NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Indianapolis Colts' defense wasn't worried about the 27-14 deficit it faced at the start of the fourth quarter. The Colts knew they would be able to keep their season from spiraling out of control if they could get off the field without giving up any points.
"We have 12!" safety Mike Adams said, referring to quarterback Andrew Luck.
The defense did its part by coming up with big plays, and Luck did the rest in leading the Colts to a come-from-behind 35-33 victory over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
"It sure felt like [the season was on the line] at the end of the game," an emotionally spent Luck said. "We did not want to lose. I don't even want to think about a loss, so I'm not going to. This one was big, very big. If this can jump-start a little hot streak, then that's what we need."
The Colts (1-2) picked a good time to avoid their first three-game losing streak since 2011.
Luck has proved throughout his career that he can put mistakes from earlier in the game behind him and do what's necessary to lead the Colts to victory. He has led the Colts to 12 career fourth-quarter and overtime come-from-behind victories.
"Grit, you know? We've been through this situation so many times, it's second-nature to us," wide receiver T.Y. Hilton said.
Luck was 11 of 13 for 144 yards and two touchdowns, including one that capped off a 98-yard drive, in the final 15 minutes of Sunday's game. His fourth-quarter play was a drastic improvement from the first three quarters, when he was 7 of 17 for 116 yards and two interceptions while being blitzed on 59 percent of his dropbacks.
"We go as far as 12 goes," linebacker Robert Mathis said. "He's the motor to our vehicle. We just ride the motor to his coattail."