8-6, four losses in a row, and the playoffs look further and further away each week, but gaddumit this one was fun. I cannot bring myself to be mad about this one. Yes it would have been amazing to win it, especially after being so close, but everyone gave their uttermost effort yesterday, and the coaching was elite, against such a tough and formidable opponent. It was also Philip Rivers’ first game back, and to my surprise he actually looked somewhat decent, which gives me a bit of hope for the end.
MVP of the Game: Blake Grupe
Where have you been this entire year dear Grupe? Having just been brought off the Saints’ practice squad, Grupe nailed all his kicks including a 60-yarder for the win. Simply amazing stuff for a player that assured himself a job for the final three weeks, and with Rivers’ limited athleticism there is a decent chance that the Colts are more conservative in 4th down, leading to more opportunities for him. I predict an upcoming camp battle between him and Spencer Shrader for the Colts’ kicking job next season.
Dud of the Game (The Grigsy): Vacant
It is really hard to find someone to blame for the outcome of the game. This was a team playing a quarterback coming off five years retired, two backup tackles for most of the game, without their starting cornerbacks, and their best defensive player in DeForest Buckner, against one of the hottest teams in the NFL, away from home. They showed pride, and they showed a fire that I have not seen from this team in recent history. I can always tolerate losing, but what I can never tolerate is playing without passion.
Best play of the Game: Rivers’ touchdown pass to Downs
Not an amazing play per-se, but the emotions behind Rivers’ first touchdown pass since coming out of retirement, and what it meant for everyone on the sidelines and for this team, this was clearly the play of the game. Honorable mention goes to Grupe’s 60-yard field goal to give the Colts the lead late in the game, amazing stuff from the kicker there.
Worst play of the Game: Myers’ 56-yard game winner
Hats off to Myers who nailed a 56-yard game winner right down the middle. What was bad was not the game winner but the drive that put the Seahawks in field goal position when a single stop would have been enough to seal the game, but it is hard blaming a defense that held one of the hottest offenses in the NFL to just 18-points playing without their three best players.
Best position group: Offensive line
Missing their two starting tackles after Braden Smith was ruled out with a concussion and Raimann left before the half dealing with an arm injury, having to protect a 44-year old statue with zero mobility, the offensive line more than held their own against one of the most productive pass-rushing units in the league. Hats off to the offensive line, that had been struggling recently, but played an amazing game yesterday.
Unsung hero: Nick Cross
Cross continues being the most consistent defensive player on the Colts’ roster, and is right there with Alec Pierce for the most important guys to re-sign in the offseason. He has formed one of the best safety duos with Bynum, and with the two shutdown cornerbacks coming back next season Anarumo would be able to use him more as a box defender, which seems to be his biggest strength. Let’s just hope that the Colts end up having the cap space to keep him around.
Rookie of the Week: Tyler Warren
Not much production from either Warren or JTT, but Tyler ends up getting the award based solely on a 17-yard catch down the middle on 2nd and 11 that allowed the Colts to go on and score the only touchdown of the game. After starting off scorching hot Warren has cooled off considerably in recent weeks, as has the entire Colts’ offense, so it is hard to blame him in particular.
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