Los Angeles Chargers 20 vs. 3 Indianapolis Colts summary: stats and highlights | NFL Week 16
The Los Angeles Chargers secured their spot in the post season with their win over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night. LA’s defense came up big in the playoff clinching win holding the Colts out of the endzone all game as the Chargers rolled 20-3 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Destination: playoffs
Los Angeles knew that they would wrap up one of the three available spots in the AFC Wild Card with a win over Indy and shut Nick Foles and the Indy offense down. Justin Herbert and the offense had another sub par game, but Austin Ekeler’s two short rushing TDs were enough to push the Chargers on to the playoffs.
Herbert had 235 yards and an a first quarter interception, while Ekeler carried the ball 18 yties for 67 yards and two TDs, while Keenan Allen went for 104 yards on 11 receptions.
The first quarter started slow as both teams went three and out on their opening drives. Nick Foles threw a pick on the following drive, and then Justin Herbert threw one of his own, but LA got the ball right back on a pick just five plays later.
Defense picks Foles three times
It took more than 20 minutes, but the Chargers finally got on the board after a 13 play drive that was polished off with a one yard run from Ekeler. Indy would cut into the lead with a field goal on the next drive, but those would be the only points of the game for Foles and the Colts.
Foles threw another interception after his two first quarter picks as the offense continued to sputter in the second half. Up 13-3, Ekeler and the Chargers punched another TD in to stretch the game out of reach.
The Chargers can now strive for the top Wild Card spot, which would land them in a showdown with the winner of the AFC South, either the Jags or TItans, both of which have losing records at the moment.
EKeler took in his second TD of the night and that was enough to push the Chargers through to the playoffs in the AFC.
Things really started to unwind when Foles was picked for a third time, this time by Asante Samuel early in the third quarter.
It took until halfway through the second quarter, but points were finally scored when Austin Ekeler ran in the one yard TD to put the Chargers up 7-0.
Derwin James would take it right back after five Colts plays on the second of Foles' three picks of the night.
After Foles got picked by the Chargers, the defense got the ball right back when Rodney Thomas picked off Herbert.
IT'S ALL OVER!!!
The Chargers blank the Colts in Indy and LA have offically clinched a playoff birth with thier 20-3 win.
TURNOVER ON DOWNS!!!
Foles looks for Pittman on 4th down and hits him, but he is tackled short of the marker!
LA take over and are a first down away from closing out this game.
Foles finds Jackson out of the backfield for a gain of 12 yards and that will bring us to the Two Minute Warning.
4th and 13 coming up from the IND 46.
Foles is dropped on the second straight play and tfor the 7th time tonight this time by Rumph.
3rd and 21 from the IND 34.
Foles is dropped by Fox for a 3 yard loss on the sack.
2nd and 13 from the IND 42.
Foles to Pittma deep down the left side for a gain of 19 yards and the Colts go no huddle.
1st and 10 from the IND 45.
IND get the ball back at the 20 after the Chargers punt and Foles finds Jackson for a gain of 6 yards.
2nd and 4 from the IND 26.
Herbert looks to Allen on the right side after the roll out and that gets cut down after a gain of 1.
4th and 4 from the IND 42 and the Colts take their second timeout with 5:07 to go.
Kelley is stopped on 2nd down for no gain and the Colts take a time out.
3rd and 5 coming up with 5:16 left in the game.
Kelley gets the first down hand off and gets five yards.
2nd and 5 from the IND 43.
TURNOVER ON DOWNS
Foles looked for Pittman right at the marker, but the ball was jarred out by Davis and the Colts give the ball back to the Chargers at midfield.
LA leads 20-3 with 6 minutes left.
Foles finds Woods for 11 yard and the Colts will go for it on 4th and 4 from the IND 49.
Foles' pass was incomplete to Pittman and then he was sacked on 2nd down by Van Noy for a loss of 5.
3rd and 15 from the IND 38.
Foles to Campbell on the left side for a gain of 12 yards to move the chains.
1st and 10 from the IND 43.
IND take the ball from their 26 yard line and Foles hits Moss out of the backfield for a gain of 5 yards.
2nd and 5 from the IND 31.
