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1987 Indianapolis Colts season

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Dickerson rushing the ball during an away game against the Cleveland Browns in 1987.
1987 Indianapolis Colts season
OwnerRobert Irsay
General managerJim Irsay
Head coachRon Meyer
Home fieldHoosier Dome
Local radioWIBC–AM 1070
Results
Record9–6
Division place1st AFC East
Playoff finishLost Divisional Playoffs
(at Browns) 21–38
Pro Bowlers
AP All-Pros

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.

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

[edit]

NFL draft

[edit]
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

[edit]

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

1987 Indianapolis Colts replacement roster

Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Roster

[edit]
1987 Indianapolis Colts roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Reserve

Rookies in italics

Pre season

[edit]

Schedule

[edit]
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

[edit]

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

[edit]
Preseason Week 1: Indianapolis Colts at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 3 10 2722
Lions 0 13 6019

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
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

[edit]
Preseason Week 2: Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 3 10 0013
Vikings 3 17 71037

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
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

[edit]
Preseason Week 3: Houston Oilers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Oilers 6 0 006
Colts 0 3 14017

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
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

[edit]
Preseason Week 4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 6 10 0016
Colts 3 20 0023

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
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

[edit]

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

[edit]
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

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

[edit]

[5]

Week 1: Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bengals (1–0) 13 0 01023
Colts (0–1) 7 0 7721

at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana

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
  • 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

[edit]

[7]

Week 2: Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Dolphins (1–1) 7 9 7023
Colts (0–2) 0 7 3010

at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana

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
  • 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

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Cancelled due to player's strike.

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

[edit]

[9]

Week 4: Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts (1–2) 7 21 19047
Bills (1–2) 0 0 066

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
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

[edit]

[11]

Week 5: New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Jets (2–2) 0 0 000
Colts (2–2) 0 3 306

at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana

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
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

[edit]

[13]

Week 6: Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts (2–3) 0 7 007
Steelers (3–2) 7 0 01421

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
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

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[15]

Week 7: New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Patriots (3–3) 3 3 7316
Colts (3–3) 0 10 13730

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
  • 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

[edit]

[17]

Week 8: Indianapolis Colts at New York Jets – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts (4–3) 3 7 3619
Jets (3–4) 0 7 0714

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
  • 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

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

[edit]

[19]

Week 9: San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers (7–1) 0 0 61016
Colts (4–4) 3 10 0013

at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana

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
  • 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

[edit]

[21]

Week 10: Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts (5–4) 7 13 31740
Dolphins (5–4) 14 7 0021

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
  • 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

[edit]

[23]

Week 11: Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts (5–5) 0 0 000
Patriots (5–5) 0 10 14024

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
  • 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

[edit]

[25]

Week 12: Houston Oilers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Oilers (6–5) 0 10 71027
Colts (6–5) 7 21 32051

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
  • 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

[edit]

[27]

Week 13: Indianapolis Colts at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts (7–5) 0 9 009
Browns (7–5) 0 0 707

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
  • 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

[edit]

[29]

Week 14: Buffalo Bills at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bills (7–6) 7 6 01427
Colts (7–6) 0 3 003

at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana

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
  • 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

[edit]

[31]

Week 15: Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts (8–6) 7 6 0720
Chargers (8–6) 7 0 007

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
  • 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

[edit]

[33]

Week 16: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers (4–11) 3 0 036
Colts (9–6) 7 3 7724

at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana

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

[edit]
AFC East
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
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
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

[edit]

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

[edit]
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

[edit]

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: First-round bye

[edit]

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

[edit]

[35]

AFC Divisional Playoffs: Indianapolis Colts at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts (9–8) 7 7 0721
Browns (11–5) 7 7 71738

at Cleveland Stadium • Cleveland, Ohio

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

[edit]

References

[edit]
  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
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