It was not always the prettiest of games at times, but the Colts picked up a victory over the previously undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers. However, a hip injury to Anthony Richardson means that the chart we’re looking at today belongs to Joe Flacco.
That’s about what I thought the chart would look like. Flacco peppered the short-to-intermediate area, with the occasional big shot downfield. And, while he did take those shots downfield – including one that clocks in at 50+ yards – he didn’t complete a pass over 15 yards. Still, it was a nice day at the office from Flacco off the bench. He completed 66.7% of his passes, turning in an EPA per play of 0.3.
Flacco’s ADOT (Average Depth of Target) of 10.6 looks like he was pushing the ball, it’s really a product of a couple of those super-deep shots bringing up the average on what was, overall, a pretty conservative approach. That’s no knock on Flacco or Shane Steichen: Flacco basically came in with a 14 point lead against a good defense. Having your veteran backup QB come in and minimize risks (while taking the occasional home run swing) is exactly the right approach.
The Colts scored a touchdown on their 1st 2 drives of the day, with Flacco coming in on the last play of the second drive to throw a touchdown pass to Josh Downs. That’s the play we’re looking at today.
After the Richardson injury, Flacco comes in facing 3rd & goal at the 4 yard line. The Colts come out in 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR) in a 2×2 shotgun formation, with Jonathan Taylor [28] aligned to the left of Flacco. On the right, Josh Downs [1] is originally aligned on the outside with Michael Pittman [11] in the slot.
Before the snap, Downs quick-motions in, which leads to the Steelers bumping their coverage, with Beanie Bishop Jr. [31] looking to pick up Downs from the slot and Joey Porter Jr. [24] picking up Pittman from the outside. While Porter Jr. bumps down a bit to pick up Pittman, he’s still playing heavy outside leverage, which is important.
At the snap, Downs reverses course and releases back to the right flat, once again causing the Steelers to switch their coverage. They do a good job of it, but Porter Jr. is playing extremely wide. That’s great if Downs is releasing to the flat, but Downs pivots back inside and Porter Jr. is in no position to do anything.
The linebackers in the middle close on it after the throw, but it’s too late. Flacco hits Downs out of the break and the Colts take a 14-0 lead.
Nice use of motion to create space, great route by Downs and a nice throw by Flacco. This is a beautiful concept, executed perfectly.
Albums listened to: Leif Vollebekk – Revelation; Richard Edwards – The King of the Spook Workers