Ekeler all but shuts the door on the Colts with his second TD of the night from a yard out.
TOUCHDOWN CHARGERS!!!
Ekeler gets his second TD of the night with a one yard run up the middle to put this game out reach.
LA leads 20-10 with 8:20 to go in the fourth.
Ekeler with a big run up the middle and for 16 yards to get to the 1 yard line.
1st and Goal from the IND 1.
Ekler gets a just enough on third and short to move the chains.
1st and 10 from the IND 23.
Ekeler takes it up the middle for a gain of 6 yards and he is just short of the first down marker.
3rd and 1 from the IND 24.
Kelley gets the first down run and he gets three yards.
2nd and 7 from the IND 30.
Herbert with another strike to Williams over the middle again for a 16 yard gain to move the chains.
1st and 10 from the IND 33.
A false start on LA backs the Chargers up five yard on first down, and Ekeler gets 2 yards on the run up the left side.
2nd and 13 fro the LA 47.
Herbert finds Williams over the middle wide open and he tacks on some yards after the catch for a 26 yard gain.
1st and 10 from the IND 46.
Herbert with pleny of time, looks deep down the field for Parham and that pass was well overthrown.
3rd and 5 from the LA 28.
Kelley gets the handoff again and picks up 5 yards.
2nd and 5 from the LA 28.
Kelley gets the first down run and takes it up the middle for a gain of 11 yards.
1st and 10 from the LA 23.
TURNOVER ON DOWNS!!!
Foles is stopped on the QB sneak on 4th and 1 and the Colts leave points on the field down 13-3 early in the fourth quarter.
LA take over from their 11 after the turnover.
Foles looks to Pittman over the middle but he is stopped a yard short of the marker after a 7 yard gain. That brings us to the end of the third quarter.
Colts will go for it on 4th and 1 from the LA 12 after the break.
Foles looks for Campbell but that pass falls incomplete.
3rd and 8 from the LA 19.
Moss gets two yards on the first down run up the middle.
2nd and 8 from the LA 19.
FUMBLE!!!
The Colts get back into this game with a strip sack on Herbert by Odeyingbo and Buckner and the fumble was recovered by Paye.
IND take over from the LA 21.
Ekeler gets the ball on a run up the middle and picks up 5 yards.
3rd and 3 from the LA 25 coming up.
Herbert tucks and runs on first down and runs out of bounds after a gain of two yards.
2nd and 8 from the LA 20.
The punt was muffed by Carter, but the ball went out of bounds before either team could get a hold of it.
LA take over from the LA 17.
Foles is dropped by Mack for a loss of 10 after he shook off the blocker and wrapped up the QB.
4th and long and the Colts will punt.
Foles looking short to Wilkins but that pass hit the dirt.
3rd and 8 from the IND 43.
Moss gets his third straight carry and picks up 2 yards on first down.
2nd and 8 from the IND 43.
Moss gets the handoff again and this time breaks it up the middle for 14 yards.
1st and 10 from the IND 41.
Indy start their drive from the IND 25, and Moss gets a two yard gain on a run up the middle on first down.
2nd and 8 from the IND 27.
The Chargers get their thrid pick of the night as Samuel stepped in and made the pick on the Foles pass to Campbell .
FIELD GOAL CHARGERS!!!
LA has great field position after the pick by Samuel, but can only get three points out of the drive as Dicker hits the 21 yard field goal.
LA stretch the lead to a two score game with 6:01 to go in the 3rd quarter.
Herbert's pass over the middle was incomplete on 2nd down, and then on third down just threw it out fo the back of the end zone to bring up 4th down.
Ekeler gets the first down hand off and he gets 5 yards on the run up the right side.
2nd and 5 from the IND 5.
Herbert goes to the air on 4th and short and finds Allen for 7 yards to move the chains.
1st and Goal from the 10 coming up for the Chargers.
Herbert finds Kelley on the right sideline but he is stopped a yard short of the marker.
4th and 1 and the Chargers will go for it.
Herbert finds Ekeler out of the backfield and that will gain just 2 yards.
3rd and 10 from the IND 25.
Herbert gets dropped by Franklin of a two yard sack on first down.
