2011 Indianapolis Colts season

2011 Indianapolis Colts season
Head coach Jim Caldwell
General manager Chris Polian
Owner Jim Irsay
Home field Lucas Oil Stadium
Results
Record 2–14
Division place 4th AFC South
Playoff finish did not qualify
Pro Bowlers DE Dwight Freeney
DE Robert Mathis
Uniform

The 2011 Indianapolis Colts season was the franchise’s 59th season in the National Football League, the 28th in Indianapolis and the third (and last) under head coach Jim Caldwell. The Colts were coming off a 10–6 record in 2010 and a second consecutive AFC South championship, as well as a ninth consecutive playoff appearance. In 2011, the Colts were looking to set an NFL record for the most consecutive playoff appearances (10) and be the first NFL team to play a Super Bowl in its home stadium (Super Bowl XLVI was held in Indianapolis).

The Colts had placed their franchise tag on star quarterback Peyton Manning before the season started but he sat out the entire season due to neck surgery. The Colts turned to retired quarterback Kerry Collins and then to Curtis Painter, neither of whom could fill Manning’s void.[1] The team finished the season with a 2–14 record, the worst regular season record by a Colts team since 1991, and failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2001.

The Colts were also the first team to start 0–13 since the 2008 Detroit Lions and the 2007 Miami Dolphins; it equalled the worst start in franchise history set in 1986.[2] Their 2–14 record meant that, since the NFL moved to a sixteen-game season in 1978, the Colts had suffered the most seasons with three or fewer wins (six in 1981, 1986, 1991, 1997, 1998 and 2011, plus a winless strike-shortened season in 1982) of any NFL franchise.[3]

The Colts also had the worst record of any AFC team since the Kansas City Chiefs in 2008.

With their week seventeen loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Colts ended their 2011 season tied with the St. Louis Rams for the worst record in the NFL,[4] thereby earning the right to the first overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft due to a tiebreaker. This pick is the highest draft pick the Colts had had since 1998, when they selected Peyton Manning with the first overall pick. This is also the fourth time the Indianapolis era Colts have had the first overall pick. Along with the week seventeen loss, the Jaguars are the first division rival to sweep the Colts since the Tennessee Titans did so in 2002. This was the first season ever when the Jaguars swept the Colts as division rivals, and became the only team to do so this season after the Colts won their only two games at home against the Texans (who are 0–10 in Indianapolis) and Titans.

In week seven, the New Orleans Saints walloped the Colts 62–7, the most lopsided game of the 2011 NFL season and the first time a team had allowed 60 or more points since January 2000.

The Colts offense had weakened rapidly in 2011. They were 30th in the league in yards gained (compared to 4th in 2010), 27th in passing yards (compared to 1st in 2010), 29th in receiving yards (compared to 2nd in 2010), 28th in scoring (compared to 4th in 2010), and 28th in total touchdowns (compared to 2nd in 2010).

The Colts set a dubious NFL record on pass defense, by allowing 71.2% completed passes by opposing passers.[5]

On January 2, 2012, one day after the final game of the season, Colts owner Jim Irsay fired team Vice Chairman Bill Polian and his son, team Vice President and general manager Chris Polian. Irsay stated that the fate of head coach Jim Caldwell was still under review. On January 17, 2012, Irsay announced the firing of Caldwell as the head coach of the Colts.[6] On March 7, 2012, Manning was released by the Colts. These moves marked the first major rebuilding of the team since the Polians had joined the team.[7][8][9]

Offseason

2011 draft board

Main article: 2011 NFL Draft
Round Selection Player Position College
1 22 Anthony Castonzo OT Boston College
2 49 [b] Ben Ijalana OT Villanova
3 87 Drake Nevis DT LSU
4 119 Delone Carter RB Syracuse
6 188 Chris Rucker CB MSU
^[a] The Colts traded their seventh-round selection to the Washington Redskins in exchange for CB Justin Tryon.
^[b] The Colts traded their second-round (fifty-fourth overall) selection and their fifth round (152nd overall) selection for the Jacksonville Jaguars second round (forty-ninth overall) selection.

