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1981 Baltimore Colts season

29th season in franchise history

29th season in franchise history

FieldValue
teamBaltimore Colts
year1981
record2–14
division_place4th AFC East
coachMike McCormack
general managerDick Szymanski
ownerRobert Irsay
stadiumMemorial Stadium
playoffs*Did not qualify*
pro_bowlers*None*
shortnavlinkColts seasons

The 1981 Baltimore Colts season was the 29th season for the team in the National Football League (NFL). The Colts finished the NFL's 1981 season with a record of 2 wins and 14 losses, finishing in a tie with the New England Patriots for both last place in their division, the AFC East, and the worst record in the league. However, by virtue of beating the Patriots for their only two wins of the season, the Colts finished ahead of New England on a tiebreaker. Those wins came in the first and last weeks of the season, as the Colts lost their other fourteen games consecutively. They won those 2 games by a combined 3 points.

The Colts’ defense had one of the worst seasons in NFL history, setting records for points (533) and yards (6,793) allowed. (The points record was later surpassed by the 2024 Carolina Panthers, who allowed 534. The yardage record was later surpassed by the 2012 New Orleans Saints, who allowed 7,042.) The Colts gave up more than twice as many points as they scored (259). Conversely, the Patriots, with whom they were tied in the AFC East, only gave up 48 more points than they scored. The Colts’ pass defense surrendered a staggering 8.19 yards-per-dropback, the most surrendered by any team in NFL history.

The Colts’ -274 point differential (points scored vs. points allowed) is the second-worst since the 1970 merger, second only to the 1976 expansion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who finished 0–14 (ironically, the next year's Colts team went winless as well). The 1981 Colts are the first of only two NFL teams since 1940 to suffer eleven losses in a season during which they never had a lead.The other team to never lead in eleven losses is the 1990 New England Patriots. The Colts allowed 40 points in 4 separate games during the season (including 3 games in a row from weeks 6-8), which is still an NFL record. According to Football Outsiders, they have the worst overall defense and passing defense in their ranking's history.

The season included a bizarre incident in which, during the Colts’ 38–13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on November 15, team owner Bob Irsay called plays from the coaches’ booth. Quarterback Bert Jones told Sports Illustrated in 1986:

After the season, defensive coordinator Chuck Weber was fired.

Offseason

NFL draft

Main article: 1981 NFL draft

Personnel

Staff

  • President and Treasurer – Robert Irsay

  • General Manager – Dick Szymanski

  • Assistant General Manager – Ernie Accorsi

  • Head Coach – Mike McCormack

  • Offensive Backfield – John Idzik

  • Receivers – Dick Bielski

  • Offensive Line – Ray Wietecha

  • Defensive Coordinator – Chuck Weber

  • Defensive Line – Ed Khayat

  • Defensive Backfield – John Symank

  • Special Teams – George Boutselis

Roster

Regular season

Schedule

Baltimore Coltsyear=1981border=2}}"WeekBaltimore Coltsyear=1981border=2}}"DateBaltimore Coltsyear=1981border=2}}"OpponentBaltimore Coltsyear=1981border=2}}"ResultBaltimore Coltsyear=1981border=2}}"RecordBaltimore Coltsyear=1981border=2}}"VenueBaltimore Coltsyear=1981border=2}}"Attendance12345678910111213141516
September 6at **[New England Patriots](1981-new-england-patriots-season)****W** 29–281–0Schaefer Stadium49,572
September 13**[Buffalo Bills](1981-buffalo-bills-season)****L** 3–351–1Memorial Stadium45,772
September 20at [Denver Broncos](1981-denver-broncos-season)**L** 10–281–2Mile High Stadium74,804
September 27**[Miami Dolphins](1981-miami-dolphins-season)****L** 28–311–3Memorial Stadium41,630
October 4at **[Buffalo Bills](1981-buffalo-bills-season)****L** 17–231–4Rich Stadium77,811
October 11[Cincinnati Bengals](1981-cincinnati-bengals-season)**L** 19–411–5Memorial Stadium33,060
October 18[San Diego Chargers](1981-san-diego-chargers-season)**L** 14–431–6Memorial Stadium41,921
October 25at [Cleveland Browns](1981-cleveland-browns-season)**L** 28–421–7Cleveland Municipal Stadium78,986
November 1at **[Miami Dolphins](1981-miami-dolphins-season)****L** 10–271–8Miami Orange Bowl46,061
November 8**[New York Jets](1981-new-york-jets-season)****L** 14–411–9Memorial Stadium31,521
November 15at [Philadelphia Eagles](1981-philadelphia-eagles-season)**L** 13–381–10Veterans Stadium68,618
November 22[St. Louis Cardinals](1981-st-louis-cardinals-nfl-season)**L** 24–351–11Memorial Stadium24,784
November 29at **[New York Jets](1981-new-york-jets-season)****L** 0–251–12Shea Stadium53,593
December 6[Dallas Cowboys](1981-dallas-cowboys-season)**L** 13–371–13Memorial Stadium54,871
December 13at [Washington Redskins](1981-washington-redskins-season)**L** 14–381–14RFK Stadium46,706
December 20**[New England Patriots](1981-new-england-patriots-season)****W** 23–212–14Memorial Stadium17,073
**Note:** Intra-division opponents are in **bold** text.

