1987 Indianapolis Colts season

Last updated

Dickerson rushing the ball during an away game against the Cleveland Browns in 1987. Indianapolis Colts at Cleveland Browns 1988-09-19 (ticket) (crop).jpg
Dickerson rushing the ball during an away game against the Cleveland Browns in 1987.
1987 Indianapolis Colts season
Owner Robert Irsay
General manager Jim Irsay
Head coach Ron Meyer
Home field Hoosier Dome
Local radio WIBC–AM 1070
Results
Record9–6
Division place1st AFC East
Playoff finishLost Divisional Playoffs
(at Browns) 21–38
Pro Bowlers
6 [1]
AP All-Pros
6 [2]

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.

Contents

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

NFL draft

1987 Indianapolis Colts Draft
RoundSelectionPlayerPositionCollege
1 2 Cornelius Bennett LB Alabama
230Choice to Washington
358 Chris Gambol OG Iowa
485 Randy Dixon OG Pittsburgh
5114 Roy Banks WR Eastern Illinois
6142 Freddie Robinson DB Alabama
7170 Mark Bellini WR Brigham Young
8197Choice to Tampa Bay
200
(Choice from Buffalo)		 Chuckie Miller DB UCLA
9225Choice to N.Y. Giants
247
(Choice from Cleveland)		 Bob Ontko LB Penn State
10253 Chris Goode DB Alabama
11281Jim Reynosa DE Arizona State
12309 David Adams RB Arizona

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

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Roster

1987 Indianapolis Colts final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Rookies in italics

Pre season

Schedule

WeekDateOpponentTimeTVResultRecordVenueAttendanceRecap
1 August 15at Detroit Lions 7:00 p.m. EST WTHR W 22–191–0 Pontiac Silverdome
45,753
2 August 22at Minnesota Vikings 7:00 p.m. EST WTHR L 19–371–1 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
49,304
3 August 29 Houston Oilers 7:30 p.m. EST WTHR W 17–62–1 Hoosier Dome
51,975
4 September 5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7:30 p.m. EST WTHR W 23–63–1 Hoosier Dome
50,111

Preseason Game summaries

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

Preseason Week 1: Indianapolis Colts at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Colts3102722
Lions0136019

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)
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
INDPassing
Rushing
Receiving
DETPassing
Rushing
Receiving
ColtsGame StatisticsLions
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

Preseason Week 2: Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Colts3100013
Vikings31771037

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)
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
INDPassing
Rushing
Receiving
MINPassing
Rushing
Receiving
ColtsGame StatisticsVikings
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

Preseason Week 3: Houston Oilers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Oilers60006
Colts0314017

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)
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
HOUPassing
Rushing
Receiving
INDPassing
Rushing
Receiving
OilersGame StatisticsColts
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

Preseason Week 4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Buccaneers6100016
Colts3200023

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)
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
TBPassing
Rushing
Receiving
INDPassing
Rushing
Receiving
BuccaneersGame StatisticsColts
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

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

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueAttendanceRecap
1 September 13 Cincinnati Bengals L 21–230–1 Hoosier Dome 59,387 Recap
2 September 20, 1987 Miami Dolphins L 10–230–2Hoosier Dome57,524 Recap
3 September 27at St. Louis Cardinals Canceled [4] 0–2 Busch Stadium
4 October 4at Buffalo Bills W 47–61–2 Rich Stadium 9,860 Recap
5 October 11 New York Jets W 6–02–2Hoosier Dome34,927 Recap
6 October 18at Pittsburgh Steelers L 7–212–3 Three Rivers Stadium 34,627 Recap
7 October 25 New England Patriots W 30–163–3Hoosier Dome48,850 Recap
8 November 1at New York Jets W 19–144–3 Giants Stadium 60,863 Recap
9 November 8 San Diego Chargers L 13–164–4Hoosier Dome60,459 Recap
10 November 15at Miami Dolphins W 40–215–4 Joe Robbie Stadium 65,433 Recap
11 November 22at New England Patriots L 0–245–5 Sullivan Stadium 56,906 Recap
12 November 29 Houston Oilers W 51–276–5Hoosier Dome54,999 Recap
13 December 6at Cleveland Browns W 9–77–5 Cleveland Stadium 70,661 Recap
14 December 13 Buffalo Bills L 3–277–6Hoosier Dome60,253 Recap
15 December 20at San Diego Chargers W 20–78–6 Jack Murphy Stadium 46,211 Recap
16 December 27 Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 24–69–6Hoosier Dome60,468 Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Regular Season Game summaries

