2-0 for the first time since 2009, and the Colts continue with their surprises. Andrew Luck could not do it in his entire career, and Daniel Jones has managed to do it in his first season in blue. I was not optimistic at all about the outlook for this year, but after just two games, I am ready to get hurt again.
MVP of the Game: Spencer Shrader / Jonathan Taylor
In case you did not hear the announcers try and jinx Shrader, he is still perfect in his NFL career. He missed a 60-yarder wide right before a huge call against the Broncos for leverage gave him another shot from 45, perfectly inside his range. I was worried the previous miss, along with the massive pressure of the situation, would get to Shrader, but he remained cool and kicked it right down Broadway. Not only that, but he made all 5 of his field goals, and converted the two extra points. The Colts’ offense is moving the ball at will, but their inability to capitalize those yards on touchdowns is giving Shrader plenty of chances. It was between Shrader and Taylor, so why not both of them. Taylor gave us a vintage performance, and a revenge game after last year’s drop before reaching the end zone. He finished the game with over 200 all-purpose yards and a touchdown.
Dud of the Game (The Grigsy): Xavien Howard
Howard was in a bad spot to be in, not having played football in over a year and being thrust into the starting lineup after both Charvarius Ward and Jaylon Jones were ruled out of the game with injuries. Sean Payton saw that too, and the Broncos’ passing offense started throwing the ball Howard’s way consistently, drawing flags left and right. As the game went on he settled down a bit, which is to be expected after such a long layoff. With Ward expected to be back next week the other cornerback spot alongside him will be between Howard and Blackmon.
Best play of the game: Camryn Bynum’s interception (and celebration)
Two games, two interceptions for new Colts’ safety Camryn Bynum, who celebrated like crazy on both of them. That play was huge not only because of the momentum shift, but it came at the perfect time when the Colts’ defense desperately needed a turnover. On a game that was decided by just a point, that interception negated the Broncos the chance to go for a field goal even if they failed to convert that third down.
Worst play of the game: Two inside zone runs on the brink of field goal range
I was screaming at the TV, and even more after Shrader initially missed the 60-yard field goal, which was evidently way outside of his comfort range. Colts had a 1st and 10 on the Broncos’ 43-yard line, and Steichen ran three consecutive inside zones. The first one got two yards, the next one got just one, before the final one went back for two. Colts’ kicker Spencer Shrader does not have a single make over 50 yards in his career, so trusting him to nail a 60-yarder to win the game was insane. In the end Steichen got bailed out by the flag and the eventual make by Shrader, but it was still really poor playcalling at a time where the Colts needed a play.
Best position group: Special teams
It was really hard finding what group to give this award to, and at first I was tempted to go offensive line, but the true difference here was special teams. Once again no punts, which is the weirdest stat I have witnessed since following the Colts. Imagine if before Week 1 someone told you that this offense would not punt the ball in the first two games, you would probably believe that it was because of a massive number of turnovers.
Rookie of the Week: Tyler Warren
J.T. Tuimoloau played just five snaps, as he is still clearly behind both Samson Ebukam and Tyquan Lewis on the depth chart. I expected a bit more after Latu’s injury, but perhaps the coaching staff is taking things a bit more slowly with him. So, as default, this is the Tyler Warren Award until proven otherwise. He had another good game, leading the Colts in receiving yards, including a 41-yarder.
Unsung hero: Josh Downs / Alec Pierce
Downs and Pierce did not get much targets in Week 1, but they were a big part of the passing game last season. This week the target share balanced out a bit, and the two wide receivers made the most of it. Pierce caught a deep ball for 44 yards, that could have been a touchdown if Jones had not underthrown him a bit. Downs caught 6 passes for 51 yards, and while he might not be the flashiest, anytime the Colts need a key first down he is the guy you go to.
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