All-Time Greatest NFL Games: #18 – 2006 AFC Championship Game – Indianapolis Colts vs New England Patriots

by Tony | Jul 24, 2024 | Games, NFL History

At first I was thinking more recency bias…but as I read the recap, I vaguely remember watching this game, and actually being pretty impressed by it.  This was well past the time of Tom Brady ascending from the incredible story of a sixth round pick winning a Super Bowl to an annoying Super Bowl fixture, and around the time that everyone legitimately started to think that Peyton Manning (and Tony Dungy) might never live up to their ultimate expectations–in large part due to Brady. Either way, I was going to cheer for the winner of this one against the overrated Bears–but getting to see Manning finally have a chance at a Super Bowl (before HE ascended to overexposed advertising icon) was definitely a classic…although I’m still not 100% sure it belongs in the top 25.

Was This Game in the Original List from The Book?

No, another game that happened long after the book was published.

The 2006 AFC Championship Game: Colts vs. Patriots – A Legendary Clash

The 2006 AFC Championship Game between the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots is remembered as one of the greatest games in NFL history. Played on January 21, 2007, at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, this game featured a dramatic comeback, legendary performances, and a thrilling finish that secured its place among the top 25 NFL games of all time. The Colts’ remarkable rally from an 18-point deficit to a 38-34 victory over the Patriots showcased the resilience and determination of one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, Peyton Manning.

Pre-Game Context

The Indianapolis Colts, led by head coach Tony Dungy and quarterback Peyton Manning, finished the regular season with a 12-4 record. The Colts were known for their high-powered offense, featuring wide receivers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, and running back Joseph Addai. Despite their regular-season success, the Colts had struggled in previous playoff matchups against their perennial rivals, the New England Patriots.

The Patriots, under head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, were seeking their fourth Super Bowl appearance in six years. With a 12-4 regular-season record, the Patriots were known for their disciplined defense, clutch performances, and the leadership of Brady. This matchup was highly anticipated, pitting two of the league’s best quarterbacks against each other with a trip to Super Bowl XLI on the line.

The First Half: Patriots Dominate Early

The game began with the Patriots taking control early, capitalizing on Colts’ mistakes and showcasing their defensive prowess. New England’s Asante Samuel intercepted a pass from Manning and returned it 39 yards for a touchdown, giving the Patriots a 21-3 lead. The Colts managed to score a field goal, but the Patriots responded with another touchdown, extending their lead to 21-6 at halftime.

Indianapolis’ offense struggled to find rhythm, and their usually stout defense had difficulty containing Brady and the Patriots’ attack. The first half ended with the Colts facing an 18-point deficit, and their Super Bowl dreams appeared to be slipping away.

The Second Half: Colts Begin to Rally

The second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum. The Colts came out with renewed energy and determination. Manning led a touchdown drive, capped by a 1-yard run by Dan Klecko, and followed by a successful two-point conversion pass to Marvin Harrison, cutting the Patriots’ lead to 21-14.

The Colts’ defense then made a crucial stop, and Manning orchestrated another scoring drive, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown run by center Jeff Saturday, who recovered a fumble in the end zone. The game was now tied at 21-21, and the RCA Dome was electrified with the possibility of an epic comeback.

The Fourth Quarter: A Battle to the Finish

The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading scores in a dramatic showdown:

• Patriots Strike Back: Brady connected with Jabar Gaffney for a 6-yard touchdown pass, giving the Patriots a 28-21 lead.
• Colts Respond: Manning led another drive, resulting in a 12-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Wayne. However, the extra point was blocked, leaving the Colts trailing 28-27.
• Patriots Extend the Lead: The Patriots added two field goals, increasing their lead to 34-31.

With just over two minutes remaining, Manning led the Colts on a decisive drive. Joseph Addai capped it off with a 3-yard touchdown run, giving the Colts their first lead of the game at 38-34. The Patriots had one final chance, but Brady’s pass was intercepted by Marlin Jackson, sealing the Colts’ victory.

Key Performances

• Peyton Manning: Manning’s leadership and precision under pressure were crucial to the Colts’ comeback. He finished with 349 passing yards and one touchdown, overcoming a rough start to lead his team to victory.
• Tom Brady: Brady, known for his clutch performances, threw for 232 yards and one touchdown. Despite the loss, his efforts kept the Patriots in contention until the very end.
• Joseph Addai: Addai had a standout game, rushing for 56 yards and the game-winning touchdown, providing balance to the Colts’ offense.

Post-Game Impact and Legacy

The Colts’ victory over the Patriots had several significant impacts:

• Historic Comeback: The Colts’ 18-point comeback is one of the largest in conference championship history, showcasing their resilience and determination.
• Peyton Manning’s Legacy: Manning’s ability to lead his team from behind solidified his reputation as one of the NFL’s greatest quarterbacks.
• Colts’ Super Bowl Run: The victory propelled the Colts to Super Bowl XLI, where they defeated the Chicago Bears, earning their first Super Bowl title since relocating to Indianapolis.
• Rivalry Impact: The game added another chapter to the storied rivalry between Manning and Brady, two of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

Why It’s a Top 25 Game

1. Dramatic Comeback: The Colts’ rally from an 18-point deficit to win the game is one of the most dramatic comebacks in NFL playoff history.
2. Legendary Performances: Key players like Manning, Brady, and Addai delivered clutch performances, showcasing their skill and determination.
3. Historic Significance: The game secured the Colts’ first Super Bowl appearance under Manning and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks.
4. Emotional Rollercoaster: The game’s multiple lead changes and intense moments created an emotional rollercoaster for fans and players alike.
5. Cultural Legacy: The game’s iconic moments and dramatic finish ensure its place in NFL history and continue to be celebrated by fans.

Conclusion

The 2006 AFC Championship Game between the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots is a testament to the thrilling and unpredictable nature of football. From the Patriots’ early dominance to the Colts’ miraculous comeback and the unforgettable finish, this game had everything that makes football great. The dramatic ending, historic plays, and lasting impact ensure that it will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.

Whether you’re a Colts fan, a Patriots fan, or simply a lover of the game, the 2006 AFC Championship Game is a shining example of why we love football. It’s a game that will forever be etched in the annals of NFL history, reminding us why we watch, cheer, and fall in love with football.  (Anyone else notice that the conclusion for each of these is pretty much identical?  Yeah, maybe I’ll have ChatGPT work on that…)