Colts Win on Late Penalty as Shrader Converts Untimed Field Goal to Beat Broncos 29-28
Officials flag Denver for illegal leverage as clock expires, granting Indianapolis an untimed down and a chance to clinch a 2-0 start
The Indianapolis Colts completed an improbable 29-28 comeback over the Denver Broncos on Sunday after officials threw a game-changing flag as the clock hit zero, awarding the Colts an untimed down that produced the game-winning field goal.
With Denver leading 28-26, Colts kicker Spencer Shrader’s 60-yard attempt was initially short and wide right as time expired. Broncos players began celebrating what appeared to be a road victory until officials announced a penalty on Denver for illegal leverage on the kicking line — using a teammate to propel oneself in an attempt to block a kick. The infraction moved the ball 15 yards closer and granted Indianapolis an untimed down. Shrader converted the new try from 45 yards, sending Lucas Oil Stadium into a late celebration and securing the two-point win.
The victory capped a game in which the Broncos squandered several opportunities. Denver’s kicker, Wil Lutz, had a 42-yard attempt clang off the right upright on an earlier drive that would have extended the Broncos’ lead. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix completed 22 of 30 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns but also threw a costly interception in Colts territory early in the fourth quarter that removed points from Denver’s total and helped stall momentum.
Colts quarterback Daniel Jones again provided an efficient offensive performance, finishing 23-of-34 for 316 yards and one passing touchdown while also scoring on a quarterback sneak. Jones continued the hot start to his season after rushing for two touchdowns and throwing for another in Indianapolis’ Week 1 victory over Miami.
Running back Jonathan Taylor led the Colts’ ground attack with 165 rushing yards and also caught two passes, including Jones’ touchdown throw in the second quarter. Tight end Tyler Warren paced Indianapolis’ receiving corps with 79 yards on four catches, while Alec Pierce added four receptions for 68 yards.
The game’s final sequence underscored the thin margins that often decide NFL outcomes: a missed kick that initially appeared decisive, an officiating call on a rarely enforced rule, and a composed response by the visiting kicker when given a second chance. Officials ruled that a Broncos player used a teammate’s back to gain height on the blocked kick attempt, leading to the 15-yard penalty that set up Shrader’s successful attempt.
The Colts improved to 2-0 to open the 2025 season. Indianapolis will turn its attention to its first divisional game of the year, a Week 3 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. The Broncos fell to 1-1 following the loss.
Officials did not immediately make additional public comment on the call. The play is expected to draw scrutiny because infractions on the kicking line are uncommon and can have decisive impacts when enforced at the end of games.