Lions at Colts: Highlights, score and recap
In a high-scoring affair at Indianapolis, the Detroit Lions first exploded, then imploded before rallying for a wild 39-35 victory over the Colts.
35. 46. 39. 50. Final
For head coach Chuck Pagano, It had to be great to see Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck back on the field. It must have been even better to see the fifth-year pro play turnover-free football.
But when it was all said and done, it wound up not making much of a difference as the Colts defense looked like its usual generous self.
Despite the fact that Luck and company managed to erase a 21-3 second-quarter lead and eventually take a 35-34 lead with only 37 seconds to play, Pagano’s club watched the visiting Detroit Lions (led by quarterback Matthew Stafford) make their way down the field and kicker Matt Prater connected on a 43-yard field goal with four ticks remaining to give the Men from Motown a 37-35 advantage on the way to a wild 39-35 victory.
Moments earlier, the Lions had taken a 34-28 lead on a Stafford pass to Theo Riddick but Prater would miss the PAT. Then came Luck’s eight-play, 75-yard drive culminating with a six-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jack Doyle – his second score of the afternoon. But 35 points were simply not enough to prevent the Colts from suffering a frustrating loss.
Highlights
Now showing his footwork for the Lions
#Huskers: Ameer Abdullah remains good at football/has added dance moves
— Josh Planos (@JPlanos) September 11, 2016
Digging the long ball…
Andrew Luck in the groove…More of the same when you come to 🇬🇧 please!
#DETvsIND
— NFLUK (@NFLUK) September 11, 2016
Anyone covering that guy?…
Andrew Luck. @Dallen83. WIDE open.
@Colts Touchdown! #ForTheShoe #DETvsIND
— NFL (@NFL) September 11, 2016
Matt Prater went from goat to hero
#Lions LIVE postgame 9.11.16: Matt Prater
— FOX Sports (@FOXSportsDet) September 11, 2016
Some fancy passing
31/39 passing. 340 yards. 3 TD. 0 INT. 128.6 RTG
Have yourself a day, Matthew Stafford
— Detroit Lions (@Detroit Lions) September 11, 2016
Three Stars
1. Matthew Stafford
It’s hard to start a season better. The first overall pick in 2009 hit on 31-of-39 passes for 340 yards and three touchdowns, one each to running backs Ameer Abdullah and Theo Reddick and another to tight end Eric Ebron. Six players caught at least three passes and eight performers had at least one reception. The Lions signal-caller has picked up where he left off during the team’s 6-2 finish of a year ago.
2. Andrew Luck
So much for a more balanced attack. Of course, when you fall behind 21-3 and already don’t have much of a ground attack, there’s little choice. Luck attempted 27 passes and connected on 31 of his tosses, good for 385 yards and four scores without an interception. Three of his touchdown throws went to tight ends Jack Doyle (2) and Dwayne Allen and he also connected with the latter on a two-point conversion.
3. Theo Riddick
The league’s worst rushing attack in 2015 rolled up 116 yards on 24 carries, a very respectable total for Jim Caldwell’s club. One of the NFL’s best pass-catching running backs did a lot more than that against the Colts. Riddick racked up 45 yards on the ground and a score, plus added five catches for 63 yards and a touchdown. He led the team with 108 total yards from scrimmage.
Odds
The Detroit Lions were 3-point underdogs on Sunday and won outright, 39-35, their fourth straight win dating back to last season.
must read: NFL Epic Season Preview
Next Week
The Detroit Lions play their second straight AFC South opponent when they host the Tennessee Titans.
The Indianapolis Colts head west to face the defending Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos.