Colts’ Monday Morning Awards: Week 1 vs. Texans

Disappointing debut once again for the Colts, but there are plenty of positives to take away from the game

MVP of the Game: Anthony Richardson

If you are not excited about the game played by the Colts franchise quarterback yesterday, then I don’t know what to tell you. Sure, the lack of accurracy is still an issue and there were several missed throws, but his deep ball placement and mobility make him just way too dangerous. Look at the good plays, the deep balls, the pocket mobility, the scramble on 4th down taking down a defender into the endzone when the game was on the line. If the Colts can support him with a consistent running game, which was lacking yesterday (JT just 3 yards per carry), and with more and more game experience I believe Richardson will only get better. Keep in mind that this is still technically just a rookie, and a rookie with not much starting experience in college. I also wanted to point out the accountability and leadership from him at just 22-years old, taking the blame for the defense’s struggles because he (and the offense) did not give them much time to rest.

Dud of the Game: Zaire Franklin / E.J. Speed

In case you did not know this, Franklin and Speed started a podcast in the offseason, and one of the biggest talking points was the rivarly with C.J. Stroud, and how he “disrespected” the city of Indy. Yesterday’s tackling and run defending display was a much worse lack of respect than anything Stroud could have said. The Texans finished the game with 40 carries for 213 yards, a whooping 5.3 yards per carry, the icing on the cake being the 3rd and 3 run late in the game where Speed completely whiffed on Mixon and sealed the game. If you are going to do all that talking, and then play so terribly bad, then it is probably best to shut down the podcast and start focusing on run fits.

Play of the Game: Richardson’s 60-yard TD bomb to Alec Pierce

Talk about a big time player making big time plays. Yes, AR is still raw and he makes his fair share of mistakes, but when it hits, it just leaves you with the jaw on the floor. I also could have gone with the 3-yard touchdown run on 4th down as that was also really clutch, and on the most important play of the game, but this was one was simply beautiful.

Best position group: Vacant

I was tempted to go with the defensive line on this one because of how they harassed C.J. Stroud in the passing game, but a big part of the blame for the Texans’ 200 yards on the ground is definitely on them. The offensive line was okay but left much to be desired in the running game, the linebackers were terrible, the wide receivers or tight ends did not see much action, and the secondary struggled.

Rookie of the Week: Anthony Gould

This is more of a lack of production from the other rookies than merit on Gould, who still had a solid debut returning the kickoffs under the new rule. Of course given it was just his debut he will get better as the season moves on, and I think it is just a matter of time before he breaks one out for a touchdown.

Unsung Hero: Tyquan Lewis / Alec Pierce

Two overlooked pieces on the Colts’ roster showed up on the debut. Of course Pierce took all the flashes, as he is the biggest beneficiary from having a quarterback that is a deep ball specialist, finishing the game with 3 catches for 125 yards and a touchdown. Tyquan Lewis is one of my favourite players on the roster, and I believe he is severely underrated. He finished yesterday’s game with 4 solo tackles and a sack on 52 snaps.