Game summaries

Week 1: at New England Patriots

First quarter

  • BAL – Mike Wood 48-yard field goal. Colts 3–0.
  • BAL – Curtis Dickey 19-yard run (Mike Wood kick). Colts 10–0. Second quarter
  • NE – Mosi Tatupu 8-yard pass from Andy Johnson (John Smith kick). Colts 10–7.
  • BAL – Mike Wood 19-yard field goal. Colts 13–7.
  • NE – Carlos Pennywell 22-yard pass from Steve Grogan (John Smith kick). Patriots 14–13. Third quarter
  • BAL – Mike Wood 35-yard field goal. Colts 16–14. Fourth quarter
  • BAL – Randy McMillan 35-yard run (kick failed). Colts 22–14.
  • NE – Don Calhoun 1-yard run (John Smith kick). Colts 22–21.
  • BAL – Randy McMillan 2-yard run (Mike Wood kick). Colts 29–21.
  • NE – Don Hasselbeck 4-yard pass from Steve Grogan (John Smith kick). Colts 29–28. Top passers
  • BAL – Bert Jones – 12/20, 113 yards
  • NE – Steve Grogan – 14/27, 261 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers
  • BAL – Randy McMillan – 16 rushes, 146 yards, 2 TD
  • NE – Tony Collins – 15 rushes, 81 yards Top receivers
  • BAL – Roger Carr – 2 receptions, 34 yards
  • NE – Don Hasselbeck – 6 receptions, 111 yards, TD
StatisticsBaltimore Coltsyear=1981}}"BALNew England Patriotsyear=1981}}"NE
First downs2122
Total yards346388
Rushing yards249114
Net passing yards97274
Sacked–yards2–163–11
Turnovers13
Penalties–yards10–758–84

Week 2: vs. Buffalo Bills

First quarter

  • BUF – Joe Cribbs 33-yard pass from Joe Ferguson (Nick Mike-Mayer kick). Bills 7–0. Second quarter
  • BAL – Mike Wood 22-yard field goal. Bills 7–3.
  • BUF – Jerry Butler 54-yard pass from Joe Ferguson (Nick Mike-Mayer kick). Bills 14–3.
  • BUF – Mark Brammer 5-yard pass from Joe Ferguson (Nick Mike-Mayer kick). Bills 21–3. Third quarter
  • BUF – Buster Barnett 3-yard pass from Joe Ferguson (Nick Mike-Mayer kick). Bills 28–3. Fourth quarter
  • BUF – Roland Hooks 5-yard run (Nick Mike-Mayer kick). Bills 35–3. Top passers
  • BUF – Joe Ferguson – 16/28, 261 yards, 4 TD, INT
  • BAL – Greg Landry – 7/17, 90 yards, INT Top rushers
  • BUF – Joe Cribbs – 17 rushes, 66 yards
  • BAL – Curtis Dickey – 14 rushes, 35 yards Top receivers
  • BUF – Frank Lewis – 4 receptions, 82 yards
  • BAL – Roger Carr – 4 receptions, 50 yards
StatisticsBuffalo Billsyear=1981border=2}}"BUFBaltimore Coltsyear=1981}}"BAL
First downs2611
Total yards430147
Rushing yards16973
Net passing yards26174
Sacked–yards0–05–46
Turnovers33
Penalties–yards9–651–5

