INDIANAPOLIS — Spencer Shrader was preparing for the toughest kick of his young NFL life.

And Shane Steichen seemed intent on making it as difficult as possible.

With time winding down Sunday at a raucous Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indianapolis Colts trailed Denver, 28-26. But they were driving.

First-and-10 at the Broncos’ 43-yard line, one minute, 44 seconds remaining.

“We were in field-goal range there,’’ Steichen insisted.

Without moving the football, Shrader was looking at a 59-ish-yard field goal. His career long: 45.

Three Jonathan Taylor runs netted 1 yard for fourth-and-9 at the 42.

Steichen allowed the clock to wind to :03 and Shrader, in just his sixth game with a career long of 45, trotted out for a 60-yard win-it-or-not field-goal attempt.

“I prepare like the situation is

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