Skip to main content
Advertising

Taking a look at the anatomy of the Colts scoring drives: Oakland Edition

Each week Colts.com will take a look at the Colts touchdown drives. For Sunday, the offense piled up three such drives in earning a 21-17 regular season opening victory.

allen-dwayne-01.jpg

[

2012-carey-250x250.jpg

](/assets/images/article_images/2012/Ads/2012-carey-250x250.jpg)

Here's a look at the Colts three offensive touchdown drives on Sunday afternoon:**

Reggie Wayne's 12-yard touchdown reception:The scene:With the scored tied, 0-0, the Colts first offensive possession of 2013 began on the Indianapolis 11-yard line after Greg Toler's interception.The anatomy of the drive:10 plays, for 89 yards in 6:17.Key play:The Colts faced just one third-down on the opening possession of 2013. That came on a third-and-five on the Colts 28-yard line. On the play, Andrew Luck found new wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey for a 16-yard conversion and his first catch in a Colts uniform.The score:** The Colts came out in a trips receiver set to the left, on a second-and-three at the Raiders 12-yard line. Wayne was in the middle (Darrius Heyward-Bey was on the outside and T.Y. Hilton was nearest to the line of scrimmage). Wayne ran a corner pattern and even though the separation between him and Raiders cornerback Tracy Porter wasn't much, Luck fit the ball perfectly into No. 87's hands. The touchdown was Wayne's 79th in his NFL career which puts him in a tie for 20th on the NFL's all-time touchdowns by wide receiver list.

Dwayne Allen's 20-yard reception:The scene: Up 7-0, the Colts took over at their own 31-yard line with 14:17 to go in the second quarter thanks to a 23-yard punt return by Hilton.The anatomy of the drive: 8 plays for 69 yards in 3:30. Running back Vick Ballard had three carries for 18 yards on the drive.Key play: Once again, the Colts faced just one third-down on the drive. With the offense looking at a three-and-out, Luck converted a third-and-nine from the Indianapolis 32-yard line. Wayne continued his torrid first-half when he hauled in a 17-yard conversion, paving the way for two touchdown drives in the Colts first two offensive possessions.The score: Allen's lone catch on the afternoon shows just how valuable he is to the Colts offense. The second-year tight end lined up on the right side of the line of scrimmage and ran a route down the middle of the field. Luck, who was under immense pressure from Raiders defensive tackle Vance Walker, delivered the ball to Allen at about the four-yard line. Allen had a free release off the line of scrimmage, caught the ball a few yards short of the goal line and did the rest to get into the end zone for the Colts second touchdown.

Andrew Luck's 19-yard touchdown run:The scene: Down 17-14, the Colts took over at their own 20-yard line with 11:09 to go in the fourth quarterThe anatomy of the drive: 11 plays for 80 yards in 5:49.Key play(s): Hilton's quiet afternoon in terms of numbers (three catches for 20 yards) doesn't equate to the third-down conversion he had on the Colts game-winning touchdown drive. On a third-and-eight at the Colts own 22-yard line, Luck found Hilton for a 12-yard gain. Later in the drive it was Wayne on a nine-yard reception with the Colts facing a third-and-two. Both conversions came against Raiders first-round pick D.J. Hayden.The score: Luck's 19-yard touchdown run came on a third-and four with the Colts offense in an empty set (4 receivers and 1 tight end). On the snap, Luck looks right for Wayne but realizes that No. 87 is quickly double-teamed. After going through his progressions, Luck steps up in the pocket and takes off down field. Heyward-Bey seals off a Raiders defender around the five-yard line, allowing for Luck to score the game-winning touchdown.

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Related Content

Single Game Tickets On Sale Now!

Single Game Tickets On Sale Now!

Our 2024 schedule is set! Secure your seats to all home games at Lucas Oil Stadium now.

Advertising