REC, 53 YDS

Scoring summary

Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP SD IND 1 6:26 16 59 8:34 Colts 37-yard field goal by Biasucci 0 3 2 10:39 4 5 1:31 Colts 27-yard field goal by Biasucci 0 6 2 0:55 13 80 6:28 Colts Bentley 8-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good 0 13 3 11:04 10 55 3:56 Chargers 42-yard field goal by Abbott 3 13 3 3:12 6 21 2:43 Chargers 37-yard field goal by Abbott 6 13 4 12:47 7 47 2:55 Chargers James 5-yard touchdown reception from Fouts, Abbott kick good 13 13 4 0:12 11 59 3:54 Chargers 39-yard field goal by Abbott 16 13 "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 16 13

• Point spread: Colts Pick'em
• Over/Under: 45.0 (under)
• Time of Game: 2 hours, 57 minutes

Chargers	Game Statistics	Colts
15	First downs	18
26–82	Rushes–yards	45–191
214	Passing yards	127
16–30–3	Passes	12–18–0
0–0	Sacked–yards	3–15
214	Net passing yards	112
296	Total yards	303
82	Return yards	150
4–43.0	Punts	3–34.0
3–1	Fumbles–lost	3–3
10–80	Penalties–yards	9–65
22:11	Time of possession	37:49

Week 10 (Sunday, November 15, 1987): at Miami Dolphins

^[21]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts (5–4)	7	13	3	17	40
Dolphins (5–4)	14	7	0	0	21

Week 10: Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

at Joe Robbie Stadium • Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: November 15, 1987
• Game time: 1:02 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 77 °F (25 °C); relative humidity 76%; wind 14 miles per hour (23 km/h; 12 kn) (Scattered Clouds)
• Game attendance: 65,433
• Referee: Jim Tunney
• TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play-by-play) and Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
• ^[22]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
IND	Passing	Gary Hogeboom	22/37, 218 YDS, 1 TD
	Rushing	Eric Dickerson	30 CAR, 154 YDS, 1 TD
	Receiving	Matt Bouza	5 REC, 61 YDS
MIA	Passing	Dan Marino	14/34, 194 YDS, 2 TDs, 1 INT
	Rushing	Troy Stradford	8 CAR, 28 YDS
	Receiving	Tony Nathan	4 REC, 31 YDS

Scoring summary

Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP IND MIA 1 12:07 4 57 1:03 Dolphins Hampton 6-yard touchdown run, Reveiz kick good 0 7 1 5:08 9 62 4:32 Dolphins Johnson 4-yard touchdown reception from Marino, Reveiz kick good 0 14 1 0:56 10 77 4:12 Colts Dickerson 4-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good 7 14 2 14:11 2 27 0:49 Colts Brooks 7-yard touchdown reception from Hogeboom, Biasucci kick good 14 14 2 5:19 6 20 1:47 Colts 22-yard field goal by Biasucci 17 14 2 0:48 10 81 3:31 Dolphins Banks 10-yard touchdown reception from Marino, Reveiz kick good 17 21 2 0:00 5 39 0:48 Colts 32-yard field goal by Biasucci 20 21 3 1:12 19 90 8:36 Colts 25-yard field goal by Biasucci 23 21 4 9:22 13 60 5:38 Colts 23-yard field goal by Biasucci 26 21 4 3:36 8 55 3:41 Colts Bentley 17-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good 33 21 4 1:03 6 26 1:58 Colts Bentley 2-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good 40 21 "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 40 21

• Point spread: Colts +7
• Over/Under: 46.0 (over)
• Time of Game: 3 hours, 23 minutes

Colts	Game Statistics	Dolphins
32	First downs	22
44–239	Rushes–yards	23–77
218	Passing yards	209
22–37–0	Passes	16–38–2
0–0	Sacked–yards	0–0
218	Net passing yards	209
457	Total yards	286
187	Return yards	195
3–35.7	Punts	2–49.0
2–0	Fumbles–lost	3–3
13–126	Penalties–yards	8–63
35:23	Time of possession	24:37

Week 11 (Sunday, November 22, 1987): at New England Patriots

^[23]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts (5–5)	0	0	0	0	0
Patriots (5–5)	0	10	14	0	24

