Colts’ Monday Morning Awards: Week 3 vs. Bears

Finally a win, but still plenty of doubts

MVP of the Game: Jonathan Taylor / Jaylon Jones

With Richardson going through the struggles of inexperience, the offense relies a lot on Taylor to both score and move the ball consistently, as the running back was once again the most productive offensive player by far, posting 24 touches for 135 yards and two touchdowns. JT is looking like the back the Colts imagined when they extended him, and with how well the offensive line has been blocking he looks set for a big season. Jaylon Jones had struggled on the first two games but came up big yesterday, recording two interceptions and five tackles, with the two takeaways coming at key moments of the game.

Dud of the Game: Anthony Richardson

There is no way to camouflage that Anthony Richardson has been bad the past two weeks. He is missing the easy passes, he is not making the right reads, he is turning the ball over, and he is not being used much as a runner so his production is severely limited. Given his inexperience this sort of games are understandable, but nonetheless worrying, as he looks much worse than when he played last season. I feel obliged to clarify that I am not over Richardson and not at all calling for his benching or anything like that, but this last game is one Steichen and co. probably don’t want to repeat from their quarterback anytime soon.

Play of the Game: Taylor’s 29-yard touchdown run

Explosive run by Taylor to open up the scoring and bring some balance to the Colts’ offense. This sort of plays by Taylor will help open up things for the passing game and hopefully not allow opposing offenses to play two-high safeties, limiting the deep ball, which seems to be the only pass that Richardson can hit at the moment.

Worst play of the game: Richardson’s red-zone interception

Yikes, this play brought some Carson Wentz’ flashbacks, as Richardson tried to do too much and his pass got tipped at the line of scrimmage before being picked off in the endzone. In such a low scoring affair, leaving three points on the table was a big blow.

Best position group: Defensive line

I understand they were playing against an offensive line featuring Colts’ legend Matt Pryor, but the defensive line still showed up big time, racking up 4 sacks and finally putting together a solid game against the run allowing just 59 yards on 25 carries to the Bears’ running backs. Keep in mind that the Colts’ defensive line is also missing their best two players in Samson Ebukam and DeForest Buckner.

Rookie of the Week: Laiatu Latu

Latu registered his first sack in the NFL, and it was long due as his six pressures on just 57 pass rushing snaps make him easily the most productive edge rusher on the team. His sack also caused a fumble recovered by the defense at the perfect time and allowed the Colts to close out the game. Clutch play worth a win by the rookie.

Unsung hero: Nick Cross

Cross once again got double digit tackles and quietly cemented himself as the Colts’ starting safety, emerging as a good player on what was perhaps the team’s weakest position group. His athleticism and surefire tackling makes him a big asset against the run and even though Odunze had a big catch on him he is constantly in the right place against the pass.