Eric Dickerson rushing the ball during an away game against the Cleveland Browns in 1987.
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.
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. They also possessed the league's number one defense, surrendering only 238 points. It was their first season they had the NFL's top defense since 1968 .
NFL Films produced a documentary about the team's season entitled Off and Running ; it was narrated by Jeff Kaye.
Offseason
NFL draft
Personnel
Front Office / Coaches
1987 Indianapolis Colts staff
Front office
President/treasurer – Robert Irsay
Vice president/general manager – Jim Irsay
Assistant general manager – Bob Terpening
Director of player personnel – Jack Bushofsky
Head coaches
Head coach – Ron Meyer
Assistant Head Coach / Offensive Line - Tom Lovat
Offensive coaches
Offensive coordinator – John Becker
Running backs – Leon Burtnett
Receivers – Chip Myers
Offensive assistant / Research and Development – Greg Briner
Defensive coaches
Defensive coordinator – George Hill
Defensive Line - John Marshall
Linebackers – Rick Venturi
Secondary – George Catavolos
Special teams coaches
Special teams / Assistant Offensive Line – Brad Seely
Strength and conditioning
Strength and conditioning – Tom Zupancic
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
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
Final roster
Pre season
Schedule
Game summaries
Week P1: at Detroit Lions
Preseason Week 1: Indianapolis Colts at Detroit Lions – Game summary
at Pontiac Silverdome , Pontiac, Michigan
Date : Game time : 7:00 p.m. EDT Game attendance : 45,753TV announcers (WTHR ) : Don Hein (play-by-play) and Darrel Burnett (color commentator)
Week P2: at Minnesota Vikings
Preseason Week 2: Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome , Minneapolis, Minnesota
Date : August 22, 1987Game time : 7:00 p.m. EDT/6:00 p.m. CDT Game attendance : 49,304TV announcers (WTHR) : Don Hein (play-by-play) and Darrel Burnett (color commentator)
Week P3: vs. Houston Oilers
Preseason Week 3: Houston Oilers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
at Hoosier Dome , Indianapolis, Indiana
Date : Game time : 7:30 p.m. EDTGame attendance : 51,975TV announcers (WTHR) : Don Hein (play-by-play) and Darrel Burnett (color commentator)
Week P4: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Preseason Week 4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana
Date : Game time : 7:30 p.m. EDTGame attendance : 50,111Referee : Ben DreithTV 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
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
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
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 2: vs. Miami Dolphins
Week 2: Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana
Date : September 20Game time : 12:00 p.m. EDTGame weather : None (Played indoors)Game attendance : 57,524Referee : Fred WyantTV announcers (NBC) : Tom Hammond and Dave Casper[ 6] [ 7]
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
Top passers
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 4: at Buffalo Bills
[ 8]
Week 4: Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
at Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
Date : October 4Game time : 12:00 p.m. EDTGame weather : 43 °F (6 °C); relative humidity 62%; wind 13 miles per hour (21 km/h; 11 kn)Game attendance : 9,860Referee : Dick HantakTV 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]
Week 5: New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana
Date : October 11Game time : 12:00 p.m. EDTGame weather : None (played indoors)Game attendance : 34,927Referee : Pat HaggertyTV 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
Week 6: at Pittsburgh Steelers
[ 12]
Week 6: Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
at Three Rivers Stadium , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Date : October 18Game time : 12:00 p.m. EDTGame weather : 53 °F (12 °C); relative humidity 62%; wind 6 miles per hour (9.7 km/h; 5.2 kn) (Scattered Clouds)Game attendance : 34,627Referee : Tom DooleyTV 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]
Week 7: New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana
Date : October 25Game time : 1:00 p.m. ESTGame weather : None (played indoors)Game attendance : 48,850Referee : 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]
Week 8: Indianapolis Colts at New York Jets – Game summary
at Giants Stadium , East Rutherford, New Jersey
Date : November 1Game time : 1:00 p.m. ESTGame weather : 53 °F (12 °C); relative humidity 62%; wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)Game attendance : 60,863Referee : Ben DreithTV 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]
Week 9: San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana
Date : November 8Game time : 1:00 p.m. ESTGame weather : None (played indoors)Game attendance : 54,009Referee : 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]
Week 10: Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
at Joe Robbie Stadium , Miami Gardens, Florida
Date : November 15Game time : 1:00 p.m. ESTGame weather : 77 °F (25 °C); relative humidity 76%; wind 14 miles per hour (23 km/h; 12 kn) (Scattered Clouds)Game attendance : 65,433Referee : 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]
Week 11: Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots – Game summary
at Sullivan Stadium , Foxborough, Massachusetts
Date : November 22Game time : 1:00 p.m. ESTGame 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 : 56,906Referee : Gordon McCarterTV 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]
Week 12: Houston Oilers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana
Date : November 29Game time : 1:00 p.m. ESTGame weather : None (played indoors)Game attendance : 54,009Referee : Bob FredericTV 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]
Week 13: Indianapolis Colts at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
at Cleveland Stadium , Cleveland, Ohio
Date : December 6Game time : 1:00 p.m. ESTGame 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 : 70,661Referee : Dick JorgensenTV 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]
Week 14: Buffalo Bills at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana
Date : December 13Game time : 1:00 p.m. ESTGame weather : None (played indoors)Game attendance : 60,253Referee : Pat HaggertyTV 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]
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]
Week 16: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana
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
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
Game summaries
AFC Divisional Playoffs: at (A2) Cleveland Browns
Game information
First quarter
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
Top rushers
Top rushers
IND – Bill Brooks – 5 receptions, 78 yards
CLE – Ozzie Newsome – 4 receptions, 65 yards
See also
References
^ "1987 NFL All-Pros" . Pro-Football-Reference.com.
^ "1987 NFL Pro Bowlers" . Pro-Football-Reference.com.
^ The 24-day players' strike reduced the 16-game season to 15, causing week 3 to be canceled.
^ The Football Database . Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
^ Pro Football Reference ; Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts – September 13, 1987
^ The Football Database . Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
^ Pro Football Reference ; Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts – September 20, 1987
^ The Football Database . Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
^ Pro Football Reference ; Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills – October 4, 1987
^ The Football Database . Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
^ Pro Football Reference ; New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts – October 11, 1987
^ The Football Database . Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
^ Pro Football Reference ; Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers – October 18, 1987
^ The Football Database . Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
^ Pro Football Reference ; New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts – October 25, 1987
^ The Football Database . Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
^ Pro Football Reference ; Indianapolis Colts at New York Jets – November 1, 1987
^ NFL 2001 Record and Fact Book , Workman Publishing Co, New York, NY, ISBN 0-7611-2480-2 , p.286
^ The Football Database . Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
^ Pro Football Reference ; San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts – November 8, 1987
^ The Football Database . Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
^ Pro Football Reference ; Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins – November 15, 1987
^ The Football Database . Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
^ Pro Football Reference ; Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots – November 22, 1987
^ The Football Database . Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
^ Pro Football Reference ; Houston Oilers at Indianapolis Colts – November 29, 1987
^ The Football Database . Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
^ Pro Football Reference ; Indianapolis Colts at Cleveland Browns – December 6, 1987
^ The Football Database . Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
^ Pro Football Reference ; Buffalo Bills at Indianapolis Colts – December 13, 1987
^ The Football Database . Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
^ Pro Football Reference ; Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers – December 20, 1987
^ The Football Database . Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
^ Pro Football Reference ; Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts – December 27, 1987
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