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 a 0–13 Colts team the previous season after Rod Dowhower was fired.

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
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 →

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

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 14 Terry Nugent 13 Sean Salisbury 10 Jack Trudeau 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 84 Mark Boyer 88 John Brandes 49 Mike McCloskey

Offensive linemen (OL) 74 Bob Brotzki C 71 Kevin Call T 69 Randy Dixon T 53 Ray Donaldson C 75 Chris Hinton T 65 Joel Patten T 66 Ron Solt G 64 Ben Utt G Defensive linemen (DL) 79 Harvey Armstrong DE 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 ILB 50 Duane Bickett OLB 98 Johnie Cooks OLB 51 Kevin Hancock ILB 58 June James OLB 55 Barry Krauss ILB 59 Orlando Lowry OLB 93 Cliff Odom ILB Defensive backs (DB) 38 Eugene Daniel CB 25 Nesby Glasgow SS 37 Chris Goode CB 21 John Holt CB 43 Jim Perryman CB/S 39 Mike Prior FS 47 Freddie Robinson FS 26 Craig Swoope SS 42 Willie Tullis CB 27 Terry Wright CB Special teams  4 Dean Biasucci K  3 Rohn Stark P

Reserve -- Chuck Banks RB (IR) 68 Willie Broughton NT (IR) 31 Leonard Coleman S (IR) 73 Chris Gambol T (IR) 56 Ed Grimsley LB (IR) 94 Scott Kellar NT (IR) 92 Jeff Leiding LB (IR) 32 Randy McMillan RB (PUP) 48 Chuckie Miller CB (IR) 52 Micah Moon LB (IR) 83 Tim Sherwin TE (IR) -- Mark Walczak 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

Game summaries

Week P1: 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
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. EDT
• Game attendance: 45,753
• TV announcers (WTHR): Don Hein (play-by-play) and Darrel Burnett (color commentator)

Week P2: 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. EDT/6:00 p.m. CDT
• Game attendance: 49,304
• TV announcers (WTHR): Don Hein (play-by-play) and Darrel Burnett (color commentator)

Week P3: 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
• Game time: 7:30 p.m. EDT
• Game attendance: 51,975
• TV announcers (WTHR): Don Hein (play-by-play) and Darrel Burnett (color commentator)

Week P4: 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
• Game time: 7:30 p.m. EDT
• Game attendance: 50,111
• Referee: Ben Dreith
• TV announcers (WTHR): Don Hein (play-by-play) and Darrel Burnett (color commentator)

Regular season

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 [3]	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.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

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

Game information

First quarter CIN – James Brooks 18-yard pass from Boomer Esiason (Jim Breech kick), 6:21. Bengals 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 79 yards, 5:43. CIN – Rodney Holman 61-yard pass from Boomer Esiason (kick failed), 3:59. Bengals 13–0. Drive: 2 plays, 61 yards, 0:48. IND – Bill Brooks 52-yard pass from Jack Trudeau (Dean Biasucci kick), 1:25. Bengals 13–7. Drive: 5 plays, 68 yards, 2:34. Second quarter No scoring plays Third quarter IND – Albert Bentley 2-yard run (Dean Biasucci kick), 2:29. Colts 14–13. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 7:58. Fourth quarter CIN – Jim Breech 20-yard field goal, 10:36. Bengals 16–14. Drive: 16 plays, 78 yards, 6:53. CIN – James Brooks 1-yard run (Jim Breech kick), 7:50. Bengals 23–14. Drive: 3 plays, 25 yards, 1:19. IND – Tim Sherwin 1-yard pass from Jack Trudeau (Dean Biasucci kick), 2:33. Bengals 23–21. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 5:17. Top passers CIN – Boomer Esiason – 17/26, 236 yards, 2 TD IND – Jack Trudeau – 13/23, 206 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT Top rushers CIN – James Brooks – 19 rushes, 86 yards, TD IND – Albert Bentley – 25 rushes, 77 yards, TD Top receivers CIN – Rodney Holman – 3 receptions, 79 yards, TD IND – Bill Brooks – 6 receptions, 146 yards, TD

Week 1: Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

• Date: September 13
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: None (played indoors)
• Game attendance: 59,367
• Referee: Gene Barth
• TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond and Dave Casper
• ^[4][5]

Week 2: vs. Miami Dolphins

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

Game information

First quarter MIA – Troy Stradford 18-yard pass from Dan Marino (Fuad Reveiz kick), 5:37. Dolphins 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 81 yards, 5:33. Second quarter MIA – Fuad Reveiz 27-yard field goal, 12:37. Dolphins 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 3:43. IND – Matt Bouza 17-yard pass from Gary Hogeboom (Dean Biasucci kick), 6:12. Dolphins 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 2:25. MIA – Jim Jensen 6-yard pass from Dan Marino (kick failed), 1:12. Dolphins 16–7. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:00. Third quarter MIA – Mark Clayton 10-yard pass from Dan Marino (Fuad Reveiz kick), 7:19. Dolphins 23–7. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 3:50. IND – Dean Biasucci 50-yard field goal, 1:32. Dolphins 23–10. Drive: 7 plays, 30 yards, 3:21. Fourth quarter No scoring plays Top passers MIA – Dan Marino – 23/32, 254 yards, 3 TD IND – Gary Hogeboom – 27/43, 282 yards, TD, INT Top rushers MIA – Lorenzo Hampton – 13 rushes, 44 yards IND – Albert Bentley – 22 rushes, 84 yards Top receivers MIA – Lorenzo Hampton – 7 receptions, 49 yards IND – Albert Bentley – 9 receptions, 69 yards

