The Indianapolis Colts stunned the Denver Broncos 29-28 on a 47-yard field goal as time expired Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis — their first 2-0 start since 2009. The winning kick, nailed by Evan McPherson, came after a 12-play, 68-yard drive capped by a gutsy 3rd-and-8 completion from Daniel Jones to Josh Downs. The crowd of 56,313 erupted as the ball sailed through the uprights — no time left, no doubt. This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.
A Quarterback Reborn
Daniel Jones, once written off after his turbulent years with the New York Giants, looked like a franchise savior in his first full season with the Colts. He threw for 316 yards and two touchdowns, finding rhythm early with quick slants and deep balls that stretched Denver’s secondary. His 19-yard connection to Downs on the very first play set the tone. By halftime, Jones had already connected with Mo Alie-Cox for a 22-yard score, silencing critics who questioned his fit in Jeff Saturday’s offense. He didn’t just manage the game — he owned it.Jonathan Taylor: The Engine
While Jones got the headlines, Jonathan Taylor was the engine. The 25-year-old Pro Bowler rushed for 165 yards on 28 carries, breaking tackles like they were Velcro. One run in the third quarter — chased by All-Pro corner Pat Surtain II and safety Justin Simmons — ended with Taylor juking both into the end zone. He wasn’t just running. He was sculpting the game’s momentum. The Colts’ offensive line, often a weakness in past seasons, opened holes like a floodgate. And when the Broncos blitzed, Jones found the check-downs. It was a perfect storm of execution.Denver’s Heartbreak
For the Broncos, it was déjà vu. Bo Nix, the 24-year-old former Oregon standout, threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns, including a beautiful 14-yard strike to Troy Franklin in the second quarter. Franklin, the 22-year-old rookie, caught eight of nine targets for 89 yards and a score — a sign he’s becoming Nix’s security blanket. But the game turned on two critical mistakes: an interception by Bynum on a wobbly throw, and the final third-down pass to Marvin Mims Jr. that fell incomplete with 18 seconds left. The Broncos went 3-of-6 on third down — not terrible, but not enough when you’re trailing by one score.Head coach Sean Payton, who won his debut with Denver last week, now faces his first regular-season loss. His team had chances — a blocked punt by Jonathan Dulin led to a 39-yard return and a quick score — but couldn’t close. Payton’s decision to go for it on 4th-and-2 late in the fourth, instead of kicking a field goal to tie, backfired when J.K. Dobbins was stuffed for no gain. That’s the kind of call that haunts coaches.
Why This Matters
The Colts’ 2-0 start is their best since Peyton Manning led them to Super Bowl XLIV. They’re now 5-1 in one-score games under Jeff Saturday, who took over as interim head coach last season and was named permanent coach in January. That’s not luck. That’s culture. The locker room believes. The defense, ranked 28th in 2024, held Denver to 28 points — a massive improvement. And the offense? It’s clicking. Jones isn’t just playing well — he’s playing with poise. That’s rare.For Denver, the loss exposes a troubling pattern: they win games with offense but lose them with timing. Nix has the arm. Franklin has the hands. But when the clock ticks down, the Broncos still look unsure. They’re 1-1, but they’ve played two of the league’s toughest defenses — Indianapolis and Seattle — and lost both by a field goal. The schedule doesn’t get easier. Next up: a Monday night showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High.
What’s Next?
The Colts host the Miami Dolphins on September 21, a team that just lost their starting quarterback to injury. If Jones keeps this up, Indianapolis could be a dark horse in the AFC South. Meanwhile, Denver’s playoff hopes are already on life support. They need to fix their red-zone efficiency — they were 1-of-3 inside the 20-yard line Sunday. And they need to stop letting games slip away in the final minutes.The Legacy of the Moment
This wasn’t just another Week 2 game. It was a reminder that the NFL’s magic still lives in the final seconds — in the held breath, the deafening roar, the perfect kick. For the Colts, it’s a return to relevance. For the Broncos, it’s another chapter in their slow rebuild. And for fans? It was a game you’ll remember when you’re old enough to tell your grandkids about.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Daniel Jones perform compared to his time with the New York Giants?
Daniel Jones threw for 316 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions against Denver — his best outing since 2021. In contrast, he averaged just 189 yards per game and had a 1.4:1 TD-to-INT ratio during his final season with the Giants. Under Jeff Saturday’s system, Jones has more freedom to read defenses and trust his receivers, leading to a 72% completion rate this season — up from 61% in 2024.
Why is this the Colts’ first 2-0 start since 2009?
After Peyton Manning’s retirement in 2015, the Colts struggled with inconsistent quarterback play, coaching changes, and defensive breakdowns. Between 2010 and 2024, they started 2-0 only three times — and never made the playoffs in those seasons. This year’s team is different: better offensive line, disciplined special teams, and a quarterback who makes smart decisions under pressure.
What role did special teams play in the outcome?
Special teams were decisive. Tight end Jonathan Dulin blocked a Denver punt in the second quarter, leading to a 39-yard return and a field goal. The Colts also had zero penalties on kicks — a stark contrast to last year, when they led the league in special teams miscues. Evan McPherson, their kicker, is now 9-of-9 on field goals this season — a huge upgrade from the 2024 unit that missed 11.
How did the Broncos’ defense fare against Jonathan Taylor?
Despite having two All-Pros in Pat Surtain II and Justin Simmons, Denver’s run defense was gashed for 165 yards — Taylor’s second straight 150-yard game. The Broncos averaged 115 yards allowed per game in 2024, but they’ve given up 328 yards on the ground in two games this season. Their linebackers were slow to fill gaps, and Taylor’s vision exploited every hesitation.
What’s the significance of Jeff Saturday’s coaching style?
Saturday, a former All-Pro center, emphasizes discipline, physicality, and situational awareness. His offense uses motion and misdirection to create mismatches, and his defense plays with controlled aggression. Unlike previous coaches who leaned on passing, Saturday trusts the run — and it’s working. The Colts have rushed for 328 yards in two games — their highest two-game total since 2010.
Can the Broncos recover after this loss?
It’s possible, but unlikely without major adjustments. Their offense is talented, but they’re too reliant on big plays. Against the Chiefs next week, they’ll need to control the clock and limit turnovers. Bo Nix has shown flashes, but he’s still learning to read coverages under pressure. If they lose to Kansas City, their playoff chances drop below 20% — and the season could unravel quickly.