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

[5]

Week 1: Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Bengals (1–0)13001023
Colts (0–1)707721

at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
CINPassing 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
INDPassing 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
BengalsGame StatisticsColts
25First downs15
42–187Rushes–yards27–85
236Passing yards206
17–26–0Passes13–23–3
2–20Sacked–yards0–0
216Net passing yards206
403Total yards291
134Return yards129
3–52.0Punts4–52.3
4–1Fumbles–lost2–0
5–50Penalties–yards2–25
27:16Time of possession32:44

Week 2 (Sunday, September 20, 1987): vs. Miami Dolphins

[7]

Week 2: Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Dolphins (1–1)797023
Colts (0–2)073010

at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
MIAPassing Dan Marino 23/32, 254 YDS, 3 TDs
Rushing Lorenzo Hampton 13 CAR, 44 YDS
Receiving Lorenzo Hampton 7 REC, 49 YDS
INDPassing 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
DolphinsGame StatisticsColts
20First downs20
34–130Rushes–yards23–84
254Passing yards282
23–32–0Passes27–43–1
1–9Sacked–yards2–24
245Net passing yards258
375Total yards342
76Return yards113
4–42.8Punts4–37.5
2–2Fumbles–lost4–3
1–5Penalties–yards4–30
33:16Time of possession26:44

Week 3 (Sunday, September 27, 1987): at St. Louis Cardinals

Cancelled due to player's strike.

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

[9]

Week 4: Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Colts (1–2)72119047
Bills (1–2)00066

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]
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
INDPassing Gary Hogeboom 17/25, 259 YDS, 5 TDs
Rushing Chuck Banks 16 CAR, 69 YDS
Receiving Walter Murray 7 REC, 161 YDS, 2 TDs
BUFPassing Willie Totten 4/12, 71 YDS, 1 TD
Rushing Johnny Shepherd 7 CAR, 38 YDS
Receiving Sheldon Gaines 6 REC, 98 YDS
ColtsGame StatisticsBills
28First downs14
41–166Rushes–yards28–81
306Passing yards148
20–30–0Passes12–35–3
1–9Sacked–yards6–66
297Net passing yards82
463Total yards163
87Return yards77
2–30.5Punts6–32.2
3–2Fumbles–lost7–4
5–30Penalties–yards10–70
31:44Time of possession28:16

This game was played with replacement players.

Week 5 (Sunday, October 11, 1987): vs. New York Jets

[11]

Week 5: New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Jets (2–2)00000
Colts (2–2)03306

at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
NYJPassing David Norrie 17/35, 163 YDS, 3 INTs
Rushing Dennis Bligen 12 CAR, 35 YDS
Receiving Michael Harper 5 REC, 56 YDS
INDPassing Gary Hogeboom 15/28, 115 YDS, 1 TDs
Rushing Chuck Banks 25 CAR, 159 YDS
Receiving Chuck Banks 5 REC, 22 YDS
JetsGame StatisticsColts
16First downs14
28–66Rushes–yards32–174
163Passing yards115
17–35–3Passes15–31–1
4–18Sacked–yards3–19
145Net passing yards96
211Total yards270
60Return yards73
8–39.4Punts7–34.6
5–2Fumbles–lost2–1
8–65Penalties–yards7–70
30:00Time of possession30:00

This game was played with replacement players.

