The NFL is taking Colts fans back in time with a thriller airing on NFL Network

We are in the slow period of the NFL offseason. Indianapolis Colts players are currently on break until they report for Training Camp on July 24.

Thankfully, the NFL is helping fill the time for Colts fans by airing the team's 2004 matchup with the then-San Diego Chargers on NFL Network tonight at 8 pm Eastern Standard Time.

Colts vs Chargers 2004

This matchup took place during Week 16 of the 2004-2005 season. The Colts and Chargers were having strong years, with both entering the game with records of 11-3. Both offenses were led by now Hall of Famer Peyton Manning and future Hall of Famer Drew Brees.

The game certainly lived up to the hype, with regulation not being enough to produce a winner. The game went into overtime, with both teams tied at 31. The Colts would leave the game victorious, thanks to an overtime field goal from Mike Vanderjagt. And I'm sure Colts fans everywhere don't need an excuse to watch their team beat the Chargers, a team they've struggled to beat throughout the years.

The NFL finally puts the Colts in primetime

A bonus is the game will be aired on Monday night at 8 pm Eastern Standard Time. This means the NFL is putting the Colts on primetime for a change (insert the ba dum tss sound here).

On a more serious note, if you choose to tune in to the broadcast of the 2004 matchup, you will get to watch a special performance from Chargers RB and now NFL Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson, as well as strong performances from multiple legendary Colts players such as Manning, Edgerrin James, and the teams-leading WR on the day, wasn't legends Marvin Harrison, or Reggie Wayne, (checks stat sheet one more time for dramatic effect) it was Brandon Stokely.

Stat Leaders:

Passing:

Colts: Peyton Manning 27/44, 383 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Chargers: Drew Brees 21/31, 290 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT

Rushing:

Colts: Edgerrin James 22 carries, 86 yards
Chargers: LaDainian Tomlinson 21 carries, 81 yards, 1 TD

Receiving:

Colts: Brandon Stokley 7 catches, 123 yards, 1 TD
Chargers: Eric Parker 7 catches, 103 yards, 1 TD

Defense:

Colts: Dwight Freeney 1 sack, Rob Morris 1 INT
Chargers: Steve Foley 3 sacks, Donnie Edwards 1 INT

Special Teams:

Colts: Mike Vanderjagt 4/5 FGs, Dominic Rhodes 6 kick returns 236 yards, 1 TD
Chargers: Nate Kaeding 1/1 FG, Tim Dwight 5 kick returns 104 yards

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