Indianapolis, IN (Sports Network) – In a game that lived up to all the hype, the Indianapolis Colts pushed their regular season winning streak to 18 games, using a pair of touchdown drives from Peyton Manning in the final three minutes in a shocking 35-34 victory over New England.
Another Classic Indy-NE Showdown, Manning Leads Colts’ Comeback For 35-34 Win
Reggie Wayne caught the winning one-yard touchdown pass with 13 seconds left, but the victory was helped by a questionable 4th-and-2 call by the Patriots. Facing the situation from their own 28 with just over two minutes left, Kevin Faulk juggled the ball before being driven backward by Melvin Bullitt for a one-yard gain.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick used a pair of timeouts during the possession and couldn’t challenge the call since the team was out of timeouts.
That gave Manning the ball and four plays later he moved the Colts (9-0) to the end zone. He threw 15 yards to Wayne before Joseph Addai rumbled up the middle to the one. After a rush for no gain by Addai. Wayne dove in the end zone for a one-yard TD catch with 13 seconds remaining.
Manning connected on 28-of-44 throws for 327 yards and four touchdowns and two interceptions. Wayne had 10 receptions for 126 yards and two scores.
Tom Brady finished 29-of-42 for 375 yards with three TDs and an interception for the Patriots (6-3), but it was the call on 4th-and-2 that ultimately opened the door for Manning to complete another incredible comeback.
Randy Moss caught nine balls for 179 yards and two scores in defeat.
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