Tag: Marcus Johnson

5 Colts to watch vs. Saints in Week 15

Colts to watch in Week 15.

The Indianapolis Colts (6-7) will be doing all they can to keep their playoff hopes alive Monday night when they travel to take on the New Orleans Saints (10-3) at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Needing to win out in the final three games of the regular season to have any chance at making the playoffs, the Colts face a tough challenge in the Saints, who have won three of their last four games.

Here are five Colts to watch in the Week 15 matchup:

AP Photo/Chris O’Meara

WR Marcus Johnson

The Colts might be seeing the return of T.Y. Hilton on Monday night but that is still undetermined until the inactives come out. Regardless, Johnson should have another big role in the passing game coming off of his career performance against the Bucs in Week 14.

Catching three passes for 105 yards and a touchdown, Johnson was a big-play machine in a game in which the Colts needed to keep up on the road. Something similar could happen Monday night as the Colts battle a Saints team that is averaging over 26 points per game.

Who will emerge in the passing game remains to be seen, but Johnson has as good of a chance as any with his recent emergence.

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Stock up, stock down in Colts’ loss to Bucs

Stock report from the Week 14 loss.

Losers in five of their last six games, the Indianapolis Colts (6-7) have seen their season go from being a potential division winner to out of the playoffs in the matter of a month and a half.

Sunday’s 38-35 loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) all but closed the casket on the Colts’ season—if they lose in Week 15 to the New Orleans Saints, it is officially over.

Here is the stock up, stock down from Sunday’s loss:

AP Photo/Chris O’Meara

Stock Up: WR Marcus Johnson

The Colts have been seriously plagued with injuries at the wide receiver position this season. That said, there have been some intriguing instances when it comes to players stepping up when needed most. The latest player to do so was Johnson.

Leading the team with 105 receiving yards, Johnson got his day started on Jacoby Brissett’s first pass, beating broken coverage for a 46-yard touchdown bomb early in the first quarter.

The Colts have always liked Johnson and he’s proving to be a quality depth piece in the wide receiver room.

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5 takeaways from Colts’ 38-35 loss vs. Buccaneers

Takeaways from the Week 14 loss.

Well, it was fun while it lasted. As the Indianapolis Colts (6-7) entered Sunday’s game, their dimming playoff hopes were depended on their efforts to win out and receive much help along the way. While one of their main competitors did lose at home, the Colts couldn’t help themselves as they ultimately lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 38-35.

It was another week consisting of blown second-half leads and costly mistakes as the Colts fell below .500, for just the second time this season. With only three games remaining, this AFC South competitor now has a 2% chance of making the playoffs and will need even more help in order to do so.

Here are five takeaways from the Colts’ Week 14 loss:

AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio

Leonard possibly had the best game of his career

I know this headline can be considered a little crazy since linebacker Darius Leonard has had plenty of memorable performances, but I don’t believe it is far fetched. The reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year made history in Sunday’s game while also taking it over at times.

For the first time in his pro-playing career, Leonard came up with multiple interceptions and returned one for a touchdown, his first pick-six ever. Lastly, the man who’s better known as “Maniac” entered his name in the record books. Since 1982, Leonard is the one and only defensive player who has recorded 10+ sacks and over five interceptions in his first 25 career games.

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Studs and duds from Colts’ 38-35 loss to Bucs

Studs and duds from the 38-35 loss.

The Indianapolis Colts (6-7) saw their already-thin playoff hopes get dashed Sunday when they lost 38-35 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) at Raymond James Stadium.

This was by far the most thrilling game of the season for the Colts. There were countless lead changes, including three in the first half. The Colts took a 27-21 lead but found themselves outscored `17-8 in the second half for the loss.

Here are the studs and duds from the Week 14 loss:

Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

STUD: WR Marcus Johnson

The Colts were once again without T.Y. Hilton, who may not even play this season due to a lingering calf injury. However, the Colts got some help with their depth thanks to the performance of Johnson.

Starting the game off with a 46-yard touchdown catch from Jacoby Brissett, it looked like the Colts would move the ball through the air with ease. It wasn’t easy, but Johnson still had a strong day. He finished with three catches on seven targets for 105 yards and a touchdown.

Adding to the room will be necessary this offseason, but Johnson is a formidable depth piece.

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Colts drop 38-35 thriller vs. Bucs: Instant analysis

Analyzing the Colts’ loss against the Bucs.

The Indianapolis Colts (6-7) were defeated 38-35 in a thrilling battle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.

The game was over when…

…The Colts couldn’t convert a fourth-down attempt with 1:45 remaining in the game.

Game Balls

  • WR Marcus Johnson: Making big plays all day, Johnson caught three passes for 105 yards and a touchdown.
  • LB Darius Leonard: The engine of the defense, Leonard had two interceptions (one for a touchdown) and nine tackles.

Key Stats

  • The Colts had a 35-21 lead with six minutes left in the third quarter.
  • The Colts defense allowed a season-high 542 total yards.

Quick Hits

  • 35 points are the most the Colts have scored all season.
  • The defense also allowed the most points (38) and total yards (535) they have all season.
  • Replacing the injured Adam Vinatieri, Chase McLaughlin was 2/3 on field goals and made three extra points.
  • Jameis Winston is the first 400-yard passer against the Colts this year.
  • The Colts backfield combined for 18 carries for 40 yards (2.2 YPC).
  • The Colts have now lost five of their last six games.
  • Sitting at 6-7, the chances for the Colts to make the playoffs are all but over with three games remaining.

Injuries

  • WR T.Y. Hilton (calf), CB Kenny Moore (ankle) and K Adam Vinatieri (knee) were all inactive due to injuries.
  • CB Rock Ya-Sin (stinger) was ruled questionable in the fourth quarter but didn’t appear to return.

Up Next: The Colts are on the road again visiting the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football in Week 15.

WATCH: Jacoby Brissett, Marcus Johnson connect for 46-yard TD

Take a look at the touchdown pass from Jacoby Brissett to Marcus Johnson against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Indianapolis Colts got on the board early against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium thanks to a bomb touchdown from quarterback Jacoby Brissett to wide receiver Marcus Johnson.

Following Darius Leonard’s third interception on the season, the Colts found a big play downfield in broken coverage on a third-and-six. Brissett had great pocket mobility to step up and deliver the bomb.