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1987 Indianapolis Colts season

35th season in franchise history

1987 Indianapolis Colts season

35th season in franchise history

FieldValue
teamIndianapolis Colts
year1987
record9–6
division_place1st AFC East
coachRon Meyer
general_managerJim Irsay
ownerRobert Irsay
stadiumHoosier Dome
pro bowlers{{Collapsible list
title6
1K Dean Biasucci
2LB Duane Bickett
3RB Eric Dickerson
4C Ray Donaldson
5OT Chris Hinton
6OG Ron Solt
AP All-pros{{Collapsible list
title6
1K Dean Biasucci
2LB Duane Bickett
3RB Eric Dickerson
4C Ray Donaldson
5OT Chris Hinton
6OG Ron Solt
playoffsLost [Divisional Playoffs](1987-88-nfl-playoffs-afc-cleveland-browns-38-indianapolis-colts-21)
(at [Browns](1987-cleveland-browns-season)) 21–38
shortnavlinkColts seasons

| AP All-pros = {{Collapsible list (at Browns) 21–38

Eric Dickerson rushing the ball during an away game against the Cleveland Browns in 1987.

The 1987 Indianapolis Colts season was the 35th season for the team in the National Football League (NFL) and fourth in Indianapolis. It was also their first full season under head coach Ron Meyer, who had taken over a 0–13 Colts team the previous season after Rod Dowhower was fired.

The team finished the strike-shortened season with a record of 9–6 and won the AFC East division.

This season marked the first winning season, division championship, and playoff appearance for the Colts since 1977, when they were still in Baltimore. They also possessed the league's number one defense, surrendering only 238 points. It was their first season they had the NFL's top defense since 1968.

NFL Films produced a documentary about the team's season entitled Off and Running; it was narrated by Jeff Kaye.

Offseason

NFL draft

Main article: 1987 NFL draft

RoundSelectionPlayerPositionCollege122303584855114614271708197200
(Choice from Buffalo)9225247
(Choice from Cleveland)102531128112309
Cornelius BennettLBAlabama
Choice to Washington
Chris GambolOGIowa
Randy DixonOGPittsburgh
Roy BanksWREastern Illinois
Freddie RobinsonDBAlabama
Mark BelliniWRBrigham Young
Choice to Tampa Bay
Chuckie MillerDBUCLA
Choice to N.Y. Giants
Bob OntkoLBPenn State
Chris GoodeDBAlabama
Jim ReynosaDEArizona State
David AdamsRBArizona

Personnel

Front Office / Coaches

  • President/treasurer – Robert Irsay
  • Vice president/general manager – Jim Irsay
  • Assistant general manager – Bob Terpening
  • Director of player personnel – Jack Bushofsky
  • Head coach – Ron Meyer
  • Assistant Head Coach / Offensive Line - Tom Lovat
  • Offensive coordinator – John Becker
  • Running backs – Leon Burtnett
  • Receivers – Chip Myers
  • Offensive assistant / Research and Development – Greg Briner
  • Defensive coordinator – George Hill
  • Defensive Line - John Marshall
  • Linebackers – Rick Venturi
  • Secondary – George Catavolos
  • Special teams / Assistant Offensive Line – Brad Seely
  • Strength and conditioning – Tom Zupancic

NFL replacement players

After the league decided to use replacement players during the NFLPA strike, the following team was assembled:

Indianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}};"1987 Indianapolis Colts replacement roster

Final roster

Pre season

Schedule

Indianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"WeekIndianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"DateIndianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"OpponentIndianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"ResultIndianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"RecordIndianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"VenueIndianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"AttendanceIndianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"Recap1234
at [Detroit Lions](1987-detroit-lions-season)**W** 22–191–0Pontiac Silverdome
at [Minnesota Vikings](1987-minnesota-vikings-season)**L** 19–371–1Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
[Houston Oilers](1987-houston-oilers-season)**W** 17–62–1Hoosier Dome
[Tampa Bay Buccaneers](1987-tampa-bay-buccaneers-season)**W** 23–63–1Hoosier Dome

