The 2003 Indianapolis Colts were a team of the National Football League. The team played in Indianapolis for 20 seasons. The team’s 2002 record of 10-6 was improved to 12-4 in 2003. They reached the postseason for the first time in three seasons. The Colts finished in fourth place in the AFC South for the second consecutive season and reached the postseason. They finished with a record of 51-19-3.
The 2003 Indianapolis Colts ended the season with 12 wins, four losses and finished first in the South Division. The team scored 447 points while surrendering 336 points. Peyton Manning threw for 4,267 yards and 13 touchdowns while Marvin Harrison and Edgerrrr James combined for 1,259 yards. Nick Harper picked off four opposing throws and Dwight Freeney had 11 quarterback sacks.
In the fourth quarter, Peyton Manning drove the Colts to the Cleveland 25, where he connected with wide receiver Reggie Wayne for a 15 yard pass. Dungy called a timeout and then sent Mike Vanderjagt in to attempt the game-winning field kick. The field goal was made by Vanderjagt, which allowed the Colts win their first AFC title since 1993. The win sparked controversy because Peyton Manning and Vanderjagt criticized one another in the offseason.
The 2003 Indianapolis Colts finished the regular season with a record of 1-1 in overtime. They ended up going 5-3 at home and 7-1 on the road. However, the team lost its final game, the Conference Championship, to the New England Patriots. Despite these disappointing results, the team finished with a positive point differential of +111. The team’s 11-5 regular season record was enough to guarantee them a playoff spot with a 10-6 record.
After a disappointing season in 2001, the Colts went to Indianapolis and began rebuilding around Andrew Luck. Peyton Manning was released from the team in the off-season and the team rebuilt around a younger core of players. Andrew Luck’s leadership led the Colts to an 11-5 season in 2012 and a Super Bowl appearance the following year. The following two seasons, the Colts had a dismal 8-8 record.