2nd and 12 from the IND 28.
INTERCEPTION!!!
Foles is picked by Samuel as he stepped right in front of Campbell and took it back 11 yards to the IND 26.
LA get the ball back with great field position.
Moss gets the toss to the left and picks up 8 yards to make it third and managable.
3rd and 7 coming up
IND start their drive from the 22, and Foles gets dropped by Fox for a loss of 5 yards on first down.
2nd and 15 coming up fro the IND 17.
Herbert finds McKitty on a short pass and the TE couldn't pick up the yards after catch he needed for a first down.
4th and 4 from the LA 45 and the Chargers will punt.
Out route to Allen on the left side and that goes for 6 yards.
3rd and 14 from the LA 35.
Herbert rolls right and looks for Palmer on a deep shot the fielld and that pass falls incomplete. Good coverage from the Colts.
2nd and 20 from the LA 29.
Big play from Herbert to Parham for 30 yards, but it's coming back after a holding call.
1st and 20 from the LA 29.
Allen sits down in the zone again and Herbert hits him over the middle for a 14 yard gain.
1st and 10 from the LA 39.
WE ARE BACK UNDERWAY FROM INDY!!!
The Chargers start the third quarter with the ball and Ekeler gets the first down run and takes it for a yard.
2nd and 9 from the LA 26.
Ekeler's one yard run is what made the differnce through the first 30 minutes but this is still anobody's game heading into the second half.
Just five plays later, Foles threw it right back to James who was later thrown out of the game for a hit on a defenseless receiver.
The Chargers picked off Foles right before Thomas saw the tipped pass fall right in his hands, but the Colts wouldn't have the ball for long.
Justin Herbert went 15/19 for 145 and an interception, but Ekeler's 8 carries for 22 yards and his TD have made the diffence in the first half.
Allen has 7 carries for 77 yards. to lead the Chargers in receiving.
It hasn't been pretty on either end tonight. After back to back three and outs to start the game Foles threw a pick, followed by a Herbert pick and Folse threw another pick just a few plays later.
IND have just 98 total yards after 30 minutes. Foles is 9/16 for 65 yards and two INTs.
Moss has 7 carries for 37 yards, while Woods has 32 yards on two receptions.
FIELD GOAL CHARGERS!!!
Dicker comes on for the first time tonight and hits the 24 yard field goal as the clock hits triple zeros.
LA are up 10-3 heading into the halftime break.
Herbert looks for Ekeler out of the backfield on a short pass but he is dropped down short of the goal line.
Chargers let the clock wind to 3 second before calling a TO on 4th and Goal from the IND 6.
Herbert rolls right and looks for Allen in the endzone but the pass sailed wide and out of bounds.
3rd and Goal from the IND 10.
Ekeler is stuffed by Ngakoue for a loss of a yard. and the Colts take their last timeout with 55 seconds left.
2nd and Goal from the IND 10.
Ekeler gets the hand off and takes it 6 yards to move the chains on the run to the left side.
1st and Goal form the IND 9.
Kelley gets it back on second down, and this time he is stopped for no gain. IND take a timeout with 1:08 to go in the half.
3rd and 2 coming up from the IND 15.
Kelly gets the handoff on first down and picks up 8 yards.
2nd and 2 from the IND 15.
Out of the Two Minte Warning LA goes to their bag of tricks and Herbert tossed it to Kelley, who threw it back to Herbert who found Allen deep down the left sideline and if he hadn't stepped out that would have gone for 6.
1st and 10 from the IND 23.
Herbert connects with Ekeler out of the backfield for a gain of 4 yards and that brings us to the Two Minute Warning.
3rd and 1 from the IND 48 coming out of the break.
Ekeler gets the hand off on first down, and he gets 5 yards up the middle.
2nd and 5 fro the LA 48.
On 3rd down, Herbert finds Allen who dropped in the zone and picks up 13 yards.
1st and 10 from the LA 43.
Herbert looks over the middle for Ekeler out of the backfield and that short pass goes for two yards.
3rd and 5 from the LA 30.
LA start their drive from the 25, but are backed up 5 yards after a false start. On 1st and 15 Herbert looks right to Palmer on the sidelines and he got both feet in for a gain of 8.