Week 6 (Sunday, October 18, 1987): at Pittsburgh Steelers

[13]

Week 6: Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Colts (2–3)07007
Steelers (3–2)7001421

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]
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
INDPassing Blair Kiel 17/30, 195 YDS, 1 TD, 3 INTs
Rushing Gordon Brown 9 CAR, 32 YDS
Receiving Mark Bellini 5 REC, 69 YDS
PITPassing 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
ColtsGame StatisticsSteelers
15First downs23
22–75Rushes–yards47–252
195Passing yards138
17–30–3Passes11–23–1
0–0Sacked–yards2–12
195Net passing yards126
270Total yards378
68Return yards62
5–39.6Punts6–41.8
2–2Fumbles–lost4–0
8–69Penalties–yards6–57
23:21Time of possession36:39

This game was played with replacement players.

Week 7 (Sunday, October 25, 1987): vs. New England Patriots

[15]

Week 7: New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Patriots (3–3)337316
Colts (3–3)01013730

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]
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
NEPassing 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
INDPassing 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
PatriotsGame StatisticsColts
18First downs17
27–79Rushes–yards25–87
246Passing yards239
22–43–1Passes17–28–0
2–21Sacked–yards3–26
225Net passing yards213
304Total yards300
162Return yards129
4–45.0Punts5–44.6
2–2Fumbles–lost3–1
5–40Penalties–yards9–65
32:54Time of possession27:06

Week 8 (Sunday, November 1, 1987): at New York Jets

[17]

Week 8: Indianapolis Colts at New York Jets – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Colts (4–3)373619
Jets (3–4)070714

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]
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
INDPassing Jack Trudeau 14/23, 192 YDS, 1 TD
Rushing Albert Bentley 29 CAR, 145 YDS
Receiving Pat Beach 4 REC, 31 YDS
NYJPassing 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
ColtsGame StatisticsJets
21First downs15
45–186Rushes–yards20–101
192Passing yards190
14–23–0Passes16–30–1
1–1Sacked–yards7–61
191Net passing yards129
377Total yards230
73Return yards142
3–40.0Punts5–35.8
1–0Fumbles–lost2–2
4–35Penalties–yards6–34
34:47Time of possession25:13

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

[19]

Week 9: San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Chargers (7–1)0061016
Colts (4–4)3100013

at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
SDPassing Dan Fouts 16/30, 214 YDS, 1 TD, 3 INTs
Rushing Curtis Adams 13 CAR, 52 YDS
Receiving Wes Chandler 4 REC, 73 YDS
INDPassing 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
ChargersGame StatisticsColts
15First downs18
26–82Rushes–yards45–191
214Passing yards127
16–30–3Passes12–18–0
0–0Sacked–yards3–15
214Net passing yards112
296Total yards303
82Return yards150
4–43.0Punts3–34.0
3–1Fumbles–lost3–3
10–80Penalties–yards9–65
22:11Time of possession37:49

Week 10 (Sunday, November 15, 1987): at Miami Dolphins

[21]

Week 10: Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Colts (5–4)71331740
Dolphins (5–4)1470021

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]
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
INDPassing Gary Hogeboom 22/37, 218 YDS, 1 TD
Rushing Eric Dickerson 30 CAR, 154 YDS, 1 TD
Receiving Matt Bouza 5 REC, 61 YDS
MIAPassing 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
ColtsGame StatisticsDolphins
32First downs22
44–239Rushes–yards23–77
218Passing yards209
22–37–0Passes16–38–2
0–0Sacked–yards0–0
218Net passing yards209
457Total yards286
187Return yards195
3–35.7Punts2–49.0
2–0Fumbles–lost3–3
13–126Penalties–yards8–63
35:23Time of possession24:37

Week 11 (Sunday, November 22, 1987): at New England Patriots

[23]

Week 11: Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Colts (5–5)00000
Patriots (5–5)01014024