Week 11: Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots – Game summary

at Sullivan Stadium • Foxborough, Massachusetts

• Date: November 22, 1987
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 24 °F (−4 °C); relative humidity 44%; wind 33 miles per hour (53 km/h; 29 kn); wind chill 9 °F (−13 °C) (Sunny)
• Game attendance: 56,906
• Referee: Gordon McCarter
• TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play-by-play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
• ^[24]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
IND	Passing	Gary Hogeboom	10/20, 122 YDS, 3 INTs
	Rushing	Eric Dickerson	27 CAR, 117 YDS
	Receiving	Bill Brooks	5 REC, 72 YDS
NE	Passing	Tom Ramsey	12/26, 183 YDS, 1 TD
	Rushing	Bob Perryman	10 CAR, 73 YDS
	Receiving	Stanley Morgan	5 REC, 102 YDS

Scoring summary

Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP IND NE 2 14:56 9 82 3:53 Patriots Fryar 8-yard touchdown reception from Ramsey, Franklin kick good 0 7 2 1:08 5 24 0:40 Patriots 34-yard field goal by Franklin 0 10 3 9:16 — — — Patriots Scott returned blocked punt 3 yards for a touchdown, Franklin kick good 0 17 3 2:32 — — — Patriots Interception returned 45 yards for touchdown by Lippett, Franklin kick good 0 24 "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 0 24

• Point spread: Colts +1
• Over/Under: 39.0 (under)
• Time of Game: 3 hours, 5 minutes

Colts	Game Statistics	Patriots
18	First downs	15
31–126	Rushes–yards	38–139
218	Passing yards	183
17–38–4	Passes	12–26–0
3–20	Sacked–yards	3–9
198	Net passing yards	174
324	Total yards	313
66	Return yards	93
5–34.8	Punts	8–33.6
1–1	Fumbles–lost	0–0
3–30	Penalties–yards	2–10
27:24	Time of possession	32:36

Week 12 (Sunday, November 29, 1987): vs. Houston Oilers

^[25]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Oilers (6–5)	0	10	7	10	27
Colts (6–5)	7	21	3	20	51

Week 12: Houston Oilers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana

• Date: November 29, 1987
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: indoors
• Game attendance: 54,009
• Referee: Bob Frederic
• TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond (play-by-play) and Michael Jackson (color commentator)
• ^[26]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
HOU	Passing	Warren Moon	24/44, 327 YDS, 3 TDs, 2 INTs
	Rushing	Mike Rozier	26 CAR, 122 YDS
	Receiving	Drew Hill	7 REC, 134 YDS, 2 TDs
IND	Passing	Gary Hogeboom	8/15, 149 YDS, 1 TD
	Rushing	Eric Dickerson	27 CAR, 136 YDS, 2 TDs
	Receiving	Matt Bouza	3 REC, 29 YDS, 1 TD

Scoring summary

Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP HOU IND 1 11:07 9 82 3:53 Colts Dickerson 19-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good 0 7 2 14:54 10 41 4:27 Oilers 28-yard field goal by Zendejas 3 7 2 13:21 3 76 1:33 Colts Bentley 72-yard touchdown reception from Hogeboom, Biasucci kick good 3 14 2 12:19 2 27 0:51 Colts Dickerson 13-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good 3 21 2 5:41 8 85 4:38 Oilers Hill 7-yard touchdown reception from Moon, Zendejas kick good 10 21 2 0:10 5 68 0:34 Colts Bentley 22-yard touchdown reception from Hogeboom, Biasucci kick good 10 28 3 9:39 8 30 4:18 Colts 36-yard field goal by Biasucci 10 31 3 2:27 15 80 7:12 Oilers Williams 7-yard touchdown reception from Moon, Zendejas kick good 17 31 4 13:22 4 -3 1:55 Oilers 44-yard field goal by Zendejas 20 31 4 5:50 4 38 2:14 Colts Bouza 4-yard touchdown reception from Trudeau, Biasucci kick good 20 41 4 4:48 4 83 1:46 Oilers Hill 40-yard touchdown reception from Moon, Zendejas kick good 27 41 4 9:05 4 3 1:52 Colts 45-yard field goal by Biasucci 20 34 4 1:56 7 17 2:52 Colts 49-yard field goal by Biasucci 27 44 4 0:06 3 11 1:27 Colts Wonsley 2-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good 27 51 "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 27 51

