1995 Indianapolis Colts season


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The 1995 Indianapolis Colts season was the 43rd season for the team in the National Football League and 12th in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Colts finished the National Football League's 1995 season with a record of 9 wins and 7 losses, and finished tied for second in the AFC East division with the Miami Dolphins. However, the Colts finished ahead of Miami based on head-to-head sweep (2–0).

1995 Indianapolis Colts season
OwnerRobert Irsay
General managerBill Tobin
Head coachTed Marchibroda
Home fieldRCA Dome
Results
Record9–7
Division place2nd AFC East
Playoff finishWon Wild Card Playoffs
(at Chargers) 35–20
Won Divisional Playoffs
(at Chiefs) 10–7
Lost AFC Championship
(at Steelers) 16–20

The Colts' 9–7 record was good enough to get them into the playoffs for the first time since 1987, largely due to the insertion of Jim Harbaugh into the starting quarterback role. It was only the second playoff appearance for the franchise since it moved from Baltimore in 1984, and was its first playoff appearance in a non-strike year since 1977. They defeated the defending conference champion San Diego Chargers in their first playoff game (their first playoff win since 1971, when the team was still located in Baltimore), then upset the top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Playoffs. The Colts would fall short in the AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, in a game that came down to the final play.

1995 Expansion Draft

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Indianapolis Colts selected during the Expansion Draft
Round Overall Name Position Expansion Team
13 26 Dewell Brewer Running Back Carolina Panthers
27 54 Paul Butcher Linebacker Carolina Panthers
1995 Indianapolis Colts draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 12 Ellis Johnson  Defensive tackle Florida
2 48 Ken Dilger *  Tight end Illinois
3 79 Zack Crockett  Fullback Florida State
4 114 Ray McElroy  Cornerback Eastern Illinois
5 149 Derek West  Tackle Colorado
6 187 Brian Gelzheiser  Linebacker Penn State
      Made roster    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Undrafted free agents

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1995 Undrafted Free Agents of note
Player Position College
Ben Bronson Wide receiver Baylor
Conrad Clarks Defensive back Northeast Louisiana
Steve Morrison Linebacker Michigan
Marcus Pollard Tight end Bradley
1995 Indianapolis Colts staff

Front office

  • President/treasurer – Robert Irsay
  • Vice president/general manager – Jim Irsay
  • Vice president/director of football operations – Bill Tobin
  • Assistant general manager – Bob Terpening
  • Director of pro player personnel – Clyde Powers
  • Director of college player personnel – George Boone

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Strength and conditioning – Tom Zupancic
1995 Indianapolis Colts final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
53 active, 4 inactive, 1 practice squad

Week Date Opponent Time TV Result Record Venue Attendance Recap
1 August 4 Cincinnati Bengals 7:30 p.m. EST WTTV L 21–34 0–1 RCA Dome 39,946
2 August 12 at Seattle Seahawks 9:00 p.m. EST WTTV W 20–17 1–1 Kingdome 38,006
3 August 19 at Green Bay Packers 12 Noon EST WTTV W 20–17 (OT) 2–1 Lambeau Field 55,624
4 August 24 Chicago Bears W 29–7 3–1 RCA Dome 45,626

Preseason Game summaries

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Preseason Week 1: Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bengals 7 10 10734
Colts 3 8 01021

at Hoosier DomeIndianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: August 4, 1995
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. EST
  • Game attendance: 39,946
  • TV: WTTV
Team Category Player Statistics
CIN Passing
Rushing
Receiving
IND Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP CIN IND
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 34 21
Bengals Game Statistics Colts
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

Preseason Week 2: Indianapolis Colts at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 3 0 71020
Seahawks 0 0 31417

at KingdomeSeattle, Washington

  • Date: August 12, 1995
  • Game time: 9:00 p.m. EST
  • Game attendance: 38,006
  • TV: WTTV
Team Category Player Statistics
IND Passing
Rushing
Receiving
SEA Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP IND SEA
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 20 17
Colts Game Statistics Seahawks
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