Schedule

Preseason

Week Date Kickoff Opponent Results Game site TV NFL.com
recap
Final score Team record
1 August 13 8:00 p.m. EDT at St. Louis Rams L 10–33 0–1 Edward Jones Dome Local 23 WNDY Recap
2 August 19 7:00 p.m. EDT Washington Redskins L 3–16 0–2 Lucas Oil Stadium Local 23 WNDY Recap
3 August 26 8:00 p.m. EDT Green Bay Packers L 21–24 0–3 Lucas Oil Stadium CBS Recap
4 September 1 7:00 p.m. EDT at Cincinnati Bengals W 17–13 1–3 Paul Brown Stadium Local 23 WNDY Recap

Regular season

Week Date Kickoff Opponent Results Game site TV NFL.com recap
Final score Team record
1 September 11 1:00 p.m. EDT at Houston Texans L 7–34 0–1 Reliant Stadium CBS Recap
2 September 18 1:00 p.m. EDT Cleveland Browns L 19–27 0–2 Lucas Oil Stadium CBS Recap
3 September 25 8:20 p.m. EDT Pittsburgh Steelers L 20–23 0–3 Lucas Oil Stadium NBC Recap
4 October 3 8:30 p.m. EDT at Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 17–24 0–4 Raymond James Stadium ESPN[a] Recap
5 October 9 1:00 p.m. EDT Kansas City Chiefs L 24–28 0–5 Lucas Oil Stadium CBS Recap
6 October 16 1:00 p.m. EDT at Cincinnati Bengals L 17–27 0–6 Paul Brown Stadium CBS Recap
7 October 23 8:20 p.m. EDT at New Orleans Saints L 7–62 0–7 Mercedes–Benz Superdome NBC Recap
8 October 30 1:00 p.m. EDT at Tennessee Titans L 10–27 0–8 LP Field CBS Recap
9 November 6 1:00 p.m. EST Atlanta Falcons L 7–31 0–9 Lucas Oil Stadium Fox Recap
10 November 13 1:00 p.m. EST Jacksonville Jaguars L 3–17 0–10 Lucas Oil Stadium CBS Recap
11 Bye
12 November 27 1:00 p.m. EST Carolina Panthers L 19–27 0–11 Lucas Oil Stadium Fox Recap
13 December 4 1:00 p.m. EST[10] at New England Patriots L 24–31 0–12 Gillette Stadium CBS Recap
14 December 11 1:00 p.m. EST at Baltimore Ravens L 10–24 0–13 M&T Bank Stadium CBS Recap
15 December 18 1:00 p.m. EST Tennessee Titans W 27–13 1–13 Lucas Oil Stadium CBS Recap
16 December 22 8:20 p.m. EST Houston Texans W 19–16 2–13 Lucas Oil Stadium NFLN[a] Recap
17 January 1 1:00 p.m. EST at Jacksonville Jaguars L 13–19 2–14 EverBank Field CBS Recap

LEGEND:

^[a] The game was simulcast locally on WTTV.

Game summaries

Week 1: at Houston Texans

Week One: Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Colts 0 0 077
Texans 17 17 0034

at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

First quarter
  • HOU – (4:27) Neil Rackers 25-yard field goal, Texans 3–0, Drive: 13 plays, 73 yards, 6:32.
  • HOU – (2:56) Derrick Ward 1-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), Texans 10–0, Drive: 2 plays, 5 yards, 0:41.
  • HOU – (1:41) Ben Tate 2-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), Texans 17–0, Drive: 3 plays, 18 yards, 1:08.
Second quarter
  • HOU – (6:57) Andre Johnson 4-yard pass from Matt Schaub (Neil Rackers kick), Texans 24–0, Drive: 10 plays, 89 yards, 5:54.
  • HOU – (1:34) Neil Rackers 29-yard field goal, Texans 27–0, Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 3:51.
  • HOU – (0:54) Jacoby Jones 79-yard punt return (Neil Rackers kick), Texans 34–0, Drive: 1 play, 79 yards, 0:00.
Third quarter

No scoring

Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • IND – Kerry Collins – 16/31, 197 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions
  • HOU – Matt Schaub – 17/24, 220 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
Top rushers
  • IND – Joseph Addai – 8 rushes, 39 yards, 0 touchdowns
  • HOU – Ben Tate – 24 rushes, 116 yards, 1 touchdown
Top receivers
  • IND – Reggie Wayne – 7 receptions, 106 yards, 1 touchdown
  • HOU – Andre Johnson – 7 receptions, 95 yards, 1 touchdown
Top tacklers