2nd and 7 from the LA 27.
FIELD GOAL COLTS!!!
The scoring is starting to pick up here from Indy, as McLauglin hits the 46 yard field goal to get the Colts on the board.
LA still leads 7-3 with 4:21 to go in the first half.
Foles is rushed out of the pocket, and threw the ball away. The Colts will have to settle for a field goal from the LA 27.
Foles' pass is incomplete to Pittman, and then Wilkins gets 4 yards on a run to the right side.
3rd and 6 coming up form the LA 27.
On 2nd and 2 from the LA 46, Foles looked to Dulin on a short pass at the marker, but James came in a crushed Dulin. Flags fly and James has been ejected from the game after the hit with the head.
1st and 10 from the LA 31.
Moss up the right side on first down and he gains 8 yards on the right to the right side.
2nd and 2 from the LA 46.
After a false start on Campbell, Foles hit Pittman for a 7 yard completion and a face maske on James will give the Colts 15 extra yards.
1st and 10 from the IND 46.
Moss up the middle and he drives the pile for a 7 yard gain.
1st and 10 from the IND 28.
Foles over the middle for Pierce for a gain of 15 yards after the penalty.
2nd and 1 from the IND 22.
Moss gets 3 yards on first down, but a holding penalty will back the Colts up 6 yards.
1st and 16 fro the IND 7.
The Colts will start their drive from the 13 after a short return from Flowers who took if from nine yards deep in the end zone.
TOUCHDOWN LOS ANGELES!!!
The Chargers take it up the middle for a 1 yard TD run up the middle and it took over 20 minutes, but we finally have our first score of the night.
Chargers lead 7-0 with 8:41 to go in the first half.
Herbert takes the QB sneak up the middle for 2 yards to move the chains.
1st and Goal from the IND 1.
Ekeler picks up 2 yards on the run to the left side.
3rd and 1 from the IND 3.
Ekeler gets the run on first down and takes the run up the middle 7 yards.
2nd and 3 from the IND 5.
Herbert with a sidearm sling to the flat for Williams who followed his blockers for a gain of 18 yards.
1st and 10 from the IND 12.
Kelley gets the first down run and picks up a yard.
2nd and 9 from the IND 30.
On 3rd and long, Williams made the catch on the comeback route and spun up field for the first down on the 18 yard gain.
1st and 10 from the IND 31.
Herbert finds Allen for 8 yards to make 3rd down manageable.
3rd and 13 from the IND 47.
Herbert is dropped by his shoe strings after Odeyingbo broke through the line and sacked him for an 11 yard loss.
2nd and 21 from the LA 45.
Herbert found Palmer short of the marker, but the WR takes it up the field and gets the first down on an 8 yard pick up.
1st and 10 from the IND 44.
The Chargers start the second quarter to Allen in the flat on the right side for a gain of 4 yards.
3rd and 7 from the LA 48 coming up.
Ekleler hasn't seen much of the ball, and he gets the first down hand off but is dropped for a loss of one.
2nd and 11 from the LA 44 and that takes us to the end of the first quarter! We are still looking for the first score of the game 15 minutes into this one.
Herbert and the Chargers start the drive from the 30 and Herbert finds Allen over the middle for a 15 yard gain and the first first down for LA tonight.
1st and 10 from the LA 45.
Foles is dropped on back to back plays and this time it's Murray gets him for a loss of 8 yards and the Colts go three and out again.
4th and 14 from the IND 26.
Pocket collapsed and Foles is dropped by Joseph for a loss of less than a yards.
3rd and 6 from the IND 34.
IND start their drive from the 30 and Moss takes it up the middle on first down for 4 yards.
2nd and 6 from the IND 34.
After review the pass is ruled incomplete and the Chargers will punt on 4th and 9 from the LA 34.
After review the pass is ruled incomplete and the Chargers will punt on 4th and 9 from the LA 34.
This was the second of the two LA INTs, and look at James cut underneath and make the snag and get his knee down.
Herbert looks back to Allen on a pass that would give the Chargers a first down, but the Colts will challenge the call again as it looks like the ball hit the turf on the replays.
