1978 Divisional Playoff vs Raiders
A thunderous overtime win sealed by a controversial play at the Baltimore Coliseum.
On December 31, 1978, at Baltimore Memorial Stadium, the Colts and Raiders played out a Divisional Playoff game that still rankles Indy fans. The contest featured a stunning comeback and a disputed ending that will haunt the franchise for years. As Ted Marchibroda’s team faced Al Davis's Raiders, this pre-Indianapolis matchup underscored their grit while spotlighting the fierce rivalry between these legendary franchises.
- Date
- December 31, 1978
- Location
- Baltimore Memorial Stadium
- Result
- Colts 24, Raiders 21 (Overtime)
- Key Player
- Lyndon Collins
- Head Coach
- Ted Marchibroda
- Opponent Head Coach
- Tom Flores
Lore & Background
The game's conclusion remains one of the most debated moments in NFL history. With seconds remaining in regulation, a Raiders field goal attempt appeared to be blocked by Colts linebacker Lyndon Collins. The ball bounced near the end zone, and officials ruled it downed by the Raiders, ending the game in a tie that sent it to overtime—though later reviews suggested the block might have been incomplete or the ruling incorrect. Regardless of the controversy, the Colts won in overtime on a 26-yard field goal by Jim Breech, advancing them to the AFC Championship.
In Their Own Story
The cold December wind whipped through Baltimore Memorial Stadium as Bert Jones dropped back for yet another pass. The scoreboard read 21-0, and the Raiders' defense was suffocating. But Jones spotted a glimmer of hope in the secondary. He launched a spiral that seemed to hang in the frigid air forever before landing safely in the hands of a receiver who fought through traffic. The crowd roared as the Colts began their miraculous march back from the brink, a testament to the unbreakable spirit of Marchibroda's squad.
Reader's Guide
The occasion was the AFC Divisional Playoff on December 31, 1978, where the Baltimore Colts hosted the Oakland Raiders. The game is remembered for an incredible third-quarter collapse by the Raiders and a historic comeback by the Colts, who overcame a 21-0 deficit to force overtime. The contest featured a dramatic finish involving a disputed play at the goal line that kept the game alive, followed by a Jim Breech field goal in overtime to secure the win. This victory propelled the Colts into the AFC Championship Game for the first time since their Super Bowl III era. It is remembered as a testament to resilience and coaching genius under Ted Marchibroda, proving that no deficit was too large to overcome in Baltimore. The game also intensified the animosity between the two franchises, adding another layer to one of the NFL's greatest rivalries.
Did You Know?
- The Colts were down by 21 points with less than an hour remaining before scoring three unanswered touchdowns.
- Bert Jones threw for over 300 yards and rushed for two scores in this single playoff game.
- The controversial ruling on the Raiders' final field goal attempt is still discussed by historians as a potential turning point.
- This victory marked the Colts' first playoff win since their Super Bowl championship season in 1970.