In sports, the idea of competing until the end is a common theme among teams. But in the event of a blowout, it doesn’t become a reality. The odds are simply too much to overcome and a looming defeat has to be accepted.

On October 6, 2003, the Indianapolis Colts were facing some long odds against a very tough opponent in the reigning Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The score was 35-14 after Colts quarterback Peyton Manning threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown, 5:09 was remaining in the ball game and it appeared the Colts were going to suffer their first loss of the regular season.

What could have been a statement win by the Buccaneers, turned into an all-time comeback as the Colts erased a 21 point deficit and eventually won 38-35 in overtime.

The Colts actually became the first team in NFL history to come back from that deficit and win with less than five minutes left in regulation.

While the Monday night matchup was expected to be competitive, it took a serious turn with a Buccaneers 21-0 lead. Offensively and defensively, they attacked the Colts with various levels of efficiency and aggressiveness.

Today in #NFLHistory Peyton Manning and the @Colts become the first team to win after trailing by 21+ points with 4 mins left in the 4th q. pic.twitter.com/dkO5W2WLmh — NFL History (@NFLhistory) October 6, 2017

Quarterback Brad Johnson connected with several targets such as Keenan McCardell, who caught two touchdown passes. Although the Colts fought back and stayed within two touchdowns, Ronde Barber’s pick six in the fourth quarter appeared to be the dagger.

But that was before returner Brad Pyatt took the following kick off 90 yards upfield. The Colts then took advantage of their new field position and scored a rushing touchdown by running back James Mungro to make 35-21 with 3:37 remaining.

Momentum continued to stay with the Colts as they executed an onside kick and scored quickly to make it a seven-point game and then ran a one-yard touchdown with 35 seconds left to tie it up.

After over 11 minutes of overtime, the Colts finally completed their comeback.

Mike Vanderjagt barely makes a 29-yard field goal. He actually missed a 40 yard 40-yard beforehand but it nullified by a penalty committed by the Buccaneers.

When looking closely at the Colts’ remarkable comeback, their offense scored on their final four offensive drives after being down 35-14. Manning threw for 386 passing yards and two touchdowns.

The recently inducted Hall of Famer in Harrison brought in 11 receptions for 176 receiving yards and three touchdowns in what would soon be known as one of the greatest comebacks in league history.

Related Brandon Stokley claims Peyton Manning once got him benched

Following years of inconsistency, the Colts were turning into a legitimate playoff contender finding their way. A new edge was being born and that night in Tampa Bay contributed to it.