The Indianapolis Colts escaped with another win on Sunday to improve to 4-3 on the season. It wasn’t pretty, but all that matters at the end of the day is that it was a win.
I’ve now had the chance to go back and rewatch the Colts’ performance and made note of my key observations as I watched the second time through.
– It was a rough showing for the passing game–although I didn’t need to rewatch the game to know that. In his first game back, Anthony Richardson was off. There were off target throws, instances where he held on to the ball too long, and overall little rhythm. After the game, Shane Steichen shouldered the blame, saying that he didn’t do a good enough job with the gameplan. While, of course, it’s the coach’s job to take the blame, this also wasn’t only coach speak. Even with some success on the ground, there didn’t seem to be any unifying qualities between the run and passing games where they built off of each other. Instead, they operated as two separate entities, leading to the disjointed performance.
– Speaking of the run game, Richardson provided the offense a big boost in that regard. We saw his ability as a ball carrier on display in this game, but what was also noticeable was his ability to extend plays and how the defense defended the Colts run game as well. The attention Richardson drew helped open up some opportunities for the running backs and also forced Miami to not defend the backs as aggressively, with having to be mindful of Richardson.
– Somehow, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle combined for just 19 yards. The usage of cover-2 and cloud coverages by the Colts helped take away the downfield throws, but I’m still surprised there wasn’t more schemed up opportunities for either of these players by Miami in an effort to get Hill or Waddle the ball in space on quick throws where their playmaking can take over.
– Two huge takeaways for the defense. One gave the struggling Colts offense good field position that they were able to capitalize on with a touchdown and the other took points off the board by coming while Miami was in the red zone. At a minimum, those forced fumbles were a 10 point swing.
– At the center of those takeaways were linebackers Segun Olubi and Grant Stuard. Injuries to EJ Speed and Jaylon Carlies resulted in the Colts having to rely on their fourth and fifth linebackers in this game, but both players rose to the occasion. Olubi’s forced fumble and recovery set up the eventual touchdown on offense, while Stuard was in on the tackle that allowed Zaire Franklin to force the red zone fumble. Stuard also led the team in tackles with 19.
– With that said, where the Miami passing game did find some success was over the middle against the Colts’ linebackers and safeties with tight end Jonnu Smith. He finished the day with seven receptions for 96 yards and a score.
– It wasn’t a great showing for the Colts’ run game again, who allowed 186 yards at 4.7 yards per rush. However, while the stat sheet looks good for Miami, the Colts also didn’t allow the Dolphins to control the game on the ground either. They finished with only 10 points, were a modest 6-for-15 on third downs, and the time of possession battle was almost equal.
– That sequence at the end of the first half and start of the third quarter was massive for the Colts. With Miami going up 10-0 just before halftime and also starting with the ball, things were on the verge of getting out of hand. But that field goal from Matt Gay as time expire, which was sparked by a big play from Richardson to Michael Pittman, followed by the defense forcing a quick punt to begin the second half was pivotal.
– Gay was a big part of this win in going 3-for-3 on the day on field goal attempts, along with making a 52 yarder–a big kick for him given his struggles from distance. On the flip side, Jason Sanders missed field goal proved to be huge late in the game.
– The defensive front did a better job at creating pressure, but there is still certainly room for improvement, especially for a defense that is built around winning up front.
– Steichen gave Tyler Goodson more opportunities in this game to carry the ball than Trey Sermon. Previously, it was Sermon who saw more carries even though it was Goodson who was providing the juice in the run game. The two averaged 3.9 yards per rush against a defense allowing 4.7 yards per carry entering the game. Getting Jonathan Taylor back will not only be a big boost for the run game but the passing game as well.
– With Richardson at quarterback, the Colts have to find a way to get Josh Downs involved more. His presence on those short to intermediate routes has been crucial to helping the passing game get going in recent weeks, allowing the Colts to keep drives going.