The Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans game was not anticipated to be very entertaining, aside from the fan bases of the two teams. However, the game began with big plays by both teams that led to touchdowns, and the excitement really picked up in the second half. Fans always know to expect a hard-fought game, and this one did not disappoint. With the Colts trailing 17–16 late in the third quarter, the Colts were forced to punt. However, they were able to block the punt, then catch the live ball and return it for a touchdown.
Shane Steichen decided to try for two after instead of going for the point. Although the play had potential, it was terribly executed, giving Tennessee two points.
The fun and suspense in this game didn’t end yet, though. After the block, Tennessee’s opening drive of the fourth quarter ended in a three-and-out, forcing them to punt once more.
The Colts are up 25-19 after Matt Gay’s field goal, after Tennessee eventually tied the game with a touchdown, but Ryan Tannehill missed the game-winning extra point because he was unable to get the laces out. The Colts’ gunner Tony Brown flies in off the edge and blocks the punt for the second time. Unfortunately, this live ball was not returned for a touchdown.
The Colts have not blocked a punt since 2021. They were competing against New England and were highlighted in HBO’s Hard Knocks series. Bubba Ventrone, the former special team coach, game-planned a play for his squad to stop a punt. They carried out the play, and the horseshoe also scored a touchdown from it.
The 2021 season was the last time the Colts blocked two punts in a single season. The Minnesota Vikings versus Carolina in 2014 was the last team to block two punts in a single game.
This marked the first time this feat had been achieved since Detroit did so in 1975. Now, two punts have been blocked in the same game for the ninth time in as many years. Similar to Minnesota, the team that blocked two punts won the game as the Indianapolis Colts prevailed 31-28 in overtime.