Game summaries

Week P1: at Detroit Lions

Week P2: at Minnesota Vikings

Week P3: vs. Houston Oilers

Week P4: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Regular season

Schedule

Indianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"WeekIndianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"DateIndianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"OpponentIndianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"ResultIndianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"RecordIndianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"VenueIndianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"AttendanceIndianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"Recap12345678910111213141516
September 13[Cincinnati Bengals](1987-cincinnati-bengals-season)**L** 21–230–1Hoosier Dome59,387[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198709130clt.htm)
September 20, 1987**[Miami Dolphins](1987-miami-dolphins-season)****L** 10–230–2Hoosier Dome57,524[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198709200clt.htm)
September 27at [St. Louis Cardinals](1987-st-louis-cardinals-nfl-season)**Canceled**0–2Busch Stadium
October 4at **[Buffalo Bills](1987-buffalo-bills-season)****W** 47–61–2Rich Stadium9,860[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198710040buf.htm)
October 11**[New York Jets](1987-new-york-jets-season)****W** 6–02–2Hoosier Dome34,927[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198710110clt.htm)
October 18at [Pittsburgh Steelers](1987-pittsburgh-steelers-season)**L** 7–212–3Three Rivers Stadium34,627[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198710180pit.htm)
October 25**[New England Patriots](1987-new-england-patriots-season)****W** 30–163–3Hoosier Dome48,850[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198710250clt.htm)
November 1at **[New York Jets](1987-new-york-jets-season)****W** 19–144–3Giants Stadium60,863[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198711010nyj.htm)
November 8[San Diego Chargers](1987-san-diego-chargers-season)**L** 13–164–4Hoosier Dome60,459[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198711080clt.htm)
November 15at **[Miami Dolphins](1987-miami-dolphins-season)****W** 40–215–4Joe Robbie Stadium65,433[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198711150mia.htm)
November 22at **[New England Patriots](1987-new-england-patriots-season)****L** 0–245–5Sullivan Stadium56,906[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198711220nwe.htm)
November 29[Houston Oilers](1987-houston-oilers-season)**W** 51–276–5Hoosier Dome54,999[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198711290clt.htm)
December 6at [Cleveland Browns](1987-cleveland-browns-season)**W** 9–77–5Cleveland Stadium70,661[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198712060cle.htm)
December 13**[Buffalo Bills](1987-buffalo-bills-season)****L** 3–277–6Hoosier Dome60,253[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198712130cle.htm)
December 20at [San Diego Chargers](1987-san-diego-chargers-season)**W** 20–78–6Jack Murphy Stadium46,211[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198712200sdg.htm)
December 27[Tampa Bay Buccaneers](1987-tampa-bay-buccaneers-season)**W** 24–69–6Hoosier Dome60,468[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198712270clt.htm)
**Note:** Intra-division opponents are in **bold** text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

First quarter

  • CIN – James Brooks 18-yard pass from Boomer Esiason (Jim Breech kick), 6:21. ''Bengals 7–0. '''Drive: 13 plays, 79 yards, 5:43.'''''
  • CIN – Rodney Holman 61-yard pass from Boomer Esiason (kick failed), 3:59. ''Bengals 13–0. '''Drive: 2 plays, 61 yards, 0:48.'''''
  • IND – Bill Brooks 52-yard pass from Jack Trudeau (Dean Biasucci kick), 1:25. ''Bengals 13–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 68 yards, 2:34.''''' Second quarter
  • No scoring plays Third quarter
  • IND – Albert Bentley 2-yard run (Dean Biasucci kick), 2:29. ''Colts 14–13. '''Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 7:58.''''' Fourth quarter
  • CIN – Jim Breech 20-yard field goal, 10:36. ''Bengals 16–14. '''Drive: 16 plays, 78 yards, 6:53.'''''
  • CIN – James Brooks 1-yard run (Jim Breech kick), 7:50. ''Bengals 23–14. '''Drive: 3 plays, 25 yards, 1:19.'''''
  • IND – Tim Sherwin 1-yard pass from Jack Trudeau (Dean Biasucci kick), 2:33. ''Bengals 23–21. '''Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 5:17.''''' Top passers
  • CIN – Boomer Esiason – 17/26, 236 yards, 2 TD
  • IND – Jack Trudeau – 13/23, 206 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT Top rushers
  • CIN – James Brooks – 19 rushes, 86 yards, TD
  • IND – Albert Bentley – 25 rushes, 77 yards, TD Top receivers
  • CIN – Rodney Holman – 3 receptions, 79 yards, TD
  • IND – Bill Brooks – 6 receptions, 146 yards, TD