The Indianapolis Colts began their 2011 season at Reliant Stadium against the Houston Texans. For the first time since the 1998 season, Peyton Manning was not under the helm at quarterback and it was recently acquired Kerry Collins that would take his position. The game started very well for the Colts, opening up with an interception by Melvin Bullitt that allowed the Colts to take control. However, a three and out from the offense quickly gave the Texans the ball to drive down and score a field goal and take a 3–0 lead. Collins and the Colts offense was out of sync for much of the first quarter, fumbling two snaps and giving Houston the great field position inside of the Indianapolis 40-yard line. After the first quarter, the Texans held a commanding 17–0 lead and were firing on all cylinders. The second quarter continued Houston’s dominance, with all three teams of the Colts failing to stop or to execute against the Texans. At halftime, the Colts trailed Houston 34–0, the largest deficit in the entire 58-year history of the franchise. The second half saw little action with both teams taking shorter drives and in some senses, running down the clock. The Colts scored their first and the only points scored in the second half with a Reggie Wayne touchdown from Collins in the fourth quarter. The Colts went on to lose to the Texans 34–7, their second straight season starting 0–1.

Week 2: vs. Cleveland Browns

Week Two: Cleveland Browns at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Browns 0 14 01327
Colts 3 6 3719

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

Game information

First quarter
  • IND – (10:36) Adam Vinatieri 39-yard field goal, Colts 3–0, Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 4:29.
Second quarter
  • IND – (14:20) Adam Vinatieri 27-yard field goal, Colts 6–0, Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 4:40.
  • CLE – (8:01) Evan Moore 16-yard pass from Colt McCoy (Phil Dawson kick), Browns 7–6, Drive: 11 plays, 55 yards, 6:22.
  • IND – (3:58) Adam Vinatieri 52-yard field goal, Colts 9–7, Drive: 10 plays, 34 yards, 4:00.
  • CLE – (8:01) Peyton Hillis 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), Browns 14–9, Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 3:38.
Third quarter
  • IND – (6:57) Adam Vinatieri 36-yard field goal, Browns 14–12, Drive: 9 plays, 42 yards, 3:52.
Fourth quarter
  • CLE – (10:57) Phil Dawson 20-yard field goal, Browns 17–12, Drive: 7 plays, 19 yards, 3:49.
  • CLE – (3:55) Peyton Hillis 24-yard run (Phil Dawson kick), Browns 24–12, Drive: 3 plays, 28 yards, 0:55.
  • CLE – (2:59) Phil Dawson 23-yard field goal, Browns 27–12, Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 0:24.
  • IND – (0:24) Dallas Clark 6-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Adam Vinatieri kick), Browns 24–19, Drive: 12 plays, 83 yards, 2:35.
Top passers
  • CLE – Colt McCoy – 22/32, 211 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions
  • IND – Kerry Collins – 19/38, 191 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

The Indianapolis Colts home opener had their 2011 home opener against the 0–1 Cleveland Browns. The first quarter saw both teams getting into offensive and defensive rhythms and ended with the Colts holding only a 3–0 lead on an Adam Vinatieri field goal. Heading to the second quarter, the Colts offense began to pick up behind Kerry Collins, rookie Delone Carter, and Joseph Addai. However much of the success faded once Indianapolis reached the red zone, and were only able to come away with two field goals during the quarter. Cleveland, however, was able to capitalize on the Colts defense, and saw a touchdown pass from Colt McCoy and a touchdown run from Peyton Hillis. Cleveland went into halftime with a 14–9 lead. The Indianapolis defense was able to stop Cleveland for most of the third quarter, and allowed the struggling offensive to close the gap with a fourth Vinatieri field goal, with Cleveland still holding a 14–12 lead into the fourth quarter. Cleveland quickly drove down the field and started the quarter with a Phil Dawson field goal, allowing the Colts to remain in contention for the victory. However, after turnovers and an inability to produce on offense, Cleveland broke the game open with a Hillis touchdown run, along with another Dawson field goal with 2:59 remaining in the game. With Cleveland holding a 27–12 lead, Indianapolis was able to score their first touchdown of the game, allowing them to try an onside kick to preserve any chance of a comeback, which they were not able to convert. Cleveland finished the game and the Colts by winning 27–19, their first victory over the Colts since 1994, and the Colts first 0–2 start since the 1998 season.

