A Reversal of Fortune, 45 Years Later (the Colts and the Bengals)

[Colts And Orioles]

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In 1980, Bert Jones almost single-handedly had the Colts in playoff contention throughout the season, as they were 7-6 after 13 games, including a 2-game sweep over the eventual division champion Buffalo Bills. Bert engineered what should have gone down as one of the greatest comebacks ever in the 14th game of that 1980 season against the Bengals. The Colts were losing by a score of 31-6 at the start of the 4th quarter. Jones engineered 4 straight touchdowns to give the Colts a 33-31 lead. The referees then bailed out the Bengals by making a horrible pass interference call, which allowed them to keep driving and set up for what was the game-winning field goal.


THE BENGALS lllll) - lt34

THE COLTS llllllllllll - l)33



(FAST-FORWARD, 45 YEARS)


With just over 2 minutes left to play, the Bears appeared had the game-in-hand with a 14-point lead ...... their odds to win the game at that time was over 90%. But Joe Flacco led them to a 55-yard TD drive in only 32 seconds. Their only chance to win would be the on-side kick ...... and they got it. Flacco then led them on a 57-yard TD drive in only 57 seconds. 2 TD drives in 32 seconds and 57 seconds respectively, with a rare, successful onside kick in between. Then the Bengals went for the 2-point conversion and got it ...... Somehow the Bengals, who looked dead in the water less than 2 minutes earlier, led the game by a score of 42-41 with only 54 seconds left to play !!! ) ) And with only 15 seconds left to play, no time-outs, and the ball at their own 42-yardline, the game appeared to be over in favor of the Bengals ...... but Caleb Williams split the Bengals-defense with a 58-yard TD pass over the middle to Colston Loveland for a TD, and an incredulous Bears victory.


THE BEARS lllllllllll. - l.47

THE BENGALS lllllll - l)42

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[Hoopsdoc]

That was an insane game.