The Colts and Titans went into Sunday’s Week 13 matchup hoping to make up some ground in the AFC playoff picture. They managed to give everyone watching whiplash with some of the weirder football we’ve seen in a long time.
With the Colts down by a point in the third quarter, the Titans had their punt blocked as Grant Stuard picked up the ball and returned it for a touchdown. The go-ahead score should have been a serious momentum changer for the Colts. But when Indianapolis lined up for the two-point try, Amani Hooker intercepted Gardner Minshew’s pass and returned it 100 yards for a rare pick-two.
An insane sequence of football features the Colts blocking a punt for a touchdown, followed by the Titans returning an interception the length of the field for 2 points. 🏈😵💫 pic.twitter.com/bVfPmSDy2U
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 3, 2023
And then on the ensuing drive, the Titans had their punt blocked deep in their own territory. The Colts would settle for a field goal.
It gets crazier: the Colts blocked another punt minutes later.
Titans standout punter Ryan Stonehouse was injured on the play. pic.twitter.com/KvaS1M7Qsi
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 3, 2023
As if that wasn’t weird enough, the Titans missed a would-be, go-ahead PAT in the fourth quarter with Ryan Tannehill holding laces in.
With Tannehill as the holder the Titans missed the PAT. This game is as drunk as it is tied.
Special teams is ruling the day.#Colts#ForTheShoe#Titans#INDvsTEN pic.twitter.com/ZFigIu3p34
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) December 3, 2023
Understandably, fans could not believe how strange the game ended up being. Neither team wanted to win (though the Colts would eventually win in overtime).
This was how Twitter reacted
Wildest #Titans game I can remember.
– 2 blocked punts (1 TD)
– Henry, Simmons, Stonehouse all hurt
– Defensive Pick2
– Missed PAT with Tannehill holding
– Levis and DHop argument
– Levis recovering a defensive fumble after fumbling himselfBedlam.
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) December 3, 2023
.@Colts play-x-play announcer @MayTayColts just said after a missed PAT by the @Titans, "This game is inebriated. This game had to many drinks last night on Broadway.” 🤣
— Dr. Theo Plothe (@theoplothe) December 3, 2023
Ryan Tannehill holding the PAT…and Nick Folk missed it.
Laces were pointed in. Unbelievable. #Titans
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) December 3, 2023
Wow craziness going on! My bro @WeatherBiz must be going through all the emotions! https://t.co/zNMN3MDMIx
— Phil Giubileo (@philgpbp) December 3, 2023
– Blocked punt by Indy
– Returned for TD
– Colts go for two to go up by seven
– Titans deflect pass, intercepted
– Hot Pockets
– Titans score two points, only trail by threeDamn scriptwriters are on drugs.
— Schlasser (@UrinatingTree) December 3, 2023
.@LarraOverton just reported via the @Colts radio broadcast that kicker Matt Gay got stung by a bee on the sideline. This game has had everything lol.
— Brett Douglas (@BaD0UG) December 3, 2023
Watching this game is the equivalent to taking a shot of Everclear
— The King Of Colts👑 (@ShaadMcGinnis) December 3, 2023
I don’t think I’ve seen anything like this when the play before the punt get blocked and returned for a touchdown then this happens. https://t.co/2H5kDYoG94
— Greg Mazzo (@MazzoGregory) December 3, 2023