Preseason Week 3: Indianapolis Colts at Green Bay Packers – Game summary

Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Colts 6 0 38320
Packers 0 17 00017

at Lambeau FieldGreen Bay, Wisconsin

  • Date: August 19, 1995
  • Game time: 12 Noon EST
  • Game attendance: 55,624
  • TV: WTTV
Team Category Player Statistics
IND Passing
Rushing
Receiving
GB Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP IND GB
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 20 17
Colts Game Statistics Packers
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession
Week Date Opponent Result Record Game Site Attendance Recap
1 September 3 Cincinnati Bengals L 21–24 (OT) 0–1 RCA Dome 42,445 Recap
2 September 10 at New York Jets W 27–24 (OT) 1–1 Giants Stadium 65,134 Recap
3 September 17 at Buffalo Bills L 14–20 1–2 Rich Stadium 62,499 Recap
4 Bye
5 October 1 St. Louis Rams W 21–18 2–2 RCA Dome 58,616 Recap
6 October 8 at Miami Dolphins W 27–24 (OT) 3–2 Joe Robbie Stadium 68,471 Recap
7 October 15 San Francisco 49ers W 18–17 4–2 RCA Dome 60,273 Recap
8 October 22 at Oakland Raiders L 17–30 4–3 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum 53,543 Recap
9 October 29 New York Jets W 17–10 5–3 RCA Dome 49,250 Recap
10 November 5 Buffalo Bills L 10–16 5–4 RCA Dome 59,612 Recap
11 November 12 at New Orleans Saints L 14–17 5–5 Louisiana Superdome 44,122 Recap
12 November 19 at New England Patriots W 24–10 6–5 Foxboro Stadium 59,544 Recap
13 November 26 Miami Dolphins W 36–28 7–5 RCA Dome 60,414 Recap
14 December 3 at Carolina Panthers L 10–13 7–6 Memorial Stadium 49,841 Recap
15 December 10 at Jacksonville Jaguars W 41–31 8–6 Jacksonville Municipal Stadium 66,099 Recap
16 December 17 San Diego Chargers L 24–27 8–7 RCA Dome 55,318 Recap
17 December 23 New England Patriots W 10–7 9–7 RCA Dome 54,685 Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

[2]

Team Category Player Statistics
CIN Passing
Rushing
Receiving
IND Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP CIN IND
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 24 21
Bengals Game Statistics Colts
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • NYJ – Nick Lowery 28-yard field goal, 11:41. Jets 17–0. Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards.
  • IND – Mike Cofer 20-yard field goal, 0:27. Jets 17–3. Drive: 11 plays, 73 yards.

Third quarter

  • NYJ – Wayne Chrebet 5-yard pass from Boomer Esiason (Nick Lowery kick), 13:14. Jets 24–3. Drive: 4 plays, 24 yards.
  • IND – Tony Bennett 32-yard fumble return (Mike Cofer kick), 2:11. Jets 24–10.

Fourth quarter

  • IND – Sean Dawkins 15-yard pass from Jim Harbaugh (Mike Cofer kick), 8:46. Jets 24–17. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards.
  • IND – Marshall Faulk 14-yard pass from Jim Harbaugh (Mike Cofer kick), 2:38. Tie 24–24. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards.