• Point spread: Colts –3½
• Over/Under: 42.0 (over)
• Time of Game: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Oilers	Game Statistics	Colts
26	First downs	18
32–136	Rushes–yards	38–211
327	Passing yards	159
24–44–2	Passes	10–19–0
1–9	Sacked–yards	1–11
318	Net passing yards	148
454	Total yards	359
154	Return yards	113
1–36.0	Punts	5–33.8
3–3	Fumbles–lost	1–1
4–65	Penalties–yards	3–40
31:12	Time of possession	28:48

Week 13 (Sunday, December 6, 1987): at Cleveland Browns

^[27]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts (7–5)	0	9	0	0	9
Browns (7–5)	0	0	7	0	7

Week 13: Indianapolis Colts at Cleveland Browns – Game summary

at Cleveland Stadium • Cleveland, Ohio

• Date: December 6, 1987
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 32 °F (0 °C); relative humidity 74%; wind 7 miles per hour (11 km/h; 6.1 kn); wind chill 26 °F (−3 °C)
• Game attendance: 70,661
• Referee: Dick Jorgensen
• TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play-by-play) and Jimmy Cefalo (color commentator)
• ^[28]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
IND	Passing	Jack Trudeau	20/34, 192 YDS
	Rushing	Eric Dickerson	27 CAR, 98 YDS
	Receiving	Bill Brooks	7 REC, 85 YDS
CLE	Passing	Bernie Kosar	16/35, 178 YDS, 1 TD
	Rushing	Kevin Mack	16 CAR, 61 YDS
	Receiving	Webster Slaughter	4 REC, 56 YDS

Scoring summary

Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP IND CLE 2 8:44 5 21 1:53 Colts 33-yard field goal by Biasucci 3 0 2 4:00 7 44 3:39 Colts 37-yard field goal by Biasucci 6 0 2 0:09 10 62 1:55 Colts 41-yard field goal by Biasucci 9 0 3 3:38 5 36 3:08 Browns Brennan 19-yard touchdown reception from Kosar, Jaeger kick good 9 7 "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 9 7

• Point spread: Colts +8
• Over/Under: 42.0 (under)
• Time of Game: 2 hours, 56 minutes

Colts	Game Statistics	Browns
18	First downs	15
30–114	Rushes–yards	26–87
192	Passing yards	178
20–34–0	Passes	16–35–0
1–9	Sacked–yards	3–18
183	Net passing yards	160
297	Total yards	247
48	Return yards	84
7–38.7	Punts	8–32.5
1–1	Fumbles–lost	2–1
3–20	Penalties–yards	4–20
30:18	Time of possession	29:42

Week 14 (Sunday, December 13, 1987): vs. Buffalo Bills

^[29]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bills (7–6)	7	6	0	14	27
Colts (7–6)	0	3	0	0	3

Week 14: Buffalo Bills at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana

• Date: December 13, 1987
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: indoors
• Game attendance: 60,253
• Referee: Pat Haggerty
• TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond (play-by-play) and Dave Lapham (color commentator)
• ^[30]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
BUF	Passing	Jim Kelly	18/34, 167 YDS, 2 TDs
	Rushing	Ronnie Harmon	18 CAR, 85 YDS
	Receiving	Chris Burkett	4 REC, 62 YDS
IND	Passing	Jack Trudeau	6/15, 78 YDS, 2 INTs
	Rushing	Eric Dickerson	11 CAR, 19 YDS
	Receiving	Bill Brooks	5 REC, 55 YDS

Scoring summary

Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP BUF IND 1 7:49 13 75 7:11 Bills Harmon 12-yard touchdown reception from Kelly, Norwood kick good 7 0 2 13:43 6 25 1:48 Bills 39-yard field goal by Norwood 7 3 2 8:07 4 9 1:43 Colts 30-yard field goal by Biasucci 10 3 2 1:57 13 69 6:10 Bills 25-yard field goal by Norwood 13 3 4 9:38 11 56 5:08 Bills Johnson 8-yard touchdown reception from Kelly, Norwood kick good 20 3 4 1:11 — — — Bills Fumble recovery returned 0 yards for touchdown by Smith, Norwood kick good 27 3 "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 27 3

