The 1988 season marked the 36th year for the Indianapolis Colts in the National Football League and their fifth season based in Indianapolis. It was a season of notable performances and strategic decisions, ultimately seeing the team achieve a respectable record and a strong divisional standing. The Colts finished the year with 9 wins and 7 losses, a record that placed them in a tie for second in the AFC East division with the New England Patriots.
However, the Colts secured the advantage over the Patriots due to a superior record against common opponents, finishing 7-5 compared to New England's 6-6.
Early in the season, a significant personnel change occurred when head coach Ron Meyer demoted quarterback Gary Hogeboom to backup, promoting Jack Trudeau to the starting position. This decision prompted Hogeboom to request either a trade or his release, indicating the team's commitment to Trudeau as their primary signal-caller for the season. Such internal dynamics often play a crucial role in a team's performance, and the Colts navigated this change while striving for success on the field.
Pivotal Victories and Challenging Road Games
The Colts' 1988 schedule included a mix of home and away games, with several contests proving pivotal to their final record. One of the most dominant performances came in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos at the Hoosier Dome. On October 31, the Colts secured a resounding 55-23 victory, a high-scoring affair that saw them put up 21 points in the first quarter and 24 in the second. This game, played indoors with an attendance of 60,544, was a clear demonstration of the team's offensive capabilities.
Following this impressive win, the Colts continued their positive momentum with a 38-14 home victory over the New York Jets in Week 10 on November 6. They then took to the road, defeating the Green Bay Packers 20-13 at Lambeau Field in Week 11 on November 13. However, their road success was not universal, as they faced a tough 3-12 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome in Week 12 on November 20. Despite this setback, the Colts bounced back, securing a 24-21 home win against the New England Patriots in Week 13 on November 27, further solidifying their divisional standing.
Season Conclusion and Divisional Standing
As the season progressed, the Colts continued to battle for position. They achieved another road victory in Week 14, defeating the Miami Dolphins 31-28 at Joe Robbie Stadium on December 4. This win was crucial in maintaining their competitive edge. However, they experienced another road loss in Week 15, falling 16-34 to the New York Jets at The Meadowlands on December 10. The regular season concluded with a home game against the Buffalo Bills in Week 16 on December 18, where the Colts emerged victorious with a 17-14 score.
This final win brought their season record to 9-7, a significant achievement that placed them tied for second in the AFC East. The tie-breaking scenario, based on their superior record against common opponents (7-5 compared to New England's 6-6), ultimately positioned the Colts ahead of the Patriots. The 1988 season for the Indianapolis Colts was characterized by key victories, strategic quarterback changes, and a strong finish that highlighted their competitive spirit within the AFC East division.
