FINAL: The @Colts improve to 5-1! #AZvsIND The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Arizona Cardinals 31-27 in a thrilling Week 6 NFL matchup on October
Game OverviewThe Indianapolis Colts defeated the Arizona Cardinals 31-27 in a thrilling Week 6 NFL matchup on October 12, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. This high-scoring affair featured back-and-forth action, with the Colts rallying in the fourth quarter to secure their fifth straight win and take sole possession of first place in the AFC South. The Cardinals, playing without star QB Kyler Murray (foot injury), dropped their fourth consecutive game, extending a tough stretch marked by late collapses.The game was broadcast on FOX, drawing attention for its offensive fireworks and injury challenges on both sides. Colts QB Daniel Jones, in his resurgent 2025 season, orchestrated the game-winning drive, while Arizona’s backup Jacoby Brissett kept his team in contention with a strong passing performance.Key Stats and Highlights
- Final Score: Colts 31, Cardinals 27
- Time of Possession: Colts 29:42, Cardinals 30:18
- Total Yards: Colts 378, Cardinals 412
- Turnovers: Colts 1 (interception), Cardinals 1 (interception)
- No Punts in Second Half: The game turned into a shootout, with both teams trading scores deep into the fourth quarter.
| Category | Colts (IND) | Cardinals (ARI) |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 5-1 (4-0 home) | 2-4 (1-2 away) |
| Passing Yards | 212 (Jones: 22/30, 2 TD, 1 INT) | 320 (Brissett: 27/44, 2 TD, 1 INT) |
| Rushing Yards | 166 (Taylor: 21 carries, 123 yards, 1 TD) | 92 (Knight: 12 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD) |
| Top Receiver | Tyler Warren (6 rec, 63 yards, 1 TD) | Trey McBride (8 rec, 72 yards, 1 TD) |
| Sacks | 2 (on Brissett) | 1 (on Jones) |
| Field Goals | 1/1 (Ryland: 40 yards) | 1/1 (Badgley: 44 yards) |
Game Recap by Quarter
- First Quarter (Tied 7-7): The Colts struck first with a 10-play, 65-yard drive capped by a 5-yard TD pass from Jones to Josh Downs. Arizona answered quickly, as Brissett connected with Bam Knight for a 1-yard TD run after a 43-yard punt return set them up favorably.
- Second Quarter (Colts lead 14-10 at half): Jones scrambled for a 3-yard TD run to regain the lead. Brissett responded with a 26-yard TD pass to Trey McBride, but the Colts’ defense forced a three-and-out, leading to a 40-yard field goal by Chad Ryland just before halftime.
- Third Quarter (Cardinals lead 24-17): Arizona pulled ahead with a 1-yard TD reception by McBride on an 11-play drive. The Colts narrowed the gap when Jones hit Tyler Warren for a 12-yard TD pass.
- Fourth Quarter (Colts rally to win 31-27): Brissett’s 44-yard field goal (kicked by Michael Badgley) gave Arizona a 27-24 edge with 7:15 left. Jones then led a 75-yard drive, finding Alec Pierce for a 26-yard gain before Jonathan Taylor punched in the go-ahead 1-yard TD run with 4:32 remaining. The Colts’ defense held firm on Arizona’s final drive, stopping them on 4th-and-7 at the 9-yard line when Brissett’s pass to McBride fell incomplete—McBride argued he was held, but no flag came.
Turning Points
- Taylor’s Go-Ahead TD: With the game hanging in the balance, Taylor’s 123-yard rushing performance (his 27th career 100-yard game) broke Arizona’s top-10 rush defense, sealing the lead.
- Colts’ Goal-Line Stand: Despite driving to the 9-yard line in the final minute, Arizona couldn’t convert, marking their second straight week blowing a late lead.
- Jones’ Bounce-Back: After an early interception (his third of the season), Jones threw for 212 yards and ran for a score, validating his role as the starter over the injured Anthony Richardson (pregame eye injury).
Injuries Impacting the GameBoth teams dealt with significant setbacks, contributing to the chaos:
- Cardinals: QB Kyler Murray (foot, out); WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion, out after Q2 head bounce); TE Travis Vokolek (neck, carted off Q1); P Blake Gillikin (undisclosed, replaced by Pat O’Donnell).
- Colts: CB Kenny Moore II (Achilles, out pregame); RB Tyler Goodson (groin, out pregame); CB Charvarius Ward (concussion, out pregame); QB Anthony Richardson (eye, inactive after warmups).
Post-Game Notes
- Colts (5-1): Their offense ranks second in scoring (32.6 PPG), and this win solidifies their AFC South lead. Next: vs. Los Angeles Chargers (Oct. 19).
- Cardinals (2-4): Four straight losses, all decided by one score. Coach Jonathan Gannon praised the effort but lamented defensive lapses against the run. Next: vs. Green Bay Packers (Oct. 19).
- Notable Performances: Brissett’s 320 yards showed poise in relief, while Taylor exploited gaps for key chunk plays. Rookie TE Tyler Warren emerged as a red-zone threat for Indy.