Week 3: at Denver Broncos

First quarter

  • No scoring plays Second quarter
  • DEN – Ron Egloff 7-yard pass from Craig Morton (Fred Steinfort kick). Broncos 7–0.
  • DEN – Steve Watson 29-yard pass from Craig Morton (Fred Steinfort kick). Broncos 14–0. Third quarter
  • BAL – Mike Wood 21-yard field goal. Broncos 14–3.
  • BAL – Curtis Dickey 63-yard run (Mike Wood kick). Broncos 14–10.
  • DEN – Steve Watson 18-yard pass from Craig Morton (Fred Steinfort kick). Broncos 21–10.
  • DEN – Steve Watson 48-yard pass from Craig Morton (Fred Steinfort kick). Broncos 28–10. Fourth quarter
  • No scoring plays Top passers
  • BAL – Bert Jones – 7/19, 65 yards, INT
  • DEN – Craig Morton – 20/28, 291 yards, 4 TD, 4 INT Top rushers
  • BAL – Curtis Dickey – 12 rushes, 115 yards, TD
  • DEN – Rick Parros – 14 rushes, 65 yards Top receivers
  • BAL – Randy McMillan – 4 receptions, 29 yards
  • DEN – Steve Watson – 7 receptions, 143 yards, 3 TD
StatisticsBaltimore Coltsyear=1981}}"BALDenver Broncosyear=1981border=2}}"DEN
First downs1027
Total yards209442
Rushing yards161127
Net passing yards48315
Sacked–yards2–173–26
Turnovers34
Penalties–yards8–639–65

Week 4: vs. Miami Dolphins

First quarter

  • MIA – Tommy Vigorito 31-yard pass from David Woodley (Uwe von Schamann kick). Dolphins 7–0. Second quarter
  • MIA – Andra Franklin 10-yard run (Uwe von Schamann kick). Dolphins 14–0.
  • BAL – Curtis Dickey 32-yard pass from Bert Jones (Mike Wood kick). Dolphins 14–7. Third quarter
  • BAL – Ray Butler 19-yard pass from Bert Jones (Mike Wood kick). Tied 14–14.
  • MIA – Nick Giaquinto 14-yard pass from David Woodley (Uwe von Schamann kick). Dolphins 21–14.
  • BAL – Ray Butler 67-yard pass from Bert Jones (Mike Wood kick). Tied 21–21. Fourth quarter
  • MIA – Andra Franklin 1-yard run (Uwe von Schamann kick). Dolphins 28–21.
  • BAL – Curtis Dickey 1-yard run (Mike Wood kick). Tied 28–28.
  • MIA – Uwe von Schamann 27-yard field goal. Dolphins 31–28. Top passers
  • MIA – David Woodley – 19/30, 309 yards, 2 TD
  • BAL – Bert Jones – 20/27, 357 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers
  • MIA – Andra Franklin – 20 rushes, 76 yards, 2 TD
  • BAL – Curtis Dickey – 13 rushes, 77 yards, TD Top receivers
  • MIA – Duriel Harris – 3 receptions, 73 yards
  • BAL – Ray Butler – 4 receptions, 145 yards, 2 TD
StatisticsMiami Dolphinsyear=1981border=2}}"MIABaltimore Coltsyear=1981}}"BAL
First downs2220
Total yards428514
Rushing yards119166
Net passing yards309348
Sacked–yards0–01–9
Turnovers01
Penalties–yards4–356–52

