The Indianapolis Colts scored one of the most remarkable — and controversial — touchdowns that you'll ever see.
Colts defensive end DeForest Buckner sacked Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, forcing the ball out of Lawrence's hands that bounced around on the field for several seconds before safety Zaire Franklin capitalized on Jaguars' offensive players believing the ball was an incomplete pass, and popped it out of Tank Bigsby's hands, which allowed Buckner to recover the ball and rumble into the end zone for the touchdown.
It was the definition of a moment one has to see to believe.
This might be the weirdest scoop and score ever ?
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?: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/G4uoYVOqQn pic.twitter.com/tWz4xGOjPU— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2023
Franklin's heads up play showcased his football IQ, and why the Colts have voted him a captain the past two seasons, while allowing Buckner to wind up with a sack, forced fumble, fumble recovery, and return for a touchdown on the same play.
The fact that Franklin played until the whistle — that was never blown — is what gave Buckner the chance to capitalize.
But, it came down to a replay review for the play to even count in the first place.
The play, of course, was ruled a fumble, but could have just as easily been ruled an interception based on Lawrence's arm angle at the time he was hit.
For Lawrence, the play was one of the few blemishes on a stellar performance.
Through the first three quarters, Lawrence completed 20-of-27 passes for 203 yards with two touchdowns to one interception, and the fumble that was returned for a touchdown, with a 104.4 passer rating.
Jacksonville entered the season as a prohibitive favorite in the AFC South, in large part because of optimism Lawrence makes a significant leap in his third NFL season. But, after Week 1, the Colts defense showed that they are capable of giving Indianapolis the chance to emerge as a surprise contender.
