Colts Put Cardinals Behind, 16-13

Jeff George had flung his helmet in anger the previous week and refused to talk to reporters as the Colts prepared for Sunday’s game against the Phoenix Cardinals.

George, upset about his benching during the fourth quarter of a victory over the New York Jets, decided to make a statement with his play against the Cardinals.

George was greeted with boos before the game and through most of the first half, but he passed for 328 yards, and connected with Anthony Johnson on a 57-yard touchdown pass play, as the Colts came from behind to beat the Cardinals, 16-13.

Dean Biasucci’s 42-yard field goal with 49 seconds to play broke a 13-13 tie, giving the Colts their fourth consecutive victory. But their playoff hopes died when Miami beat the New York Jets.

George completed 25 of 41 passes for the Colts (8-7), who set an NFL record for the most victories by a team that had gone just 1-15 the previous year.

“You can’t play a game under tougher situations than what he (George) did,” Colt Coach Ted Marchibroda said.

George’s long touchdown pass play tied the score, 10-10, midway through the third quarter. Biasucci kicked a 28-yarder in the final quarter as the Colts went ahead, 13-10.

The Colts missed a chance to put the game out of reach early in the fourth quarter after the second of Mike Prior’s three interceptions against Chris Chandler. George was sacked and fumbled, giving the ball back to the Cardinals (4-11). Greg Davis ended a 22-yard drive with a 48-yard field goal with 4:14 to play.

Three consecutive completions by George, and a pass-interference penalty against Dexter Davis gave the Colts the ball at the Phoenix 23. Four plays later, Biasucci kicked the game-winner.

The Cardinals’ last chance ended at the Colts’ 38 when Prior made his third interception with 12 seconds to play.