Week 5: at Buffalo Bills

First quarter

  • BUF – Jerry Butler 16-yard pass from Joe Ferguson (Nick Mike-Mayer kick). Bills 7–0.
  • BUF – Roosevelt Leaks 1-yard run (Nick Mike-Mayer kick). Bills 14–0. Second quarter
  • BAL – Mike Wood 32-yard field goal. Bills 14–3. Third quarter
  • BUF – Nick Mike-Mayer 34-yard field goal. Bills 17–3. Fourth quarter
  • BAL – Roger Carr 6-yard pass from Bert Jones (Mike Wood kick). Bills 17–10.
  • BUF – Nick Mike-Mayer 44-yard field goal. Bills 20–10.
  • BUF – Nick Mike-Mayer 45-yard field goal. Bills 23–10.
  • BAL – Ray Butler 14-yard pass from Bert Jones (Nick Mike-Mayer kick). Bills 23–17. Top passers
  • BAL – Bert Jones – 22/36, 275 yards, 2 TD, INT
  • BUF – Joe Ferguson – 14/29, 148 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
  • BAL – Curtis Dickey – 10 rushes, 78 yards
  • BUF – Joe Cribbs – 17 rushes, 159 yards Top receivers
  • BAL – Curtis Dickey – 3 receptions, 80 yards
  • BUF – Jerry Butler – 4 receptions, 73 yards, TD
StatisticsBaltimore Coltsyear=1981}}"BALBuffalo Billsyear=1981border=2}}"BUF
First downs2322
Total yards378366
Rushing yards133229
Net passing yards245137
Sacked–yards4–301–11
Turnovers21
Penalties–yards10–557–49

Week 6: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

First quarter

  • CIN – Jim Breech 38-yard field goal. Bengals 3–0. Second quarter
  • BAL – Pat McInally punt blocked out of end zone. Bengals 3–2.
  • BAL – Mike Wood 19-yard field goal. Colts 5–3.
  • CIN – Cris Collinsworth 18-yard pass from Ken Anderson (Jim Breech kick). Bengals 10–5.
  • CIN – David Verser 20-yard pass from Ken Anderson (Jim Breech kick). Bengals 17–5. Third quarter
  • CIN – Dan Ross 2-yard pass from Ken Anderson (Jim Breech kick). Bengals 24–5. Fourth quarter
  • BAL – Cleveland Franklin 1-yard run (Mike Wood kick). Bengals 24–12.
  • CIN – Jim Breech 24-yard field goal. Bengals 27–12.
  • CIN – Pete Johnson 1-yard run (Jim Breech kick). Bengals 34–12.
  • BAL – Reese McCall 65-yard pass from Bert Jones (Mike Wood kick). Bengals 34–19.
  • CIN – Jimmy Hargrove 1-yard run (Jim Breech kick). Bengals 41–19. Top passer
  • CIN – Ken Anderson – 21/27, 257 yards, 3 TD
  • BAL – Bert Jones – 22/30, 310 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers
  • CIN – Pete Johnson – 20 rushes, 75 yards, TD
  • BAL – Zachary Dixon – 6 rushes, 23 yards Top receivers
  • CIN – Dan Ross – 7 receptions, 106 yards, TD
  • BAL – Curtis Dickey – 11 receptions, 88 yards
StatisticsCincinnati Bengalsyear=1981border=2}}"CINBaltimore Coltsyear=1981}}"BAL
First downs2422
Total yards378350
Rushing yards12156
Net passing yards257294
Sacked–yards0–04–42
Turnovers04
Penalties–yards5–546–51

Week 7: vs. San Diego Chargers

  • BAL – Roger Carr 29-yard pass from Bert Jones (Mike Wood kick). Colts 7–0.
  • SD – Chuck Muncie 3-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick). Tied 7–7. Second quarter
  • SD – John Cappelletti 12-yard pass from Dan Fouts (kick field). Chargers 13–7.
  • SD – Charlie Joiner 23-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick). Chargers 20–7.
  • SD – Rolf Benirschke 30-yard field goal. Chargers 23–7. Third quarter
  • SD – Chuck Muncie 3-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick). Chargers 30–7.
  • BAL – Curtis Dickey 5-yard pass from Bert Jones (Mike Wood kick). Chargers 30–14. Fourth quarter
  • SD – John Cappelletti 1-yard run (kick failed). Chargers 36–14.
  • SD – Clarence Williams 7-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick). Chargers 43–14. Top passers
  • SD – Dan Fouts – 26/43, 298 yards, 3 TD
  • BAL – Bert Jones – 20/37, 255 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers
  • SD – James Brooks – 14 rushes, 72 yards
  • BAL – Curtis Dickey – 6 rushes, 32 yards Top receivers
  • SD – Charlie Joiner – 6 receptions, 82 yards, TD
  • BAL – Roger Carr – 3 receptions, 63 yards, TD
StatisticsSan Diego Chargersyear=1981border=2}}"SDBaltimore Coltsyear=1981}}"BAL
First downs3018
Total yards470264
Rushing yards17268
Net passing yards298196
Sacked–yards0–06–59
Turnovers13
Penalties–yards6–305–45

