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Colts, Saints win stunning playoffs
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The Indianapolis Colts engineered the second-largest comeback in NFL playoff history by storming back from a massive 28-point deficit to stun Kansas City 45-44 in the opening game of wildcard weekend.
Quarterback Andrew Luck led the fightback by engineering five second-half touchdown drives, capping the comeback with a 64-yard pass to T.Y. Hilton for the go-ahead score with 4:21 left on the clock on Saturday.
“We never panicked,” said Luck. “We feel like we are in every game. The guys stuck with me and we pulled this one out.”
In the other wildcard contest on Saturday, the New Orleans Saints booted a 32-yard field goal as time ran out to edge the Philadelphia Eagles 26-24.
The Colts stumbled out the gate as Luck threw three interceptions that allowed the Chiefs to take a 38-10 lead.
Luck, in his second year in the league, finished with four touchdown passes, recovered a fumble for another touchdown and completed 29 of 45 passes for a total of 443 yards.
The victory means the Colts could potentially face former franchise hero Peyton Manning, who now plays quarterback for Denver.
That matchup will depend on the result of the Cincinnati and San Diego wildcard game.
Hilton also stepped up against the Chiefs, making 13 catches for 224 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Shayne Graham’s game-winning field goal as time expired lifted the Saints to a National Conference wildcard win over the host Eagles.
“It was about being patient and taking what they were giving us,” said Saints quarterback Drew Brees. “We came up with some great plays. Everybody played great. This is a total team effort.”
Eagles quarterback Nick Foles connected with Zach Ertz on a go-ahead three-yard touchdown pass with 4:54 left.
Brees then went to work, converting two key third downs with a pair of quarterback sneaks on the ensuing New Orleans possession.
That set the stage for Graham to end New Orleans’ road playoff hex. It was the Saints’ first road playoff win in six attempts. Graham replaced Garrett Hartley after week 15 of the regular season.
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