The Denver Broncos vs the Indianapolis Colts game ended with the Colts winning 29-28 with a game-winning field goal by Colts kicker, Spencer Schrader. The option to score the goal came after a leverage penalty was awarded to the Colts, which allowed them to flip them game in the final moments.
Indianapolis Colts place kicker Spencer Shrader celebrates with Sith Rigoberto Sanchez and Cam Bynum after Schrader kicked a game winning field goal against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 14. (AP)
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A leverage penalty in the NFL happens when a defensive player tries to gain an unfair advantage on a field goal or extra point attempt. They are done for jumping or stepping on a teammate to block a kick or using another player’s body for leverage.
While on normal plays the penalty is 15 yards, if it happens on a field goal, it could prove detrimental for the affected team as the offense then usually gets a first down.
Why Was A Leverage Penalty Awarded To Colts?
A leverage penalty was awarded to the Colts because the referees deemed Broncos' defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike's intervention on a 60-yard field goal attempt by the Colts as "leverage."
It completely flipped the game as the Broncos were leading at the brink of the game's end, but after the leverage, the referee awarded the Colts the option of a 15-yard penalty or a short-field goal attempt. They chose the latter and took the game away from the Broncos in the final moments.
Shamik is a journalist covering the United States for Hindustan Times. He has more than four years of experience reporting on US politics, sports, and major breaking stories across fast-moving cycles. He previously worked at Times Now and Sportskeeda, building strong newsroom instincts and digital storytelling skills. At HT.com, he focuses on day-to-day coverage of US political developments while also handling high-impact stories that demand speed, accuracy, clarity, and context under pressure. Shamik has extensive experience covering NFL game days over the past two years, coordinating live updates, analysis, and explainers. He is particularly drawn to large news moments such as US elections and the Super Bowl, where he thrives at the news desk working alongside the team. He holds degrees in Media Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia and English Literature from Jadavpur University. Before entering journalism, he briefly worked in digital marketing and political consultancy roles. Currently a Senior Content Producer at HT Digital, he is driven by curiosity, discipline, and a constant desire to explore new and obscure topics. Outside work, he enjoys reading, films, sports, and learning continuously.
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Home/Sports/Us Sports/Broncos vs Colts: What is leverage penalty and how did it flip Sunday's game? Explained
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