Week 8: at Cleveland Browns

First quarter

  • CLE – Ozzie Newsome 1-yard pass from Brian Sipe (Matt Bahr kick). Browns 7–0. Second quarter
  • CLE – Greg Pruitt 22-yard pass from Brian Sipe (Matt Bahr kick). Browns 14–0.
  • CLE – Dave Logan 40-yard pass from Brian Sipe (Matt Bahr kick). Browns 21–0.
  • BAL – Curtis Dickey 3-yard pass from Bert Jones (Mike Wood kick). Browns 21–7.
  • CLE – Charles White 2-yard run (Matt Bahr kick). Browns 28–7. Third quarter
  • BAL – Greg Landry 11-yard fumble return (Mike Wood kick). Browns 28–14.
  • BAL – Ray Butler 36-yard pass from Bert Jones (Mike Wood kick). Browns 28–21.
  • CLE – Ricky Feacher 28-yard pass from Brian Sipe (Matt Bahr kick). Browns 35–21. Fourth quarter
  • BAL – Ray Butler 5-yard pass from Bert Jones (Mike Wood kick). Browns 35–28.
  • CLE – Mike Pruitt 16-yard run (Matt Bahr kick). Browns 42–28. Top passers
  • BAL – Bert Jones – 17/37, 249 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
  • CLE – Brian Sipe – 30/41, 444 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT Top rushers
  • BAL – Randy McMillan – 14 rushes, 57 yards
  • CLE – Mike Pruitt – 16 rushes, 87 yards, TD Top receivers
  • BAL – Roger Carr – 3 receptions, 58 yards
  • CLE – Greg Pruitt – 9 receptions, 104 yards, TD
StatisticsBaltimore Coltsyear=1981}}"BALCleveland Brownsyear=1981border=2}}"CLE
First downs1830
Total yards357562
Rushing yards118131
Net passing yards239431
Sacked–yards2–101–13
Turnovers36
Penalties–yards5–336–56

Week 9: at Miami Dolphins

First quarter

  • MIA – David Woodley 3-yard run (Uwe von Schamann kick). Dolphins 7–0. Second quarter
  • BAL – Don McCauley 5-yard pass from Bert Jones (Mike Wood kick). Tied 7–7.
  • MIA – Duriel Harris 22-yard pass from David Woodley (Uwe von Schamann kick). Dolphins 14–7.
  • BAL – Mike Wood 44-yard field goal. Dolphins 14–10. Third quarter
  • MIA – Uwe von Schamann 41-yard field goal. Dolphins 17–10.
  • MIA – Ronnie Lee 7-yard pass from David Woodley (Uwe von Schamann kick). Dolphins 24–10. Fourth quarter
  • MIA – Uwe von Schamann 32-yard field goal. Dolphins 27–10. Top passers
  • BAL – Bert Jones – 23/37, 248 yards, TD, 2 INT
  • MIA – David Woodley – 14/25, 164 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
  • BAL – Curtis Dickey – 9 rushes, 31 yards
  • MIA – Andra Franklin – 23 rushes, 101 yards Top receivers
  • BAL – Randy McMillan – 9 receptions, 78 yards
  • MIA – Bruce Hardy – 4 receptions, 54 yards
StatisticsBaltimore Coltsyear=1981}}"BALMiami Dolphinsyear=1981border=2}}"MIA
First downs1919
Total yards308310
Rushing yards68146
Net passing yards240164
Sacked–yards1–80–0
Turnovers30
Penalties–yards7–586–55