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]
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
INDPassing Gary Hogeboom 10/20, 122 YDS, 3 INTs
Rushing Eric Dickerson 27 CAR, 117 YDS
Receiving Bill Brooks 5 REC, 72 YDS
NEPassing 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
ColtsGame StatisticsPatriots
18First downs15
31–126Rushes–yards38–139
218Passing yards183
17–38–4Passes12–26–0
3–20Sacked–yards3–9
198Net passing yards174
324Total yards313
66Return yards93
5–34.8Punts8–33.6
1–1Fumbles–lost0–0
3–30Penalties–yards2–10
27:24Time of possession32:36

Week 12 (Sunday, November 29, 1987): vs. Houston Oilers

[25]

Week 12: Houston Oilers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Oilers (6–5)01071027
Colts (6–5)72132051

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]
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
HOUPassing 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
INDPassing 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
OilersGame StatisticsColts
26First downs18
32–136Rushes–yards38–211
327Passing yards159
24–44–2Passes10–19–0
1–9Sacked–yards1–11
318Net passing yards148
454Total yards359
154Return yards113
1–36.0Punts5–33.8
3–3Fumbles–lost1–1
4–65Penalties–yards3–40
31:12Time of possession28:48

Week 13 (Sunday, December 6, 1987): at Cleveland Browns

[27]

Week 13: Indianapolis Colts at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Colts (7–5)09009
Browns (7–5)00707

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]
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
INDPassing Jack Trudeau 20/34, 192 YDS
Rushing Eric Dickerson 27 CAR, 98 YDS
Receiving Bill Brooks 7 REC, 85 YDS
CLEPassing 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
ColtsGame StatisticsBrowns
18First downs15
30–114Rushes–yards26–87
192Passing yards178
20–34–0Passes16–35–0
1–9Sacked–yards3–18
183Net passing yards160
297Total yards247
48Return yards84
7–38.7Punts8–32.5
1–1Fumbles–lost2–1
3–20Penalties–yards4–20
30:18Time of possession29:42

Week 14 (Sunday, December 13, 1987): vs. Buffalo Bills

[29]

Week 14: Buffalo Bills at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Bills (7–6)7601427
Colts (7–6)03003

at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
BUFPassing Jim Kelly 18/34, 167 YDS, 2 TDs
Rushing Ronnie Harmon 18 CAR, 85 YDS
Receiving Chris Burkett 4 REC, 62 YDS
INDPassing 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
BillsGame StatisticsColts
25First downs9
49–219Rushes–yards17–33
167Passing yards146
18–35–0Passes14–27–4
0–0Sacked–yards5–49
167Net passing yards97
385Total yards130
114Return yards112
6–37.5Punts8–40.9
4–4Fumbles–lost5–2
5–45Penalties–yards4–25
39:08Time of possession20:52

Week 15 (Sunday, December 20, 1987): at San Diego Chargers

[31]

Week 15: Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Colts (8–6)760720
Chargers (8–6)70007

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]
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
INDPassing Jack Trudeau 20/39, 201 YDS, 1 TD
Rushing Eric Dickerson 23 CAR, 115 YDS
Receiving Matt Bouza 5 REC, 35 YDS
SDPassing 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
ColtsGame StatisticsChargers
19First downs17
32–146Rushes–yards22–59
201Passing yards257
20–39–0Passes22–37–3
1–7Sacked–yards5–43
194Net passing yards214
340Total yards273
70Return yards79
9–41.9Punts7–39.1
2–0Fumbles–lost1–0
6–50Penalties–yards6–40
30:24Time of possession29:36

Week 16 (Sunday, December 27, 1987): vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

[33]

Week 16: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Buccaneers (4–11)30036
Colts (9–6)737724

at Hoosier Dome • Indianapolis, Indiana

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
TBPassing
Rushing
Receiving
INDPassing
Rushing
Receiving
BuccaneersGame StatisticsColts
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

