The 17-15 win secured on former
Ravens kicker Matt Stover's go-ahead field goal gave Indianapolis
(10-0), the second-longest streak in NFL history behind a 21-game run
by the New England Patriots (2006-08). Indy received an inspired
performance from the defense and overcame an uncharacteristic three
turnovers.
Much to the dismay of the Ravens and
their fans, Stover booted the decisive field goal with 7:02 left. Colts
linebacker Gary Brackett then intercepted Joe Flacco's pass at the
Indianapolis 13 with 2:42 remaining, and the Colts kept the ball until
the closing seconds.
Baltimore's last gasp ended when Ed Reed fumbled on a punt return with 17 seconds left.
Indianapolis has won its last four
games by a combined 10 points. The Colts usually rely on Peyton
Manning, who fashioned a huge comeback against New England last week,
but the credit for this victory belonged to a defense that did not
allow a touchdown.
Billy Cundiff made field goals of 46,
44, 38, 36 and 20 yards in his debut with Baltimore (5-5). But he also
was wide right on a 30-yard attempt that would have given the Ravens a
15-14 lead in the third quarter.
Cundiff, signed Wednesday after the
Ravens cut an ineffective Steve Hauschka — who originally replaced
Stover — tied Stover's team record for field goals in a game.
After Cundiff's final field goal gave
Baltimore a 15-14 lead with 10:12 left, Manning moved Indianapolis 60
yards before Stover slammed home a 25-yarder to put the Colts ahead for
good.
Manning went 22-for-31 for 299 yards
with one touchdown and two interceptions. The Colts' other turnover was
a fumble by tight end Tom Santi at the Baltimore 4.
Taking advantage of the Colts'
injury-depleted defensive backfield, Flacco went 23-for-35 for 256
yards. But he couldn't get Baltimore into the end zone, and that proved
costly when the Ravens had to kick a field goal in the fourth quarter
after getting a first down at the Indianapolis 1.
Manning threw for 192 yards and a touchdown to help Indianapolis take a 14-12 halftime lead.
The Colts moved 87 yards in seven
plays after the opening kickoff. A 66-yard completion from Manning to
Pierre Garcon set up a 3-yard, one-handed TD catch by tight end Dallas
Clark.
Baltimore's Lardarius Webb fumbled
the ensuing kickoff, and officials gave the ball to Indianapolis. But
the call was overturned following a challenge by Ravens coach John
Harbaugh, and Baltimore got a field goal out of the drive.
Interceptions by Dawan Landry and
Reed set up field goals by the Ravens, but Joseph Addai put
Indianapolis back in front with a 5-yard touchdown run.