Recap: Houston vs. Indianapolis
Sports Network | October 05, 2008
Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Peyton Manning's five-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Wayne with just under two minutes to go capped a furious Indianapolis comeback as the Colts stunned Houston, 31-27.
Trailing 27-10 late in the fourth quarter, the Colts (2-2) scored 21 unanswered points during a span of two minutes and 20 seconds to win the game.
After struggling mightily, the Indianapolis offense finally showed a sense of urgency and got back on the scoreboard by going 11 plays and 81 yards, culminating with a seven-yard Manning to Tom Santi TD pass on a fourth down play, making it 27-17 with just over four minutes left.
The Texans (0-4) should have put away the game after securing an onsides kick but Sage Rosenfels, who was starting for the ill Matt Schaub, let Indianapolis right back in the game when he went airborne while trying to run for a first down. Raheem Brock put his shoulder into Rosenfels and spun him around in the air, forcing a fumble. Gary Brackett scooped up the ball and raced 68 yards for a TD to make it a field goal game, 27-24, with 3:36 on the clock.
Rosenfels' nightmare continued on the next possession when Robert Mathis chased him down from behind on a third down play, forcing another fumble and recovering it at the Houston 20. After Joseph Addai busted up the middle for 15 yards, Manning hit Wayne, who made a brilliant one-handed circus catch on a fade pass, to put Indianapolis back in front, 31-27, with 1:54 remaining.
The Colts finally secured things when Melvin Bullitt intercepted Rosenfels with 42 seconds left.
The contest was the first game at Reliant Stadium this season. Hurricane Ike ravaged the area and damaged the roof of the stadium, forcing the postponement of Week 2's game against the Baltimore Ravens.
