Game story
In Week 8 of the 2002 NFL season on 2002-10-27, the Washington Commanders took care of business against the Indianapolis Colts, pulling away with a 26–21 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 20 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
P. Manning (Indianapolis Colts) paced the passing game, with -1.28 total EPA.
On the individual side, S. Matthews (Washington Commanders) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +5.84 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+11.5% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Indianapolis Colts changed the game: (6:53) 18-P.Manning pass to 35-R.Williams for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q4 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis Colts | 0 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| Washington Commanders | 10 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 26 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 S. Matthews · Washington Commanders · Passing · +5.84 total EPA · 37 snaps · +0.16 EPA/play
- 2 D. Thompson · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +4.30 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.61 EPA/play
- 3 D. McCants · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +3.98 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.57 EPA/play
- 4 M. Pollard · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +3.53 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.77 EPA/play
- 5 R. Williams · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +3.32 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.32 EPA/play
- 6 C. Doering · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +2.37 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.79 EPA/play
- 7 M. Harrison · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +2.05 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
- 8 P. Manning · Indianapolis Colts · Rushing · +1.71 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.71 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
S. Matthews — WAS · Passing
S. Matthews posted the highest total EPA (+5.84) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Washington Commanders's efficiency. Across 37 counted snaps, they averaged +0.16 EPA per play.
The signature play (-6.00 EPA) came from Washington Commanders: (2:14) 48-S.Davis right end to WAS 10 for no gain. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by IND-97-J.Cannida at WAS 10. 97-J.Cannida to WAS 3 for 7 yards (59-W.Brown).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Washington Commanders — D. McCants (S. Matthews pass)
- Washington Commanders — C. Doering (S. Matthews pass)
- Indianapolis Colts — P. Manning
- Indianapolis Colts — E. James (P. Manning pass)
- Indianapolis Colts — R. Williams (P. Manning pass)
Field goals
- Washington Commanders — J. Tuthill
- Washington Commanders — J. Tuthill
- Washington Commanders — J. Tuthill
- Washington Commanders — J. Tuthill
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 10–0. Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the IND 22 (Q1 54:55) — (9:55) 14-J.Tuthill 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the IND 9 (Q1 48:46) — (3:46) (Shotgun) 6-S.Matthews pass to 85-D.McCants for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the IND 2 (Q1 48:41) — 14-J.Tuthill extra point is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker..
The second quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 13–7. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the IND 33 (Q2 41:09) — (11:09) 6-S.Matthews pass to 84-C.Doering for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the IND 2 (Q2 41:00) — 14-J.Tuthill extra point is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the IND 5 (Q2 36:13) — (6:13) 14-J.Tuthill 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.; Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the WAS 1 (Q2 31:16) — (1:16) 18-P.Manning right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the WAS 2 (Q2 31:13) — 13-M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the IND 23 (Q2 30:04) — (:04) 14-J.Tuthill 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker..
The fourth quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 14–3. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the WAS 2 (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) 18-P.Manning pass to 32-E.James for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts registered a safety from the WAS 2 (Q4 14:56) — (Run formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 32-E.James rushes right guard. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the WAS 20 (Q4 6:53) — (6:53) 18-P.Manning pass to 35-R.Williams for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the IND 4 (Q4 0:22) — (:22) 14-J.Tuthill 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q4 6:53) — (6:53) 18-P.Manning pass to 35-R.Williams for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q4 10:07) — (10:07) 18-P.Manning pass intended for 32-E.James INTERCEPTED by 26-I.Ohalete at WAS 43. 26-I.Ohalete pushed ob at WAS 47 for 4 yards (81-M.Pollard).
- Washington Commanders (Q1 57:48) — (12:48) (Shotgun) 6-S.Matthews pass to 88-D.Thompson to IND 37 for 12 yards (50-D.Thornton).
- Indianapolis Colts (Q4 6:46) — (Run formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 18-P.Manning pass to 83-Q.Ismail is incomplete. ATTEMPT FAILS.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q4 0:11) — (:11) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass to 86-T.Walters to IND 45 for 8 yards. FUMBLES, touched at IND 47, RECOVERED by WAS-98-J.Armstead at IND 47. Walters attemped lateral.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Washington Commanders (Q2 32:14) — (2:14) 48-S.Davis right end to WAS 10 for no gain. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by IND-97-J.Cannida at WAS 10. 97-J.Cannida to WAS 3 for 7 yards (59-W.Brown).
- Indianapolis Colts (Q4 10:07) — (10:07) 18-P.Manning pass intended for 32-E.James INTERCEPTED by 26-I.Ohalete at WAS 43. 26-I.Ohalete pushed ob at WAS 47 for 4 yards (81-M.Pollard).
