The Indianapolis Colts had a chance to complete a comeback during overtime of Sunday’s opener against the Houston Texans, and they put their faith in kicker Rodrigo Blankenship.
Through the first 50 minutes of the game, Blankenship was the entire offense for the Colts. His two field goals from 45 and 27 yards accounted for the only scores Indy put on the board. Then, things started getting dicey.
Right after the Colts tied the game in the fourth quarter with a Michael Pittman Jr. touchdown, Blankenship launched the ensuing kickoff out of bounds, giving the Texans starting field position at the 40-yard line.
Fortunately for Blankenship, the defense got a stop so that blunder didn’t come back to haunt them.
In overtime, the Texans won the toss and elected to receive, knowing a touchdown would win the game. Blankenship’s kick to begin overtime again landed out of bounds.
Twice in two consecutive kicks—inside a dome—Blankenship gave the Texans starting field position at the 40-yard line. And once again, he was bailed out by Kwity Paye’s two sacks on the opening overtime drive.
Then came the chance for redemption. The Colts could win the game with a field goal. It was a 42-yard attempt with two minutes left. Not necessarily a chip shot, but a kick that is expected to be made by a professional.
Clean snap. Clean hold. Blankenship sails the kick wide right.
Colts fans had seen enough, and they let their frustrations out on Twitter: