Colts’ Player of the Game vs. Panthers: RB Nyheim Hines

In a week the Colts desperately needed a win, they delivered in the home finale against Carolina.

In a week the Colts desperately needed a win, they delivered in the home finale against Carolina. The 38-6 victory made a lot of fans and even players a little more confident in this team going into next season.

The X-factor of this game was running back Nyheim Hines who took not one, but two punt returns to the house. His production has been lacking in recent weeks but today he stepped up in a big way.

Perhaps it was foreshadowing when on the first punt of the game, Hines had an impressive return for 40 yards. However, he would not let this effort go unrewarded.

On the second punt of the game in the first quarter, Hines took one all the way for 84 yards making defenders miss left and right. His speed and acceleration in the open field is something that is hard for defenders to match.

Hines capped off his great day with another punt return in the fourth quarter that he carried into the endzone once more for 71 yards, sealing the victory and his career day.

He totaled 195 yards on three returns while also contributing one carry for four yards and one catch for two yards.

Hines’ offensive production has definitely dipped this season due to a lack of touches, but after an amazing day today he may have to be involved in the game plan going forward.

The Colts travel to Jacksonville for the season finale where they hope to pick up another win and have a good finale to a somewhat disappointing 2019.