• Point spread: Colts –3½
• Over/Under: 44.5 (under)
• Time of Game: 3 hours, 12 minutes

Bills	Game Statistics	Colts
25	First downs	9
49–219	Rushes–yards	17–33
167	Passing yards	146
18–35–0	Passes	14–27–4
0–0	Sacked–yards	5–49
167	Net passing yards	97
385	Total yards	130
114	Return yards	112
6–37.5	Punts	8–40.9
4–4	Fumbles–lost	5–2
5–45	Penalties–yards	4–25
39:08	Time of possession	20:52

Week 15 (Sunday, December 20, 1987): at San Diego Chargers

^[31]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts (8–6)	7	6	0	7	20
Chargers (8–6)	7	0	0	0	7

Week 15: Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

at Jack Murphy Stadium • San Diego, California

• Date: December 20, 1987
• Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C); relative humidity 80%; wind 7 miles per hour (11 km/h; 6.1 kn)
• Game attendance: 46,211
• Referee: Jerry Markbreit
• TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play-by-play) and Paul Maguire (color commentator)
• ^[32]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
IND	Passing	Jack Trudeau	20/39, 201 YDS, 1 TD
	Rushing	Eric Dickerson	23 CAR, 115 YDS
	Receiving	Matt Bouza	5 REC, 35 YDS
SD	Passing	Dan Fouts	22/37, 257 YDS, 3 INTs
	Rushing	Curtis Adams	7 CAR, 26 YDS
	Receiving	Gary Anderson	7 REC, 68 YDS

Scoring summary

Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP IND SD 1 7:59 13 74 7:01 Chargers Fouts 1-yard touchdown run, Abbott kick good 0 7 1 2:53 7 74 2:54 Colts Brooks 42-yard touchdown reception from Hogeboom, Biasucci kick good 7 7 2 3:18 12 47 6:02 Colts 36-yard field goal by Biasucci 10 7 2 0:01 9 41 1:07 Colts 41-yard field goal by Biasucci 13 7 4 1:53 3 68 0:57 Colts Bentley 3-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good 20 7 "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 20 7

• Point spread: Colts +3½
• Over/Under: 42.0 (under)
• Time of Game: 3 hours, 8 minutes

Colts	Game Statistics	Chargers
19	First downs	17
32–146	Rushes–yards	22–59
201	Passing yards	257
20–39–0	Passes	22–37–3
1–7	Sacked–yards	5–43
194	Net passing yards	214
340	Total yards	273
70	Return yards	79
9–41.9	Punts	7–39.1
2–0	Fumbles–lost	1–0
6–50	Penalties–yards	6–40
30:24	Time of possession	29:36

Week 16 (Sunday, December 27, 1987): vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

^[33]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Buccaneers (4–11)	3	0	0	3	6
Colts (9–6)	7	3	7	7	24

Week 16: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana

• Date: December 27, 1987
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game attendance: 60,468
• Referee: Jim Tunney
• TV announcers (CBS): Jim Lampley (play-by-play), Ken Stabler (color commentator) and Will McDonough (sideline reporter)
• ^[34]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
TB	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
IND	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary

Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP TB IND 1 11:43 7 84 3:17 Colts Dickerson 6-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good 0 7 1 4:02 7 39 2:54 Buccaneers 38-yard field goal by Igwebuike 3 7 2 0:08 8 68 0:58 Colts 30-yard field goal by Biasucci 3 10 3 5:39 2 70 1:05 Colts Dickerson 34-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good 3 17 4 11:49 9 60 2:05 Buccaneers 39-yard field goal by Igwebuike 6 17 4 7:54 6 46 3:55 Colts Bentley 2-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good 6 24 "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 6 24

• Point spread:
• Over/Under:
• Time of Game: 3 hours, 18 minutes

Buccaneers	Game Statistics	Colts
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

Standings

AFC East
view talk edit	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
Indianapolis Colts(3)	9	6	0	.600	5–3	8–6	300	238	W2
New England Patriots	8	7	0	.533	6–2	8–4	320	293	W3
Miami Dolphins	8	7	0	.533	2–6	5–7	362	335	L1
Buffalo Bills	7	8	0	.467	4–4	6–6	270	305	L2
New York Jets	6	9	0	.400	3–5	6–5	334	360	L4