Week 2: Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

• Date: September 20
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: None (Played indoors)
• Game attendance: 57,524
• Referee: Fred Wyant
• TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond and Dave Casper
• ^[6][7]

Week 4: at Buffalo Bills

^[8]

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

Week 4: Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills – Game summary

at Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

• Date: October 4
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
• 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)
• ^[9]

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

Week 5: vs. New York Jets

^[10]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Jets	0	0	0	0	0
Colts	0	3	3	0	6

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

at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

• Date: October 11
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: None (played indoors)
• Game attendance: 34,927
• Referee: Pat Haggerty
• TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond (play-by-play) and Sam Rutigliano (color commentator)
• ^[11]

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

Week 6: at Pittsburgh Steelers

^[12]

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

Week 6: Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Date: October 18
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
• 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)
• ^[13]

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

Week 7: vs. New England Patriots

^[14]

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

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

at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

• Date: October 25
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: None (played indoors)
• Game attendance: 48,850
• Referee: Bob McElwee
• TV announcers (NBC): Kevin Slaten (play-by-play) and Reggie Rucker (color commentator)
• ^[15]

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

Week 8: at New York Jets

^[16]

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

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

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

• Date: November 1
• 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)
• ^[17]

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

On October 31, 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.^[18]

Week 9: vs. San Diego Chargers

^[19]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	0	0	6	10	16
Colts	3	10	0	0	13

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

at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

• Date: November 8
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: None (played 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

Week 10: at Miami Dolphins

^[21]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts	7	13	3	17	40
Dolphins	14	7	0	0	21

Week 10: Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

at Joe Robbie Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: November 15
• Game time: 1:00 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

Week 11: at New England Patriots

^[23]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts	0	0	0	0	0
Patriots	0	10	14	0	24

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

at Sullivan Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

• Date: November 22
• 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

Week 12: vs. Houston Oilers

^[25]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Oilers	0	10	7	10	27
Colts	7	21	3	20	51

Week 12: Houston Oilers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

• Date: November 29
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: None (played 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

Week 13: at Cleveland Browns

^[27]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts	0	9	0	0	9
Browns	0	0	7	0	7

Week 13: Indianapolis Colts at Cleveland Browns – Game summary

at Cleveland Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

• Date: December 6
• 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

Week 14: vs. Buffalo Bills

^[29]

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

Week 14: Buffalo Bills at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

• Date: December 13
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: None (played 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

Week 15: at San Diego Chargers

^[31]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts	7	6	0	7	20
Chargers	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
• Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST/1:00 p.m. PST
• 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

Week 16: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

^[33]

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Buccaneers	3	0	0	3	6
Colts	7	3	7	7	24

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

at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

• Date: December 27
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: None (played indoors)
• 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

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

Playoffs

See also: 1987–88 NFL playoffs

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

Game summaries

AFC Divisional Playoffs: at (A2) Cleveland Browns

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts	7	7	0	7	21
Browns	7	7	7	17	38

Game information

First quarter CLE – Earnest Byner 10-yard pass from Bernie Kosar (Matt Bahr kick). Browns 7–0. IND – Pat Beach 2-yard pass from Jack Trudeau (Dean Biasucci kick). Tied 7–7. Second quarter CLE – Reggie Langhorne 39-yard pass from Bernie Kosar (Matt Bahr kick). Browns 14–7. IND – Eric Dickerson 19-yard pass from Jack Trudeau (Dean Biasucci kick). Tied 14–14. Third quarter CLE – Earnest Byner 2-yard run (Matt Bahr kick). Browns 21–14. Fourth quarter CLE – Matt Bahr 22-yard field goal. Browns 24–14. CLE – Brian Brennan 2-yard pass from Bernie Kosar (Matt Bahr kick). Browns 31–14. IND – Albert Bentley 1-yard run (Dean Biasucci kick). Browns 31–21. CLE – Frank Minnifield 48-yard interception return (Matt Bahr kick). Browns 38–21. Top passers IND – Jack Trudeau – 21/33, 251 yards, 2 TD, INT CLE – Bernie Kosar – 20/31, 229 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers IND – Eric Dickerson – 15 rushes, 50 yards CLE – Earnest Byner – 23 rushes, 122 yards, TD Top rushers IND – Bill Brooks – 5 receptions, 78 yards CLE – Ozzie Newsome – 4 receptions, 65 yards

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 weather: 16 °F (−9 °C)
• Game attendance: 78,546
• Referee: Red Cashion
• TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui, Bob Trumpy, Paul Maguire, and Ahmad Rashad
• Box score

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. The 24-day players' strike reduced the 16-game season to 15, causing week 3 to be canceled.
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6. The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
7. Pro Football Reference; Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts – September 20, 1987
8. The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
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12. The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
13. Pro Football Reference; Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers – October 18, 1987
14. The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
15. Pro Football Reference; New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts – October 25, 1987
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17. Pro Football Reference; Indianapolis Colts at New York Jets – November 1, 1987
18. NFL 2001 Record and Fact Book, Workman Publishing Co, New York, NY, ISBN 0-7611-2480-2, p.286
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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
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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