Week 2: vs. Miami Dolphins

First quarter

  • MIA – Troy Stradford 18-yard pass from Dan Marino (Fuad Reveiz kick), 5:37. ''Dolphins 7–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 81 yards, 5:33.''''' Second quarter
  • MIA – Fuad Reveiz 27-yard field goal, 12:37. ''Dolphins 10–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 3:43.'''''
  • IND – Matt Bouza 17-yard pass from Gary Hogeboom (Dean Biasucci kick), 6:12. ''Dolphins 10–7. '''Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 2:25.'''''
  • MIA – Jim Jensen 6-yard pass from Dan Marino (kick failed), 1:12. ''Dolphins 16–7. '''Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:00.''''' Third quarter
  • MIA – Mark Clayton 10-yard pass from Dan Marino (Fuad Reveiz kick), 7:19. ''Dolphins 23–7. '''Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 3:50.'''''
  • IND – Dean Biasucci 50-yard field goal, 1:32. ''Dolphins 23–10. '''Drive: 7 plays, 30 yards, 3:21.''''' Fourth quarter
  • No scoring plays Top passers
  • MIA – Dan Marino – 23/32, 254 yards, 3 TD
  • IND – Gary Hogeboom – 27/43, 282 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
  • MIA – Lorenzo Hampton – 13 rushes, 44 yards
  • IND – Albert Bentley – 22 rushes, 84 yards Top receivers
  • MIA – Lorenzo Hampton – 7 receptions, 49 yards
  • IND – Albert Bentley – 9 receptions, 69 yards

Week 4: at Buffalo Bills

Week 5: vs. New York Jets

Week 6: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 7: vs. New England Patriots

Week 8: at New York Jets

On October 31, the Los Angeles Rams traded Eric Dickerson to the Indianapolis Colts in a three team trade involving the Buffalo Bills. The Rams sent Dickerson to the Colts for six draft choices and two players. Buffalo obtained the rights to Cornelius Bennett from Indianapolis. Buffalo sent running back Greg Bell and three draft choices to the Rams, while Indianapolis added Owen Gill and three of their own draft picks to complete the deal with the Rams.

Week 9: vs. San Diego Chargers

Week 10: at Miami Dolphins

Week 11: at New England Patriots

Week 12: vs. Houston Oilers

Week 13: at Cleveland Browns

Week 14: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week 15: at San Diego Chargers

Week 16: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Standings

Playoffs

Indianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"Playoff RoundIndianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"DateIndianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"Opponent (seed)Indianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"TimeIndianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"TVIndianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"ResultIndianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"RecordIndianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"Game SiteIndianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"AttendanceIndianapolis Coltsyear=1987border=2}}"RecapWild CardDivisional
*First-round Bye*
at [Cleveland Browns](1987-cleveland-browns-season) (2)12:30p.m. ESTNBC**L** 21–380–1Cleveland Stadium[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198801090cle.htm)

