Indianapolis Colts · Franchise era 3 of 7
Baltimore's final chapter: the Indianapolis Colts story
Franchise era
1972—1983
Baltimore's final chapter
Indianapolis Colts
The story in one sentence
Jones's MVP-level peak produced three straight division titles before injuries, instability and stadium conflict preceded the move to Indianapolis.
The Sack Pack briefly revives a fading home
Bert Jones, Lydell Mitchell and Roger Carr gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for indianapolis searches for a cornerstone.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 1972
What came before
Baltimore's 1968 juggernaut suffered the league's most famous upset, then a veteran defense responded by winning Super Bowl V two years later.
1975-12-27
Divisional Round: Baltimore Colts vs Pittsburgh Steelers
1976-12-19
Divisional Round: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Colts
1977-12-24
Divisional Round: Oakland Raiders vs Baltimore Colts
After 1983
What came next
Dickerson supplied the first playoff breakthrough and Harbaugh's 1995 team came within one catch of the Super Bowl before the franchise found its defining draft pick.
The core