Broncos vs. Colts: Best Games of All Time
By Tylor Walden
Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne (87) talks with Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) after the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
In a series that has turned into Student vs. Master, the Broncos and Colts will meet once again this Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. These two teams have faced off 24 times since 1974 with each team winning 12 of the games.
This series was dominated by the Broncos in the early times, but has been dominated by the Colts in the last few years. In fact, since Peyton Manning became the quarterback for the Colts in 1998, the Broncos are 3-10 against them.
Even with Manning coming to Denver via free agency in 2012, the Broncos continue to struggle against the Colts. The Broncos are 1-2 against Andrew Luck. However, this Sunday’s matchup could give the Broncos a good chance to regain the series lead.
Some of the most painful moments for Broncos fans came at the hands of their current quarterback, including two straight AFC Wild Card exits in 2004 and 2005 by dominating scores.
The last time the Broncos entered Lucas Oil Stadium undefeated was during the Super Bowl run of 2013, when Andrew Luck and the Colts handed the Broncos their first loss of the season. Hopefully things will be different this time around.
Let us dive into the five best games between these two teams.
#5- December 21st, 2003
In the race for a playoff spot, the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts squared off on Sunday Night Football at the RCA Dome. This game would mark the first and only meaningful game in which the Broncos beat Peyton Manning during his tenure with the Colts.
The game did not start off too well, as Gary Brackett intercepted a Jake Plummer pass 31 yards for a touchdown just two minutes into the game to give the Colts a 7-0 lead. The Broncos then decided to go to work and scored the next 14 points off of rushing touchdowns by Mike Anderson and Plummer.
The Colts would then tie the game up on Edgerrin James’ 16 yard scamper. Plummer would then make sure that the Broncos never let the Colts back in the game as he would score another rushing touchdown from one yard out and then connected with Rod Smith on a 15 yard touchdown pass.
Both Jason Elam and Mike Vanderjagt would convert on a field goal to end the scoring. The Broncos would clinch a playoff spot with the 31-17 victory over the Colts.
The biggest point to take away is the Broncos defense limited Manning to 146 yards passing and no passing touchdowns. And the Broncos running game accumulated 227 yards rushing.
Next: October 15th, 1989