Week 3: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Week Three: Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Steelers 10 0 01323
Colts 0 13 0720

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

Game information

First quarter
  • PIT – (12:48) Shaun Suisham 48-yard field goal, Steelers 3–0, Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 2:17.
  • PIT – (3:40) Mike Wallace 81-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham kick), Steelers 10–0, Drive: 2 plays, 86 yards, 0:53.
Second quarter
  • IND – (10:36) Adam Vinatieri 21-yard field goal, Steelers 10–3, Drive: 12 plays, 47 yards, 5:44.
  • IND - (2:01) Jamaal Anderson 47-yard fumble return (Adam Vinatieri kick), Tied 10–10
  • IND – (0:18) Adam Vinatieri 36-yard field goal, Colts 13–10, Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:19.
Third quarter

No Scoring

Fourth quarter
  • PIT – (12:15) Shaun Suisham 48-yard field goal, Tied 13–13, Drive: 10 plays, 50 yards, 5:40.
  • PIT - (5:21) Troy Polamalu 47-yard fumble return (Adam Vinatieri kick), Steelers 20–10
  • IND – (2:15) Joseph Addai 6-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), Tied 20–20, Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 3:38.
  • PIT – (0:08) Shaun Suisham 38-yard field goal, Steelers 23–20, Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 2:05.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Cleveland Browns, the Indianapolis Colts remained at home for a week three intra-conference matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night. Indianapolis trailed early in the first quarter as Steelers kicker Shaun Suisham got a 48-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger completing an 81-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mike Wallace. The Colts would answer in the second quarter with a 21-yard field goal from kicker Adam Vinatieri, followed by defensive end Jamaal Anderson returning a fumble, forced by Dwight Freeney, 47 yards for a touchdown. Another defensive turnover allowed the Colts and Vinatieri to score a 25-yard field goal, giving them a 13–10 lead at halftime. After a scoreless third quarter, Pittsburgh took the lead in the fourth quarter with a Suisham 44-yard field goal, followed by safety Troy Polamalu returning a fumble 16 yards for a touchdown. Indianapolis would tie the game again on running back Joseph Addai’s 6-yard touchdown run with 2:15 remaining in the game. However, the Steelers were able to capture the win with a final 38-yard field goal from Suisham, dropping the Colts to 0–3.

Week 4: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week Four: Indianapolis Colts at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Colts 3 7 7017
Buccaneers 0 7 10724

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Game information

First quarter
  • IND – (10:31) Adam Vinatieri 45-yard field goal, Colts 3–0, Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 4:34.
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • TB – (10:31) Connor Barth 46-yard field goal, Tied 10–10, Drive: 10 plays, 52 yards, 5:17.
  • IND – (7:22) Pierre Garçon 59-yard pass from Curtis Painter (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 17–10, Drive: 1 play, 59 yards, 0:12.
  • TB – (0:22) Preston Parker 13-yard pass from Josh Freeman (Connor Barth kick), Tied 17–17, Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 6:56.
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • IND – Curtis Painter – 13/30, 281 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
  • TB – Josh Freeman – 25/39, 287 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the Steelers, the Colts flew to Raymond James Stadium for a Week 4 Monday night duel with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With quarterback Kerry Collins recovering from concussion, quarterback Curtis Painter would make his first career start. Indianapolis delivered the game’s opening punch in the first quarter with a 45-yard field goal from kicker Adam Vinatieri. The Colts would add onto their lead in the second quarter with Painter finding wide receiver Pierre Garçon on an 87-yard touchdown pass, yet the Buccaneers answered with quarterback Josh Freeman getting a 1-yard touchdown run. Tampa Bay would tie the game in the third quarter with kicker Connor Barth getting a 46-yard field goal, yet Indianapolis came right back with Painter hooking up Garçon again on a 59-yard touchdown pass. Afterwards, the Buccaneers tied the game with Freeman completing a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Preston Parker. Tampa Bay would take the lead in the fourth quarter with running back LeGarrette Blount getting a 35-yard touchdown run. From there, the defense prevented any comeback from the Colts’ offense. With the loss, the Colts dropped to 0–4.

