Shrader’s kick propels Colts to 29-28 win and 2-0 start

INDIANAPOLIS — Spencer Shrader kicked a 45-yard, game-winning field goal as time expired to lift the Indianapolis Colts to a 29-28 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday afternoon.

The Colts are now 2-0 for the first time since 2009.

Shrader missed a 60-yard attempt before his 45-yarder, but the Broncos were flagged for leverage. The penalty moved the kick 15 yards closer, and the second-year kicker didn’t miss his second chance.

The Colts’ offense picked up where it left off last week against Miami. Daniel Jones connected with Josh Downs for 19 and 10 yards, then hit Michael Pittman Jr. for another 10 yards with 15 yards tacked on for roughing the passer to move into field goal range.

Shrader made a 29-yard field goal for the early 3-0 lead. The scoring drive marked eight straight possessions with points to start the season.

Denver answered with a 6-play, 64-yard drive capped by a Bo Nix-to-Marvin Mims Jr. 23-yard touchdown to give the Broncos the lead.

The Colts made it nine straight possessions with points as Shrader kicked a 33-yard field goal to cut Denver’s lead to 7-6. The highlight of the drive was a Jones-to-Tyler Warren 41-yard gain.

The Colts’ defense forced the first punt of the game, and the offense went right back to work as Jones hit running back Jonathan Taylor for a 43-yard gain down to the Broncos’ 11-yard line. Jones finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown plunge, his third rushing touchdown of the season, to put the Colts back on top, 13-7.

Denver responded behind Nix and wide receiver Tony Franklin. The second-year quarterback found Franklin for 42 and 16-yard gains before connecting with him again for a 3-yard touchdown to put the Broncos ahead, 14-13.

The Colts’ streak of scoring possessions finally ended midway through the second quarter as Warren was stuffed for no gain on a fourth-and-one from midfield, turning the ball over to Denver on downs.

The Broncos took advantage of the field position and three Xavien Howard penalties to extend their lead to 21-13 on a Nix-to-Adam Trautman 2-yard touchdown.

The Colts were able to put together a quick drive before the break, using another explosive play to move downfield as Jones connected with Alec Pierce for 44 yards. Taylor caught a 7-yard touchdown two plays later to make the game 21-20 at halftime.

Denver received the second half kickoff and marched right down the field with running back J.K. Dobbins scoring a 5-yard touchdown.

The Colts also scored on their first possession of the second half, setting up for a Shrader 36-yard field goal. The Broncos led 28-23 after three quarters.

In the fourth quarter, the Colts’ offense hit yet another big play on a Taylor 68-yard run down to the Denver 20-yard line, but the drive stalled and Shrader kicked a 28-yard field goal to make it 28-26.

Broncos kicker Will Lutz missed a 42-yard field goal with just over three minutes to play to set up the final sequence.

The Colts will play their first road and divisional game of the season when they travel to Tennessee next week to face the Titans at 1 p.m. on CBS4.