4-1, this is how good teams bounce back from a tough loss, and how elite teams play against mediocre opposition. When was the last time you saw the Colts consistently dominate playing against opponents that were considerably worse? As we prepare for two tough opponents coming up, the wind is definitely behind the Colts’ sails.
MVP of the Game: Jonathan Taylor
Three touchdowns for the MVP-candidate Jonathan Taylor, on a game where he failed to break out any long runs and was fairly contained by the Raiders’ front, but his red zone efficiency helped the Colts overcome their recent struggles in that area, and were the main reason why the team managed to win on Sunday. This is the best I have seen Taylor play, not only based on the numbers, which are impressive, but also the way he hits holes, makes tacklers miss with seemingly no effort, and also his improvements in pass-protection and pass-catching. He is the biggest reason why the offense is working like it is.
Dud of the Game (The Grigsy): Vacant
There is a positive recent trend of leaving this award vacant, which I am loving. Colts won 40-6, there is no meaningful player that had a bad game. I could have gone with Joe Bachie, the linebacker, who had a holding penalty on special teams negate a touchdown return, and had an overall bad day, highlighting the need for a linebacker to play alongside Franklin.
Best play of the Game: Daniel Jones’ TD pass to MPJ in red zone
This play had several good things going, which is why I went with it. First of all the context, with just 20 seconds remaining, no timeouts, and the kicker injured, the Colts managed to score the touchdown. Had the Raiders stopped them in that play then the Colts are probably forced to kick a field goal with Rigoberto Sanchez and who knows who as the holder. Then looking at Daniel Jones, the way he manages to escape the pressure and deliver a cross-body DOT to Pittman in the endzone, and then of course MPJ, who makes a really good catch, and through just five games is two touchdowns away from matching his career high.
Worst play of the Game: Geno Smith converting a 3rd and 2 on a QB sneak, first drive
Like the Dud of the Game award, there were not many plays to choose from here. I only have the first Raiders’ drive, where they drove the length of the field on 16 plays before having to settle for a field goal. On that drive, facing 3rd and 2, Raiders’ quarterback Geno Smith easily converted on a sneak facing little opposition.
Best position group: Secondary
Geno Smith finished the game 25/36, for just 228 yards and two interceptions. Charvarius Ward is a joy to watch, he just seems to have a magnet that keeps him stuck to whoever he was covering, and he also had some good hits on run defense. Mekhi Blackmon fell down to the ground once again allowing a big reception, but had an interception. Chris Lammons and Johnathan Edwards made some good plays breaking up passes. Nick Cross and Camryn Bynum continue to form one of the best safety duos in the NFL. Outside cornerback alongside Ward is still a big need, Jaylon Jones returning would be a big boost for this unit.
Unsung hero: Matt Goncalves
After Will Fries left for the Vikings, I was fairly worried about the right guard spot, the memories of the 2022 Matt Pryor/Danny Pinter season still fresh on my mind, but the Colts seem to have found yet another diamond in the rough in Matt Goncalves. He missed last game with a toe injury, but returned to the lineup yesterday and posted a team high grade in pass-blocking.
ROTW (Tyler Warren Award): Tyler Warren
This could just be set by default for the remainder of the season. Tyler Warren caught his first touchdown pass yesterday, and finished the game with 4 catches for 44 yards and a score. So far this season on just five games he already has the best individual season by a Colts’ tight end in the past 3 years. I still do not understand how on earth he was available at #14.
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