Dallas Cowboys vs. Indianapolis Colts: 2010 Week 13 Recap

Game story

In Week 13 of the 2010 NFL season on 2010-12-05, the Dallas Cowboys took care of business against the Indianapolis Colts, pulling away with a 38–35 final that came down to the wire.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 29 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

P. Manning (Indianapolis Colts) paced the passing game, with -0.46 total EPA, and +12.2% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, R. Wayne (Indianapolis Colts) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +8.03 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (-33.0% win probability) landed in overtime when Indianapolis Colts changed the game: (11:21) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass intended for 84-J.Tamme INTERCEPTED by 50-S.Lee (21-M.Jenkins) at IND 49. 50-S.Lee to IND 36 for 13 yards (84-J.Tamme).

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

1. 1 R. Wayne · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +8.03 total EPA · 20 snaps · +0.40 EPA/play
2. 2 J. Kitna · Dallas Cowboys · Passing · +7.91 total EPA · 31 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play
3. 3 J. Witten · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +7.25 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.45 EPA/play
4. 4 P. Garcon · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +6.68 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.84 EPA/play
5. 5 R. Williams · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +4.31 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.44 EPA/play
6. 6 M. Bennett · Dallas Cowboys · Receiving · +1.09 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.36 EPA/play
7. 7 P. Garcon · Indianapolis Colts · Rushing · +0.77 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.77 EPA/play
8. 8 J. James · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +0.77 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

• Dallas Cowboys — T. Choice (Q1 55:23)
• Dallas Cowboys — O. Scandrick (Q2 44:22)
• Indianapolis Colts — P. Garcon (P. Manning pass) (Q2 36:03)
• Indianapolis Colts — R. Wayne (P. Manning pass) (Q3 29:02)
• Dallas Cowboys — S. Lee (Q3 20:05)
• Indianapolis Colts — J. James (Q4 15:00)
• Indianapolis Colts — T. Smith (Q4 13:05)
• Dallas Cowboys — J. Witten (J. Kitna pass) (Q4 2:43)
• Indianapolis Colts — J. James (Q4 0:33)

Field goals

• Dallas Cowboys — D. Buehler (Q1 46:44)
• Dallas Cowboys — D. Buehler (Q3 20:52)
• Dallas Cowboys — D. Buehler (OT 8:01)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.

The opening quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 10–0. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the IND 20 (Q1 55:23) — (10:23) (Run formation) 23-T.Choice left end for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the IND 2 (Q1 55:15) — 18-D.Buehler extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.; Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the IND 12 (Q1 46:44) — (1:44) 18-D.Buehler 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar..

The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the DAL 68 (Q2 44:22); Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the IND 2 (Q2 44:12) — 18-D.Buehler extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.; Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the DAL 13 (Q2 36:03) — (6:03) 18-P.Manning pass short middle to 85-P.Garcon for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q2 35:57) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-1-P.McAfee..

The third quarter: Dallas Cowboys won the period 10–7. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the DAL 34 (Q3 29:02) — (14:02) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep left to 87-R.Wayne for 34 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q3 28:53) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-1-P.McAfee.; Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the IND 28 (Q3 20:52) — (5:52) 18-D.Buehler 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the DAL 90 (Q3 20:05) — (5:05) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep left intended for 15-B.White INTERCEPTED by 50-S.Lee at IND 31. 50-S.Lee for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys added 1 points from the IND 2 (Q3 19:53) — 18-D.Buehler extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar..

The fourth quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 21–8. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the DAL 1 (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) 68-E.Foster reported in as eligible. 42-J.James up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q4 14:56) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-1-P.McAfee.; Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the IND 72 (Q4 13:05); Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q4 12:56) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-1-P.McAfee.; Dallas Cowboys found the end zone from the IND 2 (Q4 2:43) — (2:43) (Shotgun) 3-J.Kitna pass short left to 82-J.Witten for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Dallas Cowboys registered a safety from the IND 2 (Q4 2:38) — (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 3-J.Kitna pass to 11-R.Williams is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the DAL 2 (Q4 0:33) — (:33) 42-J.James up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the DAL 2 (Q4 0:29) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-1-P.McAfee..

Overtime: Dallas Cowboys won the period 3–0. Dallas Cowboys connected on a field goal from the IND 20 (OT 8:01) — (8:01) 18-D.Buehler 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.

• Indianapolis Colts (OT 11:21) — (11:21) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass intended for 84-J.Tamme INTERCEPTED by 50-S.Lee (21-M.Jenkins) at IND 49. 50-S.Lee to IND 36 for 13 yards (84-J.Tamme). [WPA -33.0% · EPA -4.13]
• Dallas Cowboys (Q4 13:05) — (13:05) 1-M.McBriar punt is BLOCKED by 10-T.Smith, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, RECOVERED by IND-10-T.Smith at DAL 2. 10-T.Smith for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -24.3% · EPA -5.27]
• Indianapolis Colts (Q4 0:33) — (:33) 42-J.James up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +15.7% · EPA +1.47]
• Indianapolis Colts (Q3 20:05) — (5:05) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep left intended for 15-B.White INTERCEPTED by 50-S.Lee at IND 31. 50-S.Lee for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -15.1% · EPA -6.24]
• Dallas Cowboys (Q4 3:34) — (3:34) 18-D.Buehler 24 yard field goal is GOOD, NULLIFIED by Penalty, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar. PENALTY on IND-68-E.Foster, Leverage, 3 yards, enforced at IND 6 - No Play. [WPA +14.5% · EPA +3.17]

Impact plays

Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.