Week 5: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week Five: Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Chiefs 0 14 7728
Colts 7 17 0024

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • IND – (12:23) Adam Vinatieri 53-yard field goal, Colts 10–0, Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards, 2:29.
  • IND – (11:13) Pierre Garçon 67-yard pass from Curtis Painter (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 17–0, Drive: 1 play, 67 yards, 0:00.
  • KC – (5:11) Dwayne Bowe 41-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Ryan Succop kick), Colts 17–7, Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 2:57.
  • IND – (1:09) Delone Carter 3-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 24–7, Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:02.
  • KC – (0:13) Steve Breaston 16-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Ryan Succop kick), Colts 24–14, Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 0:56.
Third quarter
  • KC – (0:40) Dwayne Bowe 5-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Ryan Succop kick), Colts 24–21, Drive: 3 plays, 98 yards, 1:27.
Fourth quarter
  • KC – (5:15) Steve Breaston 11-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Ryan Succop kick), Chiefs 28–24, Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 4:39.
Top passers
  • KC – Matt Cassel – 21/29, 257 yards, 4 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
  • IND – Curtis Painter – 15/27, 277 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • KC – Dwayne Bowe – 7 receptions, 128 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • IND – Pierre Garçon – 5 receptions, 125 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top tacklers

After dropping their first four games of the season, the Indianapolis Colts came back to Lucas Oil Stadium to take on the Kansas City Chiefs. The game opened well for the Colts, who scored on their opening drive with a Curtis Painter to Pierre Garçon touchdown reception. In the second quarter, the Colts scored with an Adam Vinatieri field goal and another Painter to Garçon touchdown, giving Indianapolis a 17–0 lead midway through the second quarter. A Kansas City touchdown pass from Matt Cassel ended the shutout but Indianapolis scored another touchdown later. A late Kansas City touchdown allowed the Colts to go into halftime with a 24–14 lead. Two touchdown passes from Cassel, to Dwayne Bowe and Steve Breaston respectively, gave the Chiefs 21 unanswered points and completed the comeback, winning the game 28–24, dropping the Colts to 0–5 on the season.

Week 6: at Cincinnati Bengals

Week Six: Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Colts 0 7 01017
Bengals 7 3 10727

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

  • Date: October 16
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 71°F (Sunny)
  • Game attendance: 52,068
  • Referee: John Parry
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots
  • Recap
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • IND – (11:14) Donald Brown 18-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), Tied 7–7, Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 4:08.
  • CIN – (0:00) Mike Nugent 20-yard field goal, Bengals 10–7, Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards, 5:56.
Third quarter
  • CIN – (10:27) Cedric Benson 1-yard run (Mike Nugent kick), Bengals 17–7, Drive: 6 plays, 52 yards, 2:59.
  • CIN – (2:20) Mike Nugent 43-yard field goal, Bengals 20–7, Drive: 11 plays, 56 yards, 6:00.
Fourth quarter
  • IND – (14:56) Adam Vinatieri 46-yard field goal, Bengals 20–10, Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 2:24.
  • IND – (9:33) Dallas Clark 1-yard pass from Curtis Painter (Adam Vinatieri kick), Bengals 20–17, Drive: 10 plays, 74 yards, 4:14.
  • CIN – (2:22) Carlos Dunlap 35-yard fumble return (Mike Nugent kick), Bengals 27–17
Top passerse
  • IND – Curtis Painter – 23/34, 188 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
  • CIN – Andy Dalton – 25/32, 264 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

With the Colts losing five consecutive games starting the 2011 season, Indianapolis looked to win their first game of the season against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati opened up the game well, with a 1-yard touchdown run from Cedric Benson. With both defenses performing well throughout the remainder of the first half with the only other scores coming on a Donald Brown touchdown run for the Colts, and a Mike Nugent field goal. Going into halftime, the Bengals led the Colts 10–7. Cincinnati dominated the third quarter on both fronts, with another Benson touchdown run and Nugent field goal, quickly running the lead up to 20–7 heading into the fourth quarter. There Colts were able to strike on an Adam Vinatieri 46-yard field goal narrowing the score to 20–10. A Dallas Clark touchdown reception from Curtis Painter allowed the Colts to cut the game to a 20–17 affair with 9:33 remaining in the fourth quarter. After a missed Nugent field goal, with the Colts driving, Pierre Garçon fumbled the football, giving it to Carlos Dunlap who would take the ball in for a touchdown, and ended the score, with the Bengals winning the game 27–17, giving the Colts an 0–6 record on the season.