Week 10: vs. New York Jets

First quarter

  • NYJ – Pat Leahy 25-yard field goal. Jets 3–0.
  • BAL – Randy McMillan 2-yard pass from Bert Jones (Mike Wood kick). Colts 7–3.
  • NYJ – Wesley Walker 34-yard pass from Richard Todd (Pat Leahy kick). Jets 10–7. Second quarter
  • BAL – Randy McMillan 1-yard run (Mike Wood kick). Colts 14–10.
  • NYJ – Mike Augustyniak 1-yard run (Pat Leahy kick). Jets 17–14.
  • NYJ – Lam Jones 25-yard pass from Richard Todd (Pat Leahy kick). Jets 24–14. Third quarter
  • NYJ – Kevin Long 1-yard pass from Richard Todd (Pat Leahy kick). Jets 31–14. Fourth quarter
  • NYJ – Bruce Harper 3-yard run (Pat Leahy kick). Jets 38–14.
  • NYJ – Pat Leahy 41-yard field goal. Jets 41–14. Top passers
  • NYJ – Richard Tod – 21/31, 277 yards, 3 TD
  • BAL – Bert Jones – 24/33, 243 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
  • NYJ – Bruce Harper – 10 rushes, 44 yards, TD
  • BAL – Zachary Dixon – 9 rushes, 54 yards Top receivers
  • NYJ – Wesley Walker – 3 receptions, 94 yards, TD
  • BAL – Randy McMillan – 11 receptions, 68 yards, TD
StatisticsNew York Jetsyear=1981border=2}}"NYJBaltimore Coltsyear=1981}}"BAL
First downs2821
Total yards393332
Rushing yards122114
Net passing yards271218
Sacked–yards1–62–25
Turnovers02
Penalties–yards4–256–74

Week 11: at Philadelphia Eagles

First quarter

  • PHI – Keith Krepfle 15-yard pass from Ron Jaworski (Tony Franklin kick). Eagles 7–0.
  • BAL – Curtis Dickey 1-yard run (kick failed). Eagles 7–6. Second quarter
  • PHI – Wilbert Montgomery 5-yard run (Tony Franklin kick). Eagles 14–6.
  • PHI – Wilbert Montgomery 1-yard run (Tony Franklin kick). Eagles 21–6. Third quarter
  • PHI – Tony Franklin 32-yard field goal. Eagles 24–6.
  • PHI – Charlie Smith 30-yard pass from Ron Jaworski (Tony Franklin kick). Eagles 31–6. Fourth quarter
  • BAL – Zachary Dixon 17-yard pass from Bert Jones (Mike Wood kick). Eagles 31–13.
  • PHI – Wally Henry 44-yard pass from Joe Pisarcik (Tony Franklin kick). Eagles 38–13. Top passers
  • BAL – Bert Jones – 8/17, 93 yards, TD, INT
  • PHI – Ron Jaworski – 19/29, 294 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers
  • BAL – Curtis Dickey – 6 rushes, 17 yards, TD
  • PHI – Wilbert Montgomery – 22 rushes, 115 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
  • BAL – Ray Butler – 3 receptions, 54 yards
  • PHI – Harold Carmichael – 7 receptions, 93 yards
StatisticsBaltimore Coltsyear=1981}}"BALPhiladelphia Eaglesyear=1981border=2}}"PHI
First downs934
Total yards208574
Rushing yards36235
Net passing yards172339
Sacked–yards0–01–13
Turnovers22
Penalties–yards7–536–45

Week 12: vs. St. Louis Cardinals

First quarter

  • STL – Ottis Anderson 4-yard run (Neil O'Donoghue kick). Cardinals 7–0.
  • BAL – Curtis Dickey 36-yard run (Mike Wood kick). Tied 7–7.
  • STL – Dave Ahrens 14-yard interception return (Neil O'Donoghue kick). Cardinals 14–7.
  • BAL – Mike Wood 40-yard field goal. Cardinals 14–10. Second quarter
  • STL – Neil Lomax 10-yard run (Neil O'Donoghue kick). Cardinals 21–10. Third quarter
  • BAL – Roger Carr 5-yard pass from Bert Jones (Mike Wood kick). Cardinals 21–17.
  • STL – Wayne Morris 3-yard run (Neil O'Donoghue kick). Cardinals 28–17. Fourth quarter
  • BAL – Ray Butler 8-yard pass from Bert Jones (Mike Wood kick). Cardinals 28–24.
  • STL – Ottis Anderson 11-yard run (Neil O'Donoghue kick). Cardinals 35–24. Top passers
  • STL – Neil Lomax – 12/21, 219 yards
  • BAL – Bert Jones – 23/45, 230 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers
  • STL – Ottis Anderson – 29 rushes, 130 yards, 2 TD
  • BAL – Zachary Dixon – 12 rushes, 64 yards Top receivers
  • STL – Pat Tilley – 5 receptions, 158 yards
  • BAL – Randy McMillan – 4 receptions, 59 yards
StatisticsSt. Louis Cardinalsyear=1981}}"STLBaltimore Coltsyear=1981}}"BAL
First downs2422
Total yards452385
Rushing yards241155
Net passing yards211230
Sacked–yards1–80–0
Turnovers32
Penalties–yards7–606–54