• Indianapolis Colts (Q2 44:22) — (14:22) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass short left intended for 15-B.White INTERCEPTED by 32-O.Scandrick at IND 40. 32-O.Scandrick for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -9.7% · EPA -7.42]
• Indianapolis Colts (Q3 20:05) — (5:05) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep left intended for 15-B.White INTERCEPTED by 50-S.Lee at IND 31. 50-S.Lee for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -15.1% · EPA -6.24]
• Dallas Cowboys (Q4 13:05) — (13:05) 1-M.McBriar punt is BLOCKED by 10-T.Smith, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, RECOVERED by IND-10-T.Smith at DAL 2. 10-T.Smith for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -24.3% · EPA -5.27]
• Indianapolis Colts (OT 11:21) — (11:21) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass intended for 84-J.Tamme INTERCEPTED by 50-S.Lee (21-M.Jenkins) at IND 49. 50-S.Lee to IND 36 for 13 yards (84-J.Tamme). [WPA -33.0% · EPA -4.13]

Quarterback report card

P.Manning led all passers in efficiency for Indianapolis Colts, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

• P.Manning (Indianapolis Colts) · 49 dropbacks · 73.5% completion · +12.2% CPOE · -0.01 EPA/play · -0.46 total EPA
• J.Kitna (Dallas Cowboys) · 31 dropbacks · 58.1% completion · +9.4% CPOE · +0.26 EPA/play · +7.91 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.

By the numbers

Despite the final score, Dallas Cowboys generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.05 vs -0.04), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

• Dallas Cowboys: 13 drives, +5.02 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
• Indianapolis Colts: 14 drives, -3.51 total EPA, 6 scoring drives

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.

• Dallas Cowboys leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
• One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
• R. Wayne (Indianapolis Colts) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
• P. Manning (IND) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
• J. Kitna (DAL) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.

1. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q1 55:23 · IND 20 · Score 6-0
   (10:23) (Run formation) 23-T.Choice left end for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
2. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q1 55:15 · IND 2 · Score 7-0
   18-D.Buehler extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
3. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q1 46:44 · IND 12 · Score 10-0
   (1:44) 18-D.Buehler 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
4. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q2 44:22 · DAL 68 · Score 16-0
   (14:22) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass short left intended for 15-B.White INTERCEPTED by 32-O.Scandrick at IND 40. 32-O.Scandrick for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q2 44:12 · IND 2 · Score 17-0
   18-D.Buehler extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
6. Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q2 36:03 · DAL 13 · Score 17-6
   (6:03) 18-P.Manning pass short middle to 85-P.Garcon for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
7. Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q2 35:57 · DAL 2 · Score 17-7
   4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-1-P.McAfee.
8. Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q3 29:02 · DAL 34 · Score 17-13
   (14:02) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep left to 87-R.Wayne for 34 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
9. Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q3 28:53 · DAL 2 · Score 17-14
   4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-1-P.McAfee.
10. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — Q3 20:52 · IND 28 · Score 20-14
    (5:52) 18-D.Buehler 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
11. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q3 20:05 · DAL 90 · Score 26-14
    (5:05) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep left intended for 15-B.White INTERCEPTED by 50-S.Lee at IND 31. 50-S.Lee for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
12. Dallas Cowboys XP (+1) — Q3 19:53 · IND 2 · Score 27-14
    18-D.Buehler extra point is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.
13. Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q4 15:00 · DAL 1 · Score 27-20
    (15:00) 68-E.Foster reported in as eligible. 42-J.James up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
14. Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q4 14:56 · DAL 2 · Score 27-21
    4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-1-P.McAfee.
15. Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q4 13:05 · IND 72 · Score 27-27
    (13:05) 1-M.McBriar punt is BLOCKED by 10-T.Smith, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, RECOVERED by IND-10-T.Smith at DAL 2. 10-T.Smith for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
16. Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q4 12:56 · DAL 2 · Score 27-28
    4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-1-P.McAfee.
17. Dallas Cowboys TD (+6) — Q4 2:43 · IND 2 · Score 33-28
    (2:43) (Shotgun) 3-J.Kitna pass short left to 82-J.Witten for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
18. Dallas Cowboys Safety (+2) — Q4 2:38 · IND 2 · Score 35-28
    (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 3-J.Kitna pass to 11-R.Williams is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
19. Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q4 0:33 · DAL 2 · Score 35-34
    (:33) 42-J.James up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
20. Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q4 0:29 · DAL 2 · Score 35-35
    4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-1-P.McAfee.
21. Dallas Cowboys FG (+3) — OT 8:01 · IND 20 · Score 38-35
    (8:01) 18-D.Buehler 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-91-L.Ladouceur, Holder-1-M.McBriar.