1978 Divisional Playoff vs Raiders

Lore & Background

The game's conclusion remains one of the most debated moments in NFL history. With seconds remaining in regulation, a Raiders field goal attempt appeared to go through the uprights but was ruled no good, sending the game to overtime—though later reviews suggested the kick might have been good or the ruling incorrect. Regardless of the controversy, the Raiders won in overtime on a field goal by Errol Mann, ending the Colts' season.

In Their Own Story

The cold December wind whipped through Baltimore Memorial Stadium as Bert Jones dropped back for yet another pass. The scoreboard read 21-0, and the Raiders' defense was suffocating. But Jones spotted a glimmer of hope in the secondary. He launched a spiral that seemed to hang in the frigid air forever before landing safely in the hands of a receiver who fought through traffic. The crowd roared as the Colts began their miraculous march back from the brink, a testament to the unbreakable spirit of Marchibroda's squad.

Reader's Guide

The occasion was the AFC Divisional Playoff on December 31, 1978, where the Baltimore Colts hosted the Oakland Raiders. The game is remembered for an incredible third-quarter collapse by the Raiders and a historic comeback by the Colts, who overcame a 21-0 deficit to force overtime. The contest featured a dramatic finish involving a disputed play at the goal line that kept the game alive, followed by a Jim Breech field goal in overtime to secure the win. This victory propelled the Colts into the AFC Championship Game for the first time since their Super Bowl III era. It is remembered as a testament to resilience and coaching genius under Ted Marchibroda, proving that no deficit was too large to overcome in Baltimore. The game also intensified the animosity between the two franchises, adding another layer to one of the NFL's greatest rivalries.

Did You Know?

• The Colts trailed 31-14 in the fourth quarter before tying the game 31-31 with less than a minute left in regulation.
• Bert Jones threw for over 300 yards and rushed for one touchdown while also throwing for one touchdown in this single playoff game.
• The controversial ruling on the Raiders' final field goal attempt is still discussed by historians as a potential turning point.
• This loss marked the Colts' first playoff defeat since their Super Bowl championship season in 1970.