Overtime

  • IND – Mike Cofer 52-yard field goal, 10:33. Colts 27–24. Drive: 7 plays, 48 yards.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • IND – Sean Dawkins – 5 receptions, 60 yards, TD
  • NYJ – Adrian Murrell – 4 receptions, 68 yards

[3]

Team Category Player Statistics
IND Passing
Rushing
Receiving
BUF Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP IND BUF
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 14 20
Colts Game Statistics Bills
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

[4]

Team Category Player Statistics
STL Passing
Rushing
Receiving
IND Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP STL IND
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 18 21
Rams Game Statistics Colts
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

[5]

Team Category Player Statistics
IND Passing
Rushing
Receiving
MIA Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP IND MIA
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 27 24
Colts Game Statistics Dolphins
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

[6]

Team Category Player Statistics
SF Passing
Rushing
Receiving
IND Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP SF IND
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 17 18
49ers Game Statistics Colts
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

[7]

Team Category Player Statistics
IND Passing
Rushing
Receiving
OAK Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP IND OAK
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 17 30
Colts Game Statistics Raiders
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

[8]

Team Category Player Statistics
NYJ Passing
Rushing
Receiving
IND Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP NYJ IND
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 10 17
Jets Game Statistics Colts
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

[9]

Team Category Player Statistics
BUF Passing
Rushing
Receiving
IND Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP BUF IND
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 16 10
Bills Game Statistics Colts
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

[10]

Team Category Player Statistics
IND Passing
Rushing
Receiving
NO Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP IND NO
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 14 17
Colts Game Statistics Saints
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

[11]

Team Category Player Statistics
IND Passing
Rushing
Receiving
NE Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP IND NE
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 24 10
Colts Game Statistics Patriots
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

[12]

Team Category Player Statistics
MIA Passing
Rushing
Receiving
IND Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP MIA IND
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 28 36
Dolphins Game Statistics Colts
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

[13]

Team Category Player Statistics
IND Passing
Rushing
Receiving
CAR Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP IND CAR
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 10 13
Colts Game Statistics Panthers
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

Week 15: at Jacksonville Jaguars

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During the initial kickoff, the Jaguars kicked the ball Return Specialist Aaron Bailey, who found a gap and sprinted 95 yards for a touchdown. The Jaguars countered by moving the ball to the Colts' 9–yard line; however, K Mike Hollis's 27–yard field goal attempt was blocked. In response, the Colts scored another touchdown, with Bailey catching a 14–yard pass. A 45–yard completion to WR Willie Jackson contributed to a Jaguars touchdown. After a Colts punt, WR Cedric Tillman attempted to return it but fumbled, allowing Colts' DB Derwin Gray to recover the ball, which set up another Colts touchdown. On the following drive, Jaguars' QB Mark Brunell was intercepted by DB Eugene Daniel, who returned it to Jacksonville's 3–yard line. Nevertheless, the Colts were unable to score a touchdown and opted for a field goal, concluding the first half with the Colts leading 24–7. The Jaguars commenced the second half with a successful field goal drive, which was promptly matched by the Colts with a field goal of their own. As the fourth quarter began, the Jaguars executed a touchdown drive. They attempted an onside kick, but the Colts recovered it, leading to a subsequent touchdown for the Colts. In response, the Jaguars quickly scored a touchdown in just four plays, highlighted by a 31–yard pass to Jackson. The Jaguars attempted another onside kick, but the Colts recovered once more and added another touchdown to their tally. In the closing minutes, the Jaguars mounted a drive where Brunell connected with Jackson for a passing touchdown. They made a third attempt at an onside kick, but the Colts again recovered, ultimately securing a 41–31 victory in their inaugural matchup.

[14]

Team Category Player Statistics
SD Passing
Rushing
Receiving
IND Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP SD IND
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 27 24
Chargers Game Statistics Colts
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

[15]

Team Category Player Statistics
NE Passing
Rushing
Receiving
IND Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP NE IND
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 7 10
Patriots Game Statistics Colts
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession
AFC East
W L T PCT PF PA STK
(3) Buffalo Bills 10 6 0 .625 350 335 L1
(5) Indianapolis Colts 9 7 0 .563 331 316 W1
(6) Miami Dolphins 9 7 0 .563 398 332 W1
New England Patriots 6 10 0 .375 294 377 L2
New York Jets 3 13 0 .188 233 384 L4

The team received Wild-Card playoff berth for the playoffs and traveled to San Diego to play the Chargers. They went on to beat the Chargers, their 1st playoff win in 24 years and 1st in Indianapolis. They also won their Divisional Round game against the No. 1 seed Kansas City Chiefs but would fall short in the AFC Championship game to the Pittsburgh Steelers. This game indirectly led to the adoption of instant replay.