Week 7: at New Orleans Saints

Week Seven: Indianapolis Colts at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Colts 0 7 007
Saints 21 13 141462

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • IND – Curtis Painter – 9/17, 67 yards, 0 touchdowns, 1 interception
  • NO – Drew Brees – 31/35, 325 yards, 5 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
Top rushers
  • IND – Delone Carter – 10 rushes, 89 yards, 1 touchdown
  • NO – Mark Ingram – 14 rushes, 91 yards, 0 touchdowns
Top receivers
  • IND – Reggie Wayne – 3 receptions, 36 yards, 0 touchdowns
  • NO – Marques Colson – 7 receptions, 98 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top tacklers
  • IND – Antoine Bethea – (11)
  • NO – Jonathan Casillas – (5)

In a rematch of Super Bowl XLIV on SNF, the Colts traveled to New Orleans to take on the Saints. The Saints would quickly get on the board as Drew Brees would throw 3 touchdown passes in the quarter alone twice to Marques Colston from 14 and 4 yards out for a 7-0 and 14-0 lead and once to Darren Sproles for a 21-0 lead. They would eventually move ahead 31-0 in the 2nd quarter as Jed Collins ran for a 1-yard touchdown followed by John Kasay nailing a 23-yard field goal. The Colts finally got on the board as Delone Carter ran for a touchdown from 2-yards out sending the game to 31-7. Kasay would then kick a 47-yard field goal to send the Saints to a 34-7 lead at halftime. In the 2nd half, the Saints score 4 consecutive touchdowns with Brees hooking up with Jimmy Graham on a 4-yard and 2-yard to increase their lead to 41-7 and then 48-7 in the 3rd quarter. In the 4th quarter, Sproles ran for a 16-yard touchdown while Leigh Torrence returned an interception 42 yards for a touchdown for score of 55-7 and then the final score would be 62-7.

The Colts would go on and drop even further down to 0-7.

Week 8: at Tennessee Titans

Week Eight: Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Colts 0 0 3710
Titans 3 17 0727

at LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee

  • Date: October 30
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 62°F (Sunny)
  • Game attendance: 69,143
  • Referee: Jerome Boger
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • IND –
  • TEN –
Top rushers
  • IND –
  • TEN –
Top receivers
  • IND –
  • TEN –
Top tacklers
  • IND –
  • TEN –

After a huge loss at the Saints, the Colts traveled to Nashville take on the Titans. The Titans would score 20 unanswered points in the 1st half alone as Rob Bironas would kick a 51-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead in the first quarter. In the 2nd quarter, Jason McCourty would recover a blocked punt in the end zone sending the game to 10-0, followed up by Bironas nailing a 50-yard field goal for 13-0 and eventual halftime lead of 20-0 when Nate Washington ran for a 3-yard touchdown. The Colts would manage to get on the board as Adam Vinatieri would kick a 22-yard field goal for a 20-3 lead. Donald Brown managed to increase his team's points with a 4-yard touchdown run for a 20-10 lead. The Titans however wrapped the game up when Washington ran for a 14-yard touchdown for a final score of 27-10. With the loss, the Colts fell to 0–8.

Week 9: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week Nine: Atlanta Falcons at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Falcons 14 7 7331
Colts 0 7 007

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: November 6
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 57°F (Sunny,retractable roof open)
  • Game attendance: 65,218
  • Referee: Mike Carey
  • TV announcers (Fox): Ron Pitts and Jim Mora, Jr.
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • ATL –
  • IND –
Top rushers
  • ATL –
  • IND –
Top receivers
  • ATL –
  • IND –
Top tacklers
  • ATL –
  • IND –

After 2 straight losses on the road, the Colts returned home to take on the Falcons. The Falcons dominated scoring 21 unanswered points as Michael Turner would run for a 1-yard touchdown for a 7-0 lead. It was then followed up by Matt Ryan finding Julio Jones on a 50-yard touchdown pass taking the game to 14-0 in the first quarter. In the 2nd quarter, Ryan and Jones hooked up again on an 80-yard pass sending the game to 21-0. The Colts finally got on the board as Jerraud Powers returned an interception 6-yards for a touchdown making the halftime lead 21-7. In the 3rd quarter, Ryan hooked up with Tony Gonzalez for a 1-yard pass making the score 28-7. In the 4th quarter, Matt Bryant would kick a 20-yard field goal to send his team for a final score of 31-7.

With the loss, the Colts then fell to 0-9 giving them their first losing season since 2001. With the Dolphins' win over the Chiefs that same week, the Colts remained the league's only team without a win.

Week 10: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week Ten: Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Jaguars 3 0 7717
Colts 0 3 003

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • JAC –
  • IND –
Top rushers
  • JAC –
  • IND –
Top receivers
  • JAC –
  • IND –
Top tacklers
  • JAC –
  • IND –

The Colts stayed home and took on the Jaguars. The Jags would manage to score early in the 1st quarter as Josh Scobee would kick a 44-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead. In the 2nd quarter, the Colts would get on the board as Adam Vinatieri would tie the game for his team 3-3 with a 42-yard field goal. This would eventually be the halftime score. Once again, the Colts found themselves being overpowered in the 2nd half of a game as Blaine Gabbert hooked up with Jarett Dillard on an 11-yard touchdown pass to send the game to a 10-3 score in the 3rd quarter followed up by Maurice Jones-Drew running for a 3-yard touchdown to make the final score 17-3.

