KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Despite rushing for 352 yards, the Kansas City Chiefs lost their home finale to the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Colts (10-5, 4-4 away) owned the NFL’s worst record last year, and clinched a spot in the playoffs with Sunday’s win. With 4:08 to play in the fourth quarter, rookie quarterback Andrew Luck found wide receiver Reggie Wayne for a seven-yard touchdown pass, capping the 73-yard game winning drive.
Luck also set a new record for most single-season passing yards by a rookie in the process. Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton held the previous record at 4,051 yards.
The Chiefs (2-13, 1-7 home) almost got to play the role of the Grinch in Chiefs red. However, a Chiefs win would’ve likely cost them the first overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. The Chiefs are currently in line for the first overall pick, owning the tiebreaker over the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-13).
After holding Indianapolis to three and out to start the game, Chiefs QB Brady Quinn threw a pick six to cornerback Darius Butler, who returned the interception 32 yards for a TD. The Chiefs went on a 68-yard drive midway through the second quarter, but the drive was halted when running back Jamaal Charles lost a fumble on the Colts 16-yard line.
Indy led 13-3 at the half, but Kansas City opened up the second half in a big way. On the first play from scrimmage, Charles broke off an 86-yd TD run to trim the deficit to 13-10.
The Chiefs went on a 67-yd drive on their next possession, but CB Vontae Davis intercepted Quinn’s pass in the end zone. Kicker Ryan Succop tied the game at 13-13 with a 47-yd field goal with 10:03 to play in the third quarter, and it stayed that way until the Colts’ game winning drive in the fourth.
Charles’ 226 yards rushing was good for the third most in a single game in franchise history. He also holds spots one and two on the all-time list. RB Peyton Hillis rushed for 101 yards. The Chiefs racked up a total of 507 yards on offense.
The Chiefs will play their season finale against the Denver Broncos next Sunday afternoon at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
