Just in case you weren't sure, what you saw today was exceedingly rare. The Colts became only the second team in NFL history to come back from a 17 point deficit or greater with 5 minutes left in the 4th quarter to go on to win the game. The other team to pull off the feat? The Indianapolis Colts, of course (Random fact: the second comeback came on the eve of the 5th anniversary of the first comeback).
Considering that we are experts in the field of epic comebacks, I come to you, Colts nation, with the question of which comeback you found more impressive. Before you vote, consider the following:
- James Mungro, Marvin Harrison, and Ricky Williams (not the famous one Sticky Ricky) scored the 3 TDs vs. Tampa. Tom Santi, Gary Brackett, and Reggie Wayne scored the 3 TDs vs. Houston.
- The '03 comeback was aided by a 90 yard kick return by Brad Pyatt to set up the first TD and an onside kick recovery by Idrees Bashir to help set up the second.
- The '08 comeback was aided by 2 (2!) fumble recoveries, one which was returned for a TD.
- Tampa finished 4th in defense in 2003, Houston is currently 30th.
- Total time used and yards covered for the 3 TDs scored to tie the Tampa game: 155 yards in 3:46 (The Colts also had a 14 play, 76 yard drive that took 6:36 to set-up the winning field goal in OT).
- Total time used and yards covered for the 3 TDs scored to win the Houston game: 178 yards in 5:14.
- The Houston comeback was completed with 1:54 left in the game, the Tampa game was tied with 0:35 to go.