Week 13: at New York Jets

First quarter

  • NJY – Freeman McNeil 30-yard run (Pat Leahy kick). Jets 7–0. Second quarter
  • NYJ – Pat Leahy 37-yard field goal. Jets 10–0.
  • NYJ – Pat Leahy 22-yard field goal. Jets 13–0. Third quarter
  • NYJ – Freeman Mcneil 1-yard run (kick failed). Jets 19–0.
  • NYJ – Pat Leahy 27-yard field goal. Jets 22–0. Fourth quarter
  • NYJ – Pat Leahy 27-yard field goal. Jets 25–0. Top passers
  • BAL – Bert Jones – 10/24, 142 yards, INT
  • NYJ – Richard Todd – 16/28, 143 yards Top rushers
  • BAL – Zachary Dixon – 12 rushes, 22 yards
  • NYJ – Freeman McNeil – 24 rushes, 93 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
  • BAL – Ray Butler – 5 receptions, 88 yards
  • NYJ – Bobby Jones – 4 receptions, 46 yards
StatisticsBaltimore Coltsyear=1981}}"BALNew York Jetsyear=1981border=2}}"NYJ
First downs1122
Total yards152300
Rushing yards49161
Net passing yards103139
Sacked–yards5–391–4
Turnovers10
Penalties–yards9–826–40

Week 14: vs. Dallas Cowboys

First quarter

  • DAL – Ron Springs 1-yard run (Rafael Septién kick). Cowboys 7–0.
  • DAL – Rafael Septién 42-yard field goal. Cowboys 10–0.
  • DAL – Ron Springs 2-yard run (Rafael Septién kick). Cowboys 17–0.
  • BAL – Curtis Dickey 20-yard run (kick failed). Cowboys 17–6. Second quarter
  • DAL – Ron Springs 2-yard pass from Glenn Carano (Rafael Septién kick). Cowboys 24–6.
  • DAL – Rafael Septién 35-yard field goal. Cowboys 27–6. Third quarter
  • BAL – Curtis Dickey 20-yard run (Mike Wood kick). Cowboys 27–13. Fourth quarter
  • DAL – Rafael Septién 31-yard field goal. Cowboys 30–13.
  • DAL – James Jones 59-yard run (Rafael Septién kick). Cowboys 37–13. Top passers
  • DAL – Drew Pearson – 1/1, 59 yards
  • BAL – David Humm – 7/24, 90 yards, 2 INT Top rushers
  • DAL – Tony Dorsett – 30 rushes, 175 yards
  • BAL – Curtis Dickey – 15 rushes, 130 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
  • DAL – Tony Hill – 2 receptions, 69 yards
  • BAL – Ray Butler – 3 receptions, 40 yards
StatisticsDallas Cowboysyear=1981border=2}}"DALBaltimore Coltsyear=1981}}"BAL
First downs299
Total yards464238
Rushing yards354156
Net passing yards11082
Sacked–yards0–01–8
Turnovers23
Penalties–yards6–3311–87

