With the momentum of the game having shifted from the Indianapolis Colts to the Chicago Bears, rookie defensive end Laiatu Latu came up with a game-changing force fumble.
Following a Bears’ touchdown that made it a one score game, the Colts’ offense was forced to punt quickly. Down five and on their own 20 yard line, Bears’ quarterback Caleb Williams dropped back on first down and was stripped by Latu, who beat tight end Cole Kmet. Grover Stewart then recovered the fumble.
Laiatu putting his stamp on this one.
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— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) September 22, 2024
With Anthony Richardson and the Colts offense beginning at the Chicago 16, the offense quickly found the end zone a few plays later, essentially putting the game away, with Indianapolis taking a 21-9 lead.
Through the first two games, Latu hadn’t filled the stat sheet, totaling just one pressure, according to PFF, but he had won his matchups consistently, entering Week 3 ranked top-20 among all defensive ends in pass-rush win rate.
Eventually, consistency and winning his matchups that often was going to result in production and in this case, it was a high-impact play at a crucial moment in the game.