Game summaries

AFC Divisional Playoffs: at (A2) Cleveland Browns

First quarter

  • CLE – Earnest Byner 10-yard pass from Bernie Kosar (Matt Bahr kick). Browns 7–0.
  • IND – Pat Beach 2-yard pass from Jack Trudeau (Dean Biasucci kick). Tied 7–7. Second quarter
  • CLE – Reggie Langhorne 39-yard pass from Bernie Kosar (Matt Bahr kick). Browns 14–7.
  • IND – Eric Dickerson 19-yard pass from Jack Trudeau (Dean Biasucci kick). Tied 14–14. Third quarter
  • CLE – Earnest Byner 2-yard run (Matt Bahr kick). Browns 21–14. Fourth quarter
  • CLE – Matt Bahr 22-yard field goal. Browns 24–14.
  • CLE – Brian Brennan 2-yard pass from Bernie Kosar (Matt Bahr kick). Browns 31–14.
  • IND – Albert Bentley 1-yard run (Dean Biasucci kick). Browns 31–21.
  • CLE – Frank Minnifield 48-yard interception return (Matt Bahr kick). Browns 38–21. Top passers
  • IND – Jack Trudeau – 21/33, 251 yards, 2 TD, INT
  • CLE – Bernie Kosar – 20/31, 229 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers
  • IND – Eric Dickerson – 15 rushes, 50 yards
  • CLE – Earnest Byner – 23 rushes, 122 yards, TD Top rushers
  • IND – Bill Brooks – 5 receptions, 78 yards
  • CLE – Ozzie Newsome – 4 receptions, 65 yards

References

References

  1. "1987 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  2. "1987 NFL All-Pros". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  3. The 24-day players' strike reduced the 16-game season to 15, causing week 3 to be canceled.
  4. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1987091304 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
  5. ''[[Pro-Football-Reference.com. Pro Football Reference]]''; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198709130clt.htm Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts – September 13, 1987]
  6. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1987092004 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
  7. ''[[Pro-Football-Reference.com. Pro Football Reference]]''; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198709200clt.htm Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts – September 20, 1987]
  8. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1987100405 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
  9. ''[[Pro-Football-Reference.com. Pro Football Reference]]''; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198710040buf.htm Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills – October 4, 1987]
  10. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1987101102 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
  11. ''[[Pro-Football-Reference.com. Pro Football Reference]]''; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198710110clt.htm New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts – October 11, 1987]
  12. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1987101803 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
  13. ''[[Pro-Football-Reference.com. Pro Football Reference]]''; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198710180pit.htm Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers – October 18, 1987]
  14. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1987102509 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
  15. ''[[Pro-Football-Reference.com. Pro Football Reference]]''; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198710250clt.htm New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts – October 25, 1987]
  16. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1987110101 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
  17. ''[[Pro-Football-Reference.com. Pro Football Reference]]''; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198711010nyj.htm Indianapolis Colts at New York Jets – November 1, 1987]
  18. ''NFL 2001 Record and Fact Book'', Workman Publishing Co, New York, NY, {{ISBN. 0-7611-2480-2, p.286
  19. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1987110808 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
  20. ''[[Pro-Football-Reference.com. Pro Football Reference]]''; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198711080clt.htm San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts – November 8, 1987]
  21. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1987111508 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
  22. ''[[Pro-Football-Reference.com. Pro Football Reference]]''; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198711150mia.htm Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins – November 15, 1987]
  23. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1987112207 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
  24. ''[[Pro-Football-Reference.com. Pro Football Reference]]''; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198711220nwe.htm Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots – November 22, 1987]
  25. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1987112904 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
  26. ''[[Pro-Football-Reference.com. Pro Football Reference]]''; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198711290clt.htm Houston Oilers at Indianapolis Colts – November 29, 1987]
  27. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1987120603 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
  28. ''[[Pro-Football-Reference.com. Pro Football Reference]]''; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198712060cle.htm Indianapolis Colts at Cleveland Browns – December 6, 1987]
  29. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1987121303 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
  30. ''[[Pro-Football-Reference.com. Pro Football Reference]]''; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198712130clt.htm Buffalo Bills at Indianapolis Colts – December 13, 1987]
  31. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1987122009 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
  32. ''[[Pro-Football-Reference.com. Pro Football Reference]]''; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198712200sdg.htm Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers – December 20, 1987]
  33. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1987122708 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
  34. ''[[Pro-Football-Reference.com. Pro Football Reference]]''; [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198712270clt.htm Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts – December 27, 1987]
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