With the loss, the Colts entered their bye week at 0–10.

Week 12: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week Twelve: Carolina Panthers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Panthers 3 7 71027
Colts 0 10 3619

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

Game information

First quarter

CAR-(4:13) Olindo Mare 40-yard FG CAR 3–0

Second quarter

CAR-(14:08) Cam Newton 14-yard TD run (Olindo Mare kick) CAR 10–0

IND-(12:15) Donald Brown 17-yard TD run (Adam Vinatieri kick) CAR 10–7

IND-(1:51) Adam Vinatieri 43-yard FG Tied 10–10

Third quarter

CAR-(9:13) DeAngelo Williams 25-yard TD run (Olindo Mare kick) CAR 17–10

IND-(0:32) Adam Vinatieri 31-yard FG CAR 17–13

Fourth quarter

CAR-(10:23) DeAngelo Williams 2-yard run (Olindo Mare kick) CAR 24–13

IND-(8:16) Reggie Wayne 56-yard pass from Curtis Painter (two-point conversion failed) CAR 24–19

CAR-(5:53) Olindo Mare 41-yard FG CAR 27–19
Top passers
  • CAR –
  • IND –
Top rushers
  • CAR –
  • IND –
Top receivers
  • CAR –
  • IND –
Top tacklers
  • CAR –
  • IND –

After a good rest on their bye week, the Colts stayed home for a game against the Panthers. In the first quarter the Panthers jumped into an early lead as Olindo Mare kicked a 30-yard field goal for a leading score of 3-0. They would make it 10-0 in the 2nd quarter when Cam Newton ran for a touchdown from 14 yards out. The Colts got on the board when Donald Brown ran for a 17-yard touchdown coming within 3, 10-7. Followed by an Adam Vinatieri field goal from 43 yards out tying the game at halftime 10-10. In the 3rd quarter, the Panthers moved back into the lead as De'Angelo Williams ran for a touchdown from 25-yards out taking a 17-10 lead. The Colts came within 4 points as Vinatieri kicked a 30-yard field goal for a 17-13 game. In the 4th quarter, the Panthers moved ahead by double digits as Williams ran for a 2-yard touchdown for a 24-13 game. Though the Colts managed to move within 5 points as Curtis Painter found Reggie Wayne on a 56-yard pass (with a failed 2-point conversion) for a 24-19 game. The Panthers managed to wrap the game up when Mare kicked a 41-yard field goal taking the final score to 27-19.

With the loss, the Colts dropped down to 0-11.

Week 13: at New England Patriots

Week Thirteen: Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Colts 0 3 02124
Patriots 3 14 14031

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: December 4
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 51°F (Cloudy)
  • Game attendance: 68,756
  • Referee: Ron Winter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Marv Albert and Rich Gannon
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • IND –
  • NE –
Top rushers
  • IND –
  • NE –
Top receivers
  • IND –
  • NE –
Top tacklers
  • IND –
  • NE –

Despite putting up 21 points in the fourth quarter with Dan Orlovsky under center, the Colts again lost on the road to the New England Patriots.

With the loss, the Colts fell to 0–12 and became the first team to start a season 0–12 since the 2008 Lions and the 2007 Dolphins.

Week 14: at Baltimore Ravens

Week Fourteen: Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Colts 0 3 0710
Ravens 10 7 7024

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • IND –
  • BAL –
Top rushers
  • IND –
  • BAL –
Top receivers
  • IND –
  • BAL –
Top tacklers
  • IND –
  • BAL –

With the loss, the Colts fell to 0–13 and became the first team since the 2008 Lions and the 2007 Dolphins to start a season at 0–13.

The Colts also became the 6th team in NFL history to start a season at 0-13.