Week 15: at Washington Redskins

First quarter

  • WAS – Virgil Seay 38-yard pass from Joe Theismann (Mark Moseley kick). Redskins 7–0.
  • BAL – Ray Butler 10-yard pass from Bert Jones (Mike Wood kick). Tied 7–7. Second quarter
  • WAS – John Riggins 8-yard run (Mark Moseley kick). Redskins 14–7.
  • WAS – John Riggins 14-yard run (Mark Moseley kick). Redskins 21–7.
  • WAS – Joe Theismann 8-yard run (Mark Moseley kick). Redskins 28–7. Third quarter
  • WAS – Art Monk 13-yard pass from Joe Theismann (Mark Moseley kick). Redskins 35–7.
  • BAL – Reese McCall 6-yard pass from Bert Jones (Mike Wood kick). Redskins 35–14.
  • WAS – Mark Moseley 32-yard field goal. Redskins 38–14. Fourth quarter
  • No scoring plays Top passers
  • BAL – Bert Jones – 14/25, 217 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
  • WAS – Joe Theismann – 23/36, 339 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers
  • BAL – Curtis Dickey – 17 rushes, 56 yards
  • WAS – Joe Washington – 20 rushes, 73 yards Top receivers
  • BAL – Roger Carr – 6 receptions, 114 yards
  • WAS – Art Monk – 7 receptions, 148 yards, TD
StatisticsBaltimore Coltsyear=1981}}"BALWashington Redskinsyear=1981border=2}}"WAS
First downs2127
Total yards337486
Rushing yards120147
Net passing yards217339
Sacked–yards1–00–0
Turnovers21
Penalties–yards3–736–60

Week 16: vs. New England Patriots

First quarter

  • BAL – Mike Wood 30-yard field goal. Colts 3–0.
  • NE – Sam Cunningham 4-yard run (John Smith kick). Patriots 7–3.
  • BAL – Don McCauley 5-yard pass from Bert Jones (Mike Wood kick). Colts 10–7. Second quarter
  • NE – Don Westbrook 15-yard pass from Tom Owen (John Smith kick). Patriots 14–10.
  • BAL – Ray Butler 53-yard pass from Bert Jones (Mike Wood kick). Colts 17–14. Third quarter
  • BAL – Ray Butler 37-yard pass from Bert Jones (kick failed). Colts 23–14. Fourth quarter
  • NE – Don Westbrook 2-yard pass from Matt Cavanaugh (John Smith kick). Colts 23–21. Top passers
  • NE – Matt Cavanaugh – 11/16, 145 yards, TD
  • BAL – Bert Jones – 17/28, 267 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers
  • NE – Don Calhoun – 9 rushes, 34 yards
  • BAL – Zachary Dixon – 13 rushes, 52 yards Top receivers
  • NE – Harold Jackson – 4 receptions, 71 yards
  • BAL – Ray Butler – 2 receptions, 90 yards, 2 TD
StatisticsNew England Patriotsyear=1981}}"NEBaltimore Coltsyear=1981}}"BAL
First downs2019
Total yards350383
Rushing yards77128
Net passing yards273255
Sacked–yards1–81–12
Turnovers42
Penalties–yards6–206–53

The Colts ended the 1981 season by snapping their 14-game losing streak and swept the Patriots. However, the win would cause the Colts to lose out on the first overall pick in the following draft, which would go to the Patriots, and the Colts would secure the second overall pick instead.

Standings

Records set

Main article: NFL records (team)

  • Most Points Allowed, Season, 533
  • Worst Point Differential, 16-game season, -274
  • Most First-Half Points Allowed, 16-game season, 307
  • Most Touchdowns Allowed, Season, 68
  • Most First Downs Allowed Season, 406
  • Fewest Punt Returns, Season, 12

Notes

References

References

  1. "Ryan Kalil ad: Carolina D not up to the task".
  2. [http://pfref.com/tiny/Jg33p Pro-Football-Reference.com: In a single season, from 1970 to 2011, in the regular season, sorted by ascending Points Differential]
  3. [http://pfref.com/tiny/DyrIa Pro-Football-Reference.com: In a single season, from 1940 to 2011, in the regular season, team never had a lead during the game, sorted by most games in season matching criteria.]
  4. "1981 DVOA: 49ers Finally Win It All, but Eagles Rule DVOA {{!}} Football Outsiders".
  5. Wilson, Phillip B., [https://books.google.com/books?id=cYIvAQAAQBAJ&dq=Bob+Irsay+called+plays+Philadelphia+1981&pg=PA17 100 Things Colts Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die] 17 (2013). Retrieved December 11, 2014.
  6. [http://pfref.com/tiny/OljRW Pro-Football-Reference.com: In a single season, from 1978 to 2012, in the Regular Season, sorted by descending Opp First Half score.]
  7. The '81 Colts held the record for most total yards allowed in a 16-game season—6,793—until it was broken by the [[2012 New Orleans Saints season. 2012 New Orleans Saints]] (7,042).
Info: Wikipedia Source

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