AFC Central
view talk edit	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
Cleveland Browns(2)	10	5	0	.667	5–1	8–3	390	239	W3
Houston Oilers(4)	9	6	0	.600	5–1	7–4	345	349	W2
Pittsburgh Steelers	8	7	0	.533	2–4	6–5	285	299	L2
Cincinnati Bengals	4	11	0	.267	0–6	3–9	285	370	L3

AFC West
view talk edit	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
Denver Broncos(1)	10	4	1	.700	7–1	8–3	379	288	W2
Seattle Seahawks(5)	9	6	0	.600	4–3	5–6	371	314	L1
San Diego Chargers	8	7	0	.533	3–4	6–7	253	317	L6
Los Angeles Raiders	5	10	0	.333	2–6	3–8	301	289	L3
Kansas City Chiefs	4	11	0	.267	3–5	3–9	273	388	W1

Stats

Passing

Passing
Player	Pos	G	GS	QBrec	Cmp	Att	Cmp%	Yds	TD	TD%	Int	Int%	Y/A	AY/A	Y/C	Y/G	Lng	Rate	Sk	Yds	NY/A	ANY/A	Sk%	4QC	GWD
Trudeau	QB	10	8	5–3–0	128	229	55.9	1587	6	2.6	6	2.6	55	6.9	6.3	12.4	158.7	75.4	13	100	5.4	6.14	5.52
Hogeboom	QB	6	6	4–2–0	99	168	58.9	1145	9	5.4	5	3.0	72	6.8	6.5	11.6	190.8	85.0	8	63	4.5	6.15	5.89
Kiel	QB	4	1	0–1–0	17	33	51.5	195	1	3.0	3	9.1	21	5.9	2.4	11.5	48.8	41.9	0	0	0.0	5.91	2.42
Salisbury	QB	2	0		8	12	66.7	68	0	0.0	2	16.7	11	5.7	-1.8	8.5	34.0	41.7	2	18	14.3	3.57	2.86
Nugent	QB	1	0		3	5	60.0	47	0	0.0	0	0.0	21	9.4	9.4	15.7	47.0	91.2	1	9	16.7	6.33	6.33
Team Total		15		9–6–0	245	447	57.0	3042	16	3.6	16	3.6	72	6.8	5.9	11.9	217.3	75.0	24	190	5.1	6.06	5.21
Opp Total		15			250	501	49.9	3073	19	3.8	20	4.0		6.1	5.10	12.3	204.9	65.2	39	313	7.2	5.10	4.10

Rushing

Rushing
Player	Pos	G	GS	Att	Yds	TD	Lng	Y/A	Y/G	A/G
Dickerson	RB	9	8	223	1011	5	53	4.5	112.3	24.8
Bentley	RB	12	4	142	631	7	17	4.4	52.6	11.8
Banks	RB	3	1	50	245	0	35	4.9	81.7	16.7
Brown	RB	3	0	19	85	1	18	4.5	28.3	6.3
Wonsley	RB	11	0	18	71	1	12	3.9	6.5	1.6
McLemore	RB	2	2	17	58	0	9	3.4	29.0	8.5
Kiel	QB	4	1	4	30	0	16	7.5	7.5	1.0
Trudeau	QB	10	8	15	7	0	9	0.5	0.7	1.5
Carver	RB	1	0	2	3	0	3	1.5	3.0	2.0
Hogeboom	QB	6	6	3	3	0	2	1.0	0.5	0.5
Nugent	QB	1	0	2	1	0	3	0.5	1.0	2.0
Brooks	WR	12	12	2	-2	0	1	-1.0	-0.2	0.2
Team Total		15		487	2143	14	53	4.3	153.1	35.5
Opp Total		15		463	1790	6		3.9	119.3	30.9

Receiving

Receiving
Player	Pos	G	GS	Rec	Yds	Y/R	TD	Lng	R/G	Y/G	Ctch%
Team Total		15		255	3042	11.9	16	72	18.2	217.3
Opp Total		15		250	2760	11.0	19		16.7	184.0

Kicking

Kicking
		Games		0–19		20–29		30–39		40–49		50+		Scoring
Player	Pos	G	GS	FGA	FGM	FGA	FGM	FGA	FGM	FGA	FGM	FGA	FGM	FGA	FGM	Lng	FG%	XPA	XPM	XP%
Team Total		15				7	6	14	14	9	6	2	1	32	27		84.4%	31	31	100.0%
Opp Total		15												26	15		57.7%	28	25	89.3%

