Imagine a game where the lead changes hands multiple times, injuries pile up, and the final minutes leave you on the edge of your seat. That's exactly what happened when the Indianapolis Colts narrowly defeated the Arizona Cardinals 31-27 on October 12, 2025, in a thriller that showcased both teams' resilience and flaws. But here's where it gets controversial... Was Trey McBride's fourth-down play in the end zone a missed holding call, or did the Colts' defense simply outmuscle the Cardinals? Let's dive into the details.
In a game that kept fans guessing until the very end, Daniel Jones delivered a solid performance, completing 22 of 30 passes for 212 yards, including two touchdown passes. One of those touchdowns went to rookie tight end Tyler Warren, who caught six passes for 63 yards, proving he’s a rising star to watch. Jonathan Taylor, the Colts' workhorse, sealed the deal with a 1-yard go-ahead score with just 4:32 left on the clock. Taylor’s 21 carries for 123 yards were a testament to his ability to grind out tough yards when it mattered most.
The Colts (5-1) extended their home winning streak to six games, remaining undefeated at Lucas Oil Stadium over the past two seasons. Meanwhile, the Cardinals (2-4) suffered their fourth consecutive loss, squandering a fourth-quarter lead for the second week in a row. And this is the part most people miss... Despite Jacoby Brissett’s impressive 320-yard, two-touchdown performance in relief of the injured Kyler Murray, Arizona’s defense couldn’t stop the Colts’ late-game surge, raising questions about their ability to close out games.
The final two quarters were a whirlwind of offensive fireworks, with both teams trading scores as defenses struggled to get stops. Arizona briefly took a 17-14 lead on Trey McBride’s 1-yard touchdown reception, but Indy responded with a 45-yard field goal to tie it up. Brissett then connected with Greg Dortch for a 12-yard touchdown, giving the Cardinals a 24-17 advantage. However, Jones found Josh Downs for a 5-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter to even the score again. After Arizona regained the lead with a 44-yard field goal, Taylor’s decisive run secured the Colts’ victory.
Now, let’s talk about the injuries... The game was marred by several concerning moments. Kyler Murray missed his first game since 2023 due to a foot injury, while Marvin Harrison Jr. was placed in concussion protocol after a hard hit. The scariest moment came when Travis Vokolek was carted off the field with a neck injury, though Fox Sports later reported he was alert and moving. For the Colts, starting cornerback Charvarius Ward and backup quarterback Anthony Richardson were both sidelined with injuries suffered during pregame warmups.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals return home to face the Green Bay Packers, while the Colts head to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers. But before we move on, let’s revisit that controversial fourth-down play. Did the officials miss a crucial call, or did the Colts simply outplay the Cardinals in the clutch? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions!