- Indianapolis Colts (Q3 24:33) — (9:33) 18-P.Manning pass intended for 88-M.Harrison INTERCEPTED by 21-F.Smoot at IND 26. 21-F.Smoot to IND 14 for 12 yards (42-D.Smith).
- Washington Commanders (Q2 41:09) — (11:09) 6-S.Matthews pass to 84-C.Doering for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
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) · 38 dropbacks · 55.3% completion · -0.03 EPA/play · -1.28 total EPA
- S.Matthews (Washington Commanders) · 37 dropbacks · 45.9% completion · +0.16 EPA/play · +5.84 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Indianapolis Colts | Washington Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.022 | +0.021 |
| Offensive success rate | 45.3% | 45.7% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.034 | +0.135 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.053 | -0.156 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.021 | +0.022 |
| Defensive success rate | 54.3% | 54.7% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Indianapolis Colts -0.02, Washington Commanders +0.02) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Indianapolis Colts: 11 drives, -1.67 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Washington Commanders: 12 drives, +1.96 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Washington Commanders 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.
- S. Matthews (Washington Commanders) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q1 54:55 · IND 22 · Score 0-3
(9:55) 14-J.Tuthill 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q1 48:46 · IND 9 · Score 0-9
(3:46) (Shotgun) 6-S.Matthews pass to 85-D.McCants for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q1 48:41 · IND 2 · Score 0-10
14-J.Tuthill extra point is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 41:09 · IND 33 · Score 0-16
(11:09) 6-S.Matthews pass to 84-C.Doering for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q2 41:00 · IND 2 · Score 0-17
14-J.Tuthill extra point is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker. - Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q2 36:13 · IND 5 · Score 0-20
(6:13) 14-J.Tuthill 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q2 31:16 · WAS 1 · Score 6-20
(1:16) 18-P.Manning right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q2 31:13 · WAS 2 · Score 7-20
13-M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith. - Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q2 30:04 · IND 23 · Score 7-23
(:04) 14-J.Tuthill 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q4 15:00 · WAS 2 · Score 13-23
(15:00) 18-P.Manning pass to 32-E.James for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts Safety (+2) — Q4 14:56 · WAS 2 · Score 15-23
(Run formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 32-E.James rushes right guard. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q4 6:53 · WAS 20 · Score 21-23
(6:53) 18-P.Manning pass to 35-R.Williams for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q4 0:22 · IND 4 · Score 21-26
(:22) 14-J.Tuthill 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-67-E.Albright, Holder-4-B.Barker.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Indianapolis Colts vs Washington Commanders?
The Washington Commanders beat the Indianapolis Colts 26-21 in Week 8, 2002 on 2002-10-27.
What was the final score of Indianapolis Colts vs Washington Commanders?
The final score was Indianapolis Colts 21, Washington Commanders 26 (IND 21-26 WAS) in Week 8, 2002 on 2002-10-27.
What was the score by quarter in Indianapolis Colts vs Washington Commanders?
Q1: Indianapolis Colts 0, Washington Commanders 10; Q2: Indianapolis Colts 7, Washington Commanders 13; Q4: Indianapolis Colts 14, Washington Commanders 3; Final: Indianapolis Colts 21, Washington Commanders 26.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Indianapolis Colts vs Washington Commanders?
Washington Commanders touchdown — D. McCants (S. Matthews pass) (Q1 48:46) Washington Commanders touchdown — C. Doering (S. Matthews pass) (Q2 41:09) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — P. Manning (Q2 31:16) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — E. James (P. Manning pass) (Q4 15:00) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — R. Williams (P. Manning pass) (Q4 6:53) Washington Commanders field goal — J. Tuthill (Q1 54:55, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — J. Tuthill (Q2 36:13, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — J. Tuthill (Q2 30:04, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — J. Tuthill (Q4 0:22, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Indianapolis Colts vs Washington Commanders?
P. Manning (Indianapolis Colts), 55.3% completion, -0.03 EPA per dropback, -1.28 total passing EPA. S. Matthews (Washington Commanders), 45.9% completion, +0.16 EPA per dropback, +5.84 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Indianapolis Colts vs Washington Commanders?
S. Matthews (Washington Commanders) led the game in total EPA with +5.84 on passing plays. across 37 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-6.00 EPA): (2:14) 48-S.Davis right end to WAS 10 for no gain. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by IND-97-J.Cannida at WAS 10. 97-J.Cannida to WAS 3 for 7 yards (59-W.Brown).. The biggest win-probability swing was +11.5%.
Was Indianapolis Colts vs Washington Commanders a close game?
Yes — the margin was 5 points. Washington Commanders won 26-21 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Indianapolis Colts
Entered 4-2 Now 4-3 L
Washington Commanders
Entered 2-4 Now 3-4 W
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