Playoff Round Date Opponent (seed) Time TV Result Record Game Site Attendance Recap
Wild Card December 31, 1995 at San Diego Chargers (4) 4:00 p.m. EST NBC W 35–20 1–0 Jack Murphy Stadium

61,182

Recap
Divisional January 7, 1996 at Kansas City Chiefs (1) 4:00 p.m. EST NBC W 10–7 2–0 Arrowhead Stadium

77,594

Recap
Conference Championship January 14, 1996 at Pittsburgh Steelers (2) 12:30 p.m. EST NBC L 16–20 2–1 Three Rivers Stadium

61,062

Recap

Playoff Game summaries

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[16]

Team Category Player Statistics
IND Passing
Rushing
Receiving
SD Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP IND SD
1 9:28 9 30 3:25 Chargers 54-yard field goal by Carney 0 3
2 14:03 8 27 3:45 Colts Dilger 2-yard touchdown reception from Harbaugh, Blanchard kick good 7 3
2 5:48 18 68 8:15 Chargers Pupunu 6-yard touchdown reception from Humphries, Carney kick good 7 10
2 1:27 8 80 4:01 Colts Crockett 33-yard touchdown run, Blanchard kick good 14 10
3 10:40 7 81 3:39 Chargers Jefferson 11-yard touchdown reception from Humphries, Carney kick good 14 17
3 0:41 7 81 3:39 Colts Dawkins 42-yard touchdown reception from Harbaugh, Blanchard kick good 21 17
4 11:53 8 55 3:48 Chargers 30-yard field goal by Carney 21 20
4 11:28 1 66 0:25 Colts Crockett 66-yard touchdown run, Blanchard kick good 28 20
4 6:55 6 23 3:31 Colts Harbaugh 3-yard touchdown run, Blanchard kick good 35 20
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 35 20
Colts Game Statistics Chargers
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

[17]

Team Category Player Statistics
IND Passing
Rushing
Receiving
KC Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP IND KC
1 0:29 5 62 2:28 Chiefs Dawson 6-yard touchdown reception from Bono, Elliott kick good 0 7
2 5:49 18 77 8:40 Colts Turner 5-yard touchdown reception from Harbaugh, Blanchard kick good 7 7
3 2:48 9 35 4:34 Colts 30-yard field goal by Blanchard 10 7
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 10 7
Colts Game Statistics Chiefs
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession

[18]

Team Category Player Statistics
IND Passing
Rushing
Receiving
PIT Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP IND PIT
1 12:17 4 7 1:58 Colts 34-yard field goal by Blanchard 3 0
1 1:50 11 40 5:53 Steelers 31-yard field goal by Johnson 3 3
2 12:08 10 61 4:42 Colts 36-yard field goal by Blanchard 6 3
2 0:13 17 80 7:27 Steelers Stewart 5-yard touchdown reception from O'Donnell, Johnson kick good 6 10
3 9:57 10 61 5:03 Colts 37-yard field goal by Blanchard 9 10
3 0:43 7 44 3:17 Steelers 36-yard field goal by Johnson 9 13
4 8:46 4 70 2:11 Colts Turner 47-yard touchdown reception from Harbaugh, Blanchard kick good 16 13
4 1:34 8 67 1:29 Steelers Morris 1-yard touchdown run, Johnson kick good 16 20
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 16 20
Colts Game Statistics Steelers
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards
Time of possession
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  7. ^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
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  12. ^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
  13. ^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
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  15. ^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
  16. ^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
  17. ^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
  18. ^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2022-Sep-07.
  19. ^ NFL 2001 Record and Fact Book, Workman Publishing Co, New York, ISBN 0-7611-2480-2, p. 450