AFC East
WLTPCTDIVCONFPFPASTK
Indianapolis Colts (3)960.6005–38–6300238W2
New England Patriots 870.5336–28–4320293W3
Miami Dolphins 870.5332–65–7362335L1
Buffalo Bills 780.4674–46–6270305L2
New York Jets 690.4003–56–5334360L4
AFC Central
WLTPCTDIVCONFPFPASTK
Cleveland Browns (2)1050.6675–18–3390239W3
Houston Oilers (4)960.6005–17–4345349W2
Pittsburgh Steelers 870.5332–46–5285299L2
Cincinnati Bengals 4110.2670–63–9285370L3
AFC West
WLTPCTDIVCONFPFPASTK
Denver Broncos (1)1041.7007–18–3379288W2
Seattle Seahawks (5)960.6004–35–6371314L1
San Diego Chargers 870.5333–46–7253317L6
Los Angeles Raiders 5100.3332–63–8301289L3
Kansas City Chiefs 4110.2673–53–9273388W1

Stats

Passing

Passing
PlayerPosGGSQBrecCmpAttCmp%YdsTDTD%IntInt%Y/AAY/AY/CY/GLngRateSkYdsNY/AANY/ASk%4QCGWD
Trudeau QB1085–3–012822955.9158762.662.6556.96.312.4158.775.4131005.46.145.52
Hogeboom QB664–2–09916858.9114595.453.0726.86.511.6190.885.08634.56.155.89
Kiel QB410–1–0173351.519513.039.1215.92.411.548.841.9000.05.912.42
Salisbury QB2081266.76800.0216.7115.7-1.88.534.041.721814.33.572.86
Nugent QB103560.04700.000.0219.49.415.747.091.21916.76.336.33
Team Total159–6–024544757.03042163.6163.6726.85.911.9217.375.0241905.16.065.21
Opp Total1525050149.93073193.8204.06.15.1012.3204.965.2393137.25.104.10

Rushing

Rushing
PlayerPosGGSAttYdsTDLngY/AY/GA/G
Dickerson RB9822310115534.5112.324.8
Bentley RB1241426317174.452.611.8
Banks RB31502450354.981.716.7
Brown RB3019851184.528.36.3
Wonsley RB11018711123.96.51.6
McLemore RB221758093.429.08.5
Kiel QB414300167.57.51.0
Trudeau QB108157090.50.71.5
Carver RB1023031.53.02.0
Hogeboom QB6633021.00.50.5
Nugent QB1021030.51.02.0
Brooks WR12122-201-1.0-0.20.2
Team Total15487214314534.3153.135.5
Opp Total15463179063.9119.330.9

Receiving

Receiving
PlayerPosGGSRecYdsY/RTDLngR/GY/GCtch%
Team Total15255304211.9167218.2217.3
Opp Total15250276011.01916.7184.0

Kicking

Kicking
Games0–1920–2930–3940–4950+Scoring
PlayerPosGGSFGAFGMFGAFGMFGAFGMFGAFGMFGAFGMFGAFGMLngFG%XPAXPMXP%
Team Total157614149621322784.4%3131100.0%
Opp Total15261557.7%282589.3%

Punting

Punting
PlayerPosGGSPntYdsLngBlckY/P
Team Total1575294163339.2
Opp Total1582305037.2

Kick Return

Kick Return
PlayerPosGGSRtYdsTDLngY/Rt
Team Total
Opp Total

Punt Return

Sacks

Interceptions

Fumbles

Tackles

Scoring Summary

Team

Quarter-by-quarter

Quarter-by-quarter
Team1234OTT
Colts4812061710300
Opponents615248770238

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 RoundDateOpponent (seed)TimeTVResultRecordGame SiteAttendanceRecap
Wild Card First-round Bye
Divisional January 9at Cleveland Browns (2)12:30 p.m. EST NBC L 21–380–1 Cleveland Stadium
78,586
 Recap

Playoff Game summaries

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: First-round bye

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

[35]

AFC Divisional Playoffs: Indianapolis Colts at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Colts (9–8)770721
Browns (11–5)7771738

at Cleveland Stadium • Cleveland, Ohio

TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
INDPassing
Rushing
Receiving
CLEPassing
Rushing
Receiving
ColtsGame StatisticsBrowns
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

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References

  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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