Week 15: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week Fifteen: Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Titans 0 6 0713
Colts 3 0 141027

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: December 18
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 64,271
  • Referee: Pete Morelli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts
Game information

First quarter
  • IND - (1:11) Adam Vinatieri 47-yard field goal, Colts 3–0, Drive: 11 plays, 56 yards, 4:47.
Second quarter
  • TEN - (5:37) Rob Bironas 53-yard field goal, Tied 3–3, Drive: 5 plays, 18 yards, 2:23.
  • TEN - (:25) Rob Bironas 21-yard field goal, Titans 3–6, Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 2:17.
Third quarter
  • IND - (9:45) Reggie Wayne 18-yard pass from Dan Orlovsky (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 10–6, Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards, 3:51.
  • IND - (6:41) Jacob Lacey 32-yard interception return (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 17–6, Drive: 1 play, 32 yards, :07.
Fourth quarter
  • IND - (12:59) Adam Vinatieri 40-yard field goal, Colts 20–6, Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:40.
  • TEN - (3:48) Nate Washington 7-yard pass from Jake Locker (Rob Bironas kick), Colts 20–13, Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 2:30.
  • IND - (3:43) Donald Brown 80-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 27–13, Drive: 1 play, 80 yards, :17.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

After starting 0-13 and looking most likely to become the second team in NFL history to go 0-16 after the 2008 Detroit Lions, the Colts would finally win a game. Having a career day, Donald Brown and a strong defense would deny Tennessee any hope of a win as the team improved to 1–13, allowing them to avoid becoming the third team in NFL history to finish a season winless, after the 2008 Detroit Lions and the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Week 16: vs. Houston Texans

Week Sixteen: Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Texans 10 0 3316
Colts 3 3 31019

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

Game information

First quarter
  • HOU - (14:11) Arian Foster 9-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), Texans 0–7, Drive: 2 plays, 17 yards, :45.
  • IND - (4:43) Adam Vinatieri 23-yard field goal, Texans 3–7, Drive: 7 plays, 22 yards, 3:36.
  • HOU - (2:06) Neil Rackers 44-yard field goal, Texans 3–10, Drive: 6 plays, 54 yards, 2:37.
Second quarter
  • IND - (3:41) Adam Vinatieri 32-yard field goal, Texans 6–10, Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 3:39.
Third quarter
  • HOU - (10:30) Neil Rackers 35-yard field goal, Texans 6–13, Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 4:35.
  • IND - (:59) Adam Vinatieri 47-yard field goal, Texans 9–13, Drive: 12 plays, 51 yards, 5:11.
Fourth quarter
  • IND - (6:52) Adam Vinatieri 31-yard field goal, Texans 12–13, Drive: 11 plays, 67 yards, 6:08.
  • HOU - (2:00) Neil Rackers 31-yard field goal, Texans 12–16, Drive: 11 plays, 67 yards, 4:52.
  • IND - (:24) Reggie Wayne 1-yard reception from Dan Orlovsky (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 19–16, Drive: 12 plays, 78 yards, 1:37.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

With the win, the Colts improved to 2–13 and remained undefeated against the Texans at home at 10–0.

Week 17: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Week Seventeen: Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Colts 0 3 3713
Jaguars 7 3 6319

at EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

  • Date: January 1
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 70°F (Chance of rain)
  • Game attendance: 62,481
  • Referee: John Parry
  • TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes and Steve Beuerlein
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • IND –
  • JAC –
Top rushers
  • IND –
  • JAC –
Top receivers
  • IND –
  • JAC –
Top tacklers
  • IND –
  • JAC –

With the loss, the Colts finished the season at 2–14 and were swept by the Jaguars for the first time in franchise history.

Standings

AFC South
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(3) Houston Texans 10 6 0 .625 4–2 8–4 381 278 L3
Tennessee Titans 9 7 0 .563 3–3 7–5 325 317 W2
Jacksonville Jaguars 5 11 0 .313 3–3 4–8 243 329 W1
Indianapolis Colts 2 14 0 .125 2–4 2–10 243 430 L1

Coaching staff

Indianapolis Colts 2011 staff
Front Office

Head Coaches

Offensive Coaches

  

Defensive Coaches

  • Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers – Mike Murphy
  • Defensive Line – John Teerlinck
  • Defensive Backs – Alan Williams
  • Special Assistant to the Defense – Rod Perry
  • Defensive Assistant – Bill Teerlinck

Special Teams Coaches

  • Special Teams Coordinator – Ray Rychleski

Strength and Conditioning

  • Strength and Conditioning – Jon Torine
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Richard Howell

Coaching Assistants

  • Devin Fitzsimmons

Final roster

2011 Indianapolis Colts final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

 Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

 Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

 Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 53 Active, 15 Inactive, 7 Practice squad

References

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