Punting

Punting
Player	Pos	G	GS	Pnt	Yds	Lng	Blck	Y/P
Team Total		15		75	2941	63	3	39.2
Opp Total		15		82	3050			37.2

Kick Return

Kick Return
Player	Pos	G	GS	Rt	Yds	TD	Lng	Y/Rt
Team Total
Opp Total

Punt Return

Sacks

Interceptions

Fumbles

Tackles

Scoring Summary

Team

Quarter-by-quarter

Quarter-by-quarter
Team	1	2	3	4	OT	T
Colts	48	120	61	71	0	300
Opponents	61	52	48	77	0	238

Playoffs

See also: 1987–88 NFL playoffs

The team received a bye for the Wild-Card round of the playoffs and traveled to Cleveland for the divisional round. After being tied with Browns for most of the game the 4th quarter proved to be their undoing, as they were outscored 17–7.

Playoff Round	Date	Opponent (seed)	Time	TV	Result	Record	Game Site	Attendance	Recap
Wild Card	First-round Bye
Divisional	January 9	at Cleveland Browns (2)	12:30 p.m. EST	NBC	L 21–38	0–1	Cleveland Stadium	78,586	Recap

Playoff Game summaries

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: First-round bye

AFC Divisional Playoffs (Saturday, January 9, 1988): at (A2) Cleveland Browns

^[35]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts (9–8)	7	7	0	7	21
Browns (11–5)	7	7	7	17	38

AFC Divisional Playoffs: Indianapolis Colts at Cleveland Browns – Game summary

at Cleveland Stadium • Cleveland, Ohio

• Date: January 9, 1988
• Game time: 12:30 p.m. EST
• Game attendance: 78,546
• Referee: Red Cashion
• TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play-by-play), Bob Trumpy (color commentator), Paul Maguire (sideline reporter) and Ahmad Rashad (sideline reporter)
• ^[36]

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
IND	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
CLE	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP IND CLE "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 21 38

• Point spread:
• Over/Under:
• Time of Game: 3 hours, 15 minutes

Colts	Game Statistics	Browns
	First downs
	Rushes–yards
	Passing yards
	Passes
	Sacked–yards
	Net passing yards
	Total yards
	Return yards
	Punts
	Fumbles–lost
	Penalties–yards
	Time of possession

See also

• History of the Indianapolis Colts
• List of Indianapolis Colts seasons
• Colts–Patriots rivalry

References

1. "1987 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
2. "1987 NFL All-Pros". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
3. NFL 2001 Record and Fact Book, Workman Publishing Co, New York, NY, ISBN 0-7611-2480-2, p.286
4. The 24-day players' strike reduced the 16-game season to 15, causing week 3 to be canceled.
5. The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
6. Pro Football Reference; Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts – September 13, 1987
7. The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
8. Pro Football Reference; Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts – September 20, 1987
9. The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
10. Pro Football Reference; Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills – October 4, 1987
11. The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
12. Pro Football Reference; New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts – October 11, 1987
13. The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
14. Pro Football Reference; Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers – October 18, 1987
15. The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
16. Pro Football Reference; New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts – October 25, 1987
17. The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
18. Pro Football Reference; Indianapolis Colts at New York Jets – November 1, 1987
19. The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
20. Pro Football Reference; San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts – November 8, 1987
21. The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
22. Pro Football Reference; Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins – November 15, 1987
23. The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
24. Pro Football Reference; Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots – November 22, 1987
25. The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
26. Pro Football Reference; Houston Oilers at Indianapolis Colts – November 29, 1987
27. The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
28. Pro Football Reference; Indianapolis Colts at Cleveland Browns – December 6, 1987
29. The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
30. Pro Football Reference; Buffalo Bills at Indianapolis Colts – December 13, 1987
31. The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
32. Pro Football Reference; Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers – December 20, 1987
33. The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
34. Pro Football Reference; Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts – December 27, 1987
35. The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
36. Pro Football Reference; AFC Divisional Playoffs – Indianapolis Colts at Cleveland Browns – January 9, 1988