Herbert looks to Allen on the right side for 6 yards and that will make third down a bit more manageable.
3rd and 9 from the LA 34.
The Chargers start their drive from the LA 33, and Herbert is sacked by Buckner for a 5 yard loss.
2nd and 15 from the LA 28.
Just three plays after Davis picked off Foles, Herbert gave it right back after Franklin forced the tipped ball and Thomas was there with the pick.
INTERCEPTION!!!
Foles is picked again after floating one to the right sideline and James stepped infront of Campbell and made the catch!
LA take the ball back from their 33 after the second straight possession. It's still 0-0 10 minutes into the first quarter.
Foles fakes a pass one way and then looked for the screen pass to Jackson who got crushed in the backfield by Van Noy for a loss 9 yards.
3rd and 14 from the LA 43.
Moss gets the handoff up the middle for a 5 yard gain on first down.
2nd and 5 from the LA 34.
Foles with the left side to Piere on the left side and that moves the chains after a 7 yard gain.
1st and 10 from the LA 39.
From the 47, the Colts start their drive and finds Campbell on the comeback route for 7 yards.
1st and 10 form the IND 47.
INTERCEPTION!!!
The Chargers give it right back after Herbert looked for Allen, but Franklin came in and got the deflection and the tipped ball was taken out of the air by Thomas!
IND get it back at their 47 yard line after the turnover.
Herbert off the play action and checked down to McKitty, but the pressure came and effected the throw.
3rd and 2 from the LA 49.
Herbert to the air on first down and finds Parham for 8 yards on the pass to the left sideline.
2nd and 2 from the LA 49.
INTERCEPTION!!!
After the long review, Foles goes deep on first down, and threw into double coverage and Davis was there to make the pick and return it 30 yards to the LA 41.
After review the refs rule that Pierce made the catch and got the first down, so the Colts drive continues with 1st and 10 from the LA 39.
Foles looks at Pierce on the right side with the out route and he makes the catch but is met at the marker by Samuel and ruled short of the marker!
The Colts throw the flag wanting a the refs to take another look at the spot.
Foles had Alie-Cox on a deep shot down the left sideline and that pass was just over thrown. The WR got his fingertips to it but couldn't reel it in.
4th and 4 from the LA 42 and the Colts will go for it.
Foles looking back to Woods, but this time the deep pass was way overthrown down the left sideline.
3rd and 4 coming up from LA 42.
Moss up the middle and he gets six yards on first down.
2nd and 4 from the LA 42.
Foles loops one over the top to Woods on the left side line and that goes for 17 yards and the second first down of the game.
1st and 10 from the LA 48
Moss takes it to the right side and he takes it 5 yards before getting tackled out of bounds.
2nd and 5 from the IND 35.
Foles gets this drive started with a big gain over the middle on a pass to Woods for a 15 yard hook up.
1st and 10 from the IND 30
Indy start their second drive from IND 15, looking for the first first down of the game, and maybe the first points of the game.
Kelley is stuffed in the backfield and gets back to the line of scrimmage but no more and the Chargers go three and out as well.
4th and 1 from the LA 43.
Herberto to the air for the first time and Allen makes the catch for 6 yards just short of the marker.
3rd and 1 coming up for LA from the 43.
LA start their drive from the from their 34, and Ekler gets the opening handoff of the game for the Chargers and takes the toss to the right for 3 yards.
2nd and 7 from the LA 37.
Foles was almost picked on 3rd down after looking over the middle for Pierce but he hit Domann right in the numbers but the DB couldn't come up with the pick.
4th and 6 and the Colts go three and out on their first possession.
Quick out route to Alie-Cox and that goes for a short pick up of 2.
3rd and 6 from the IND 32.
Moss takes the opening handoff up the middle and picks up 2 yards on the first play of the game.
2nd and 8 from the IND 39
WE ARE UNDERWAY FROM INDY!!!
The Chargers won the toss and differed and here comes Nick Foles and the Colts starting their first drive of the game from the 28 yard line.
Tonight's odds
The Chargers are 3.5 point faviorties on the road tonight and the Over/Under is set at 44.5.
