Colts still in playoff chase thanks to 18-12 win over Miami

Indianapolis made the move as starting quarterback Andrew Luck (abdomen/kidney) and backup Matt Hasselbeck (jaw/ribs) are still ailing from injuries.

The 40-year-old Hasselbeck briefly left the Colts’ loss to the Texans last Sunday in the fourth quarter with a back injury, but returned after only one series. Yet, with third-stringer Charlie Whitehurst at the controls, the Colts had enough to beat Miami.

Back in his hometown of Miami, FL to play against the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore’s performance added more devastation to an already sinking ship. The Colts (7-8) would have been out of the playoff race with a loss. Miami’s only big run of the game was a 28-yard scramble by Tannehill on the final drive.

And while injures to Branden Albert, Mike Pouncey, Ja’Wuan James and others, and the Bullygate saga in 2013 have had plenty to do with that unit’s struggles, Miami’s executives have also done a poor job finding five quality starters. “We’re finding ways to lose; we’re not finding ways to win”. “So, in my mind, I said, ‘Well, let’s just run some plays that I’ve seen before and that I’m familiar with”.

“I’ll be all right”, Tannehill said when asked how he’s feeling physically, and by inference whether next week’s season finale against New England is a go. Hasselbeck was limited in practice today but is expected to start on Sunday. The Colts’ pass rush routinely victimized a porous Dolphins offensive line, with defensive tackle T.Y. McGill registering a safety on Tannehill on the Dolphins’ first possession and the Colts collecting a season-high six sacks. He played in 44 career games at Florida Atlantic and totaled 120 tackles (78 solo), nine interceptions, 29 passes defensed, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one sack.

Indianapolis has a lot of needs to address this offseason, and the offensive line might take precedence, but there are few more glaring weaknesses on any National Football League team than Greg Toler.

Vontae Davis intercepted Tannehill in the end zone to quash a threat. However, Vinatieri missed an extra point for the third time this season.

On first-and-goal for the Miami Dolphins in the final minute Sunday, Sun Life Stadium was rocking. He had seven receptions for 111 yards, including a sensational one-handed grab as he tumbled to the turf for a 26-yard gain. The Dolphins have lost three in a row to clinch last place in the AFC East, and they’re 4-7 under Campbell, who is likely to be replaced after the season. The Colts got the ball at their 14-yard line with 68 seconds left in the half.

Lamar Miller pushed it in for a 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, capping an 11-play, 69-yard drive. Tight end Jordan Cameron catches a touchdown pass, could have been huge, but Jarvis Landry is penalized for offensive pass interference.