INDIANAPOLIS -- The Colts went with a short-yardage lineup on their longest-yardage play of the game.
Quarterback Gardner Minshew hit receiver Alec Pierce for a 58-yard touchdown with 3:53 left in the second quarter, giving the Colts a 14-3 lead over the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Colts were facing a third-and-1 from their own 42-yard line and brought in a heavy personnel grouping. Top receiver Michael Pittman Jr. went to the sideline, leaving two tight ends and an eligible tackle in the game. Pierce was the lone wide receiver.
After a quick play-action fake to running back Trey Sermon, Minshew dropped back and heaved a deep throw to Pierce, who got behind cornerback Amik Robertson on a post route. Pierce caught Minshew's pass in stride and fended off Robertson and Jack Jones on his way to the end zone.
It was Pierce's second touchdown of the season.
.@GardnerMinshew5 & @alecpierce connect deep for six 🙌
— NFL (@NFL) December 31, 2023
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