I'm taking the Chargers to cover the spread and handle the Colts comfortably tonight. I think they have too much on the line and the Colts just want to see this season come to an end.
Saturday era coming to a close?
Jeff Saturday took over as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts just over a month ago, and came in with the full confidence of Jim Irsay and the front offices in Indy. The Colts won their first game under Saturday when they went to Las Vegas and beat the Raiders late in the fourth quarter. Since then they have lost four in a row, including last week’s implosion to the Vikings and a blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys the week before.
AFC Standings
Looking up and down the AFC standings the Chargers are in great shape in the Wild Card chase. The AFC West has been won by the Kansas City Chiefs, but the Chargers have a chance to finish with the top spot as a Wild Card which would set up a first round match up with the Jaguars or the Titans, whichever team wins the AFC South.
| AFC East | W | L | T |
|---|---|---|---|
1 bufBuffalo Bills | 12 | 3 | 15 |
2 miaMiami Dolphins | 8 | 7 | 15 |
3 neNew England Patriots | 7 | 8 | 15 |
4 nyjNew York Jets | 7 | 8 | 15 |
| AFC North | W | L | T |
|---|---|---|---|
1 cinCincinnati Bengals | 11 | 4 | 15 |
2 balBaltimore Ravens | 10 | 5 | 15 |
3 pitPittsburgh Steelers | 7 | 8 | 15 |
4 cleCleveland Browns | 6 | 9 | 15 |
| AFC South | W | L | T |
|---|---|---|---|
1 jaxJacksonville Jaguars | 7 | 8 | 15 |
2 tenTennessee Titans | 7 | 8 | 15 |
3 indIndianapolis Colts | 4 | 9 | 14 |
4 houHouston Texans | 2 | 12 | 15 |
| AFC West | W | L | T |
|---|---|---|---|
1 kcKansas City Chiefs | 12 | 3 | 15 |
2 lacLos Angeles Chargers | 8 | 6 | 14 |
3 lvLas Vegas Raiders | 6 | 9 | 15 |
4 denDenver Broncos | 4 | 11 | 15 |
Colts back in the building
The Colts return to Lucas Oil Stadium, after their unbelievable collapse against the Vikings looking to make amends to their fans after what has been a disappointing season. This is the last time that Kwity Paye and Indy will be at home this season, and they will be looking to give their fans a late Christmas gift.
Chargers in Lucas Oil
Los Angeles have a huge opportunity to clinch their spot in the playoffs tonight, and Justin Herbert will need to shine bright against the Colts defense. The Chargers offense has been their bright spot all year long, and tonight they can lead their team into the postseason after losing in heartbreaking fashion last week.
Colts last week
The Colts had a historic collapse at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings last week. They were up 33-0 after the first half, but Kirk Cousins and the Vikes offense turned things around and scored 28 points in the final 17 minutes of the game to push the game into overtime. It took almost all 10 minutes of the overtime for the Vikings to get into field goal position, but Greg Joseph kicked a 40 yard game winner as the OT session expired.
Chargers last week
The Chargers went in to their Week 16 game knowing that both teams needed a win, and came out of a tough physical game against Tennessee victorious. LA out muscled the Titans in a low scoring, defensive slugfest. The defense kept Derrick Henry to just 104 yards, as the Chargers offense was kept quiet until the fourth quarter. When the Chargers needed to move the ball most, with a tie game and 48 seconds on the clock Just Herbert marched LA 58 yards down the field and set up a 43 yard field goal to down the Titans in LA.
We are live from Indy
Hello everyone and welcome to Indianapolis where the Colts will play their final home game of the season looking to make amends with their fans after blowing a historic lead last week against the Vikings. The Chargers have won two big games over playoff aspirants to surge up the Wild Card standings, and now have a chance to solidify their place in the postseason with a win tonight in Indy.
Chargers vs. Cotls
The Chargers are sitting pretty, but still have work to do if they want to secure their spot in the NFL post season come mid January. Tonight they have an opportunity to clinch the spot in the playoffs against the Indianapolis Colts and AS English will be with you all night providing live stats, coverage, highlights an analysis from Lucas Oil Stadium.