With Pagano In Attendence, Colts Crush Buffalo’s Playoff Hopes

Nov. 25, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws a pass during first half action against the Buffalo Bills at Lucas Oil stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-US PRESSWIRE Lucas Oil Stadium

ChuckStrong lives on.

With head coach Chuck Pagano in attendance, the Indianapolis Colts were able to put together a solid enough performance to get by the Buffalo Bills 20-13 to improve to 7-4 on the season and drop the Bills to 4-7.

The win helps create a gap for the Colts in the race for the AFC wildcard spots while it all but finishes off the Bills slim playoff hopes for the 2012 season.

The game wasn’t the prettiest of affairs as the Colts managed only one offensive touchdown for the game. An eight yard touchdown pass on third and goal from Andrew Luck to fellow rookie T.Y. Hilton, who finished with two touchdowns on the day. Hilton opened the scoring with a 75 yard punt return in the first quarter. It was the Colts’ first punt return touchdown in five years.

Luck finished 20-37 for 240 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. It was a game that could arguably be viewed as one of Luck’s poorest performances of the season.  Wide receiver Reggie Wayne finished the day with eight catches for 102 yards.

On the Bills side of things, it wasn’t all bad, at least on the defensive side of the ball. Mario Williams continues to impress since having wrist surgery last month. He tallied three sacks for the Bills and now has 8.5 sacks in his first season with Buffalo.

The NFL’s leading rusher, in terms of yards per carry, C.J. Spiller had another big game, running the ball 14 times for 107 yards. He had just one catch for minus-4 yards, and was not on the field for numerous crucial situations for the Bills.