Mike Vanderjagt's missed kick haunts Colts' Super Bowl dreams in 2005

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 12:00 PM

Last updated Jun 18, 2026

Mike Vanderjagt's missed kick haunts Colts' Super Bowl dreams in 2005
Summary

On January 15, 2006, Mike Vanderjagt missed a game-tying 46-yard field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Round, ending the Colts' playoff run. This moment is revisited in a new analysis exploring its impact on the franchise's history. If Vanderjagt had made the kick, the Colts would have tied the game and sent it to overtime, where they could have secured a chance to reach the Super Bowl. However, the outcome remained uncertain as the Steelers had largely controlled the game prior to the missed kick.

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By the Numbers
  • Vanderjagt's kick missed in the AFC Divisional Round against Pittsburgh.
  • The Colts were 14-2 and viewed as strong contenders that season.
  • If the kick was made, the game would have gone to overtime.
  • Pittsburgh outplayed the Colts for most of the game.
  • The Colts would have faced the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game.
Latest Updates
  • 12:00 PMYahoo SportsColts What If: What if Mike Vanderjagt made the kick against the Steelers?
What they're saying
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Revisiting the missed kick that could have sent one of the best Colts teams ever on a Super Bowl path.

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