7-2 after an ugly loss, where the offense had their worst performance by far this season, and even though the defense did their job in the end there is just no way to overcome SIX turnovers. Colts need to flip the page fast and get ready for their game against the Falcons in Europe before the bye week.
MVP of the Game: Laiatu Latu
Latu has quietly emerged as that best defensive player of his draft class, and showing all the traits that made him a first rounder. He finished the game with a career high 2.5 sacks, already getting to five on the year, but most important he was able to consistently shed blocks, generate pressure, and be a presence on the backfield. His breakout as an elite defensive player has been one of the biggest reasons for the Colts’ improvement this year, and so far has been the only edge rusher able to generate consistent pressure from the outside.
Dud of the Game (The Grigsy): Offensive line
We know that they are much better than this, but yesterday was perhaps the worst offensive line game I have seen from this team in a lot of time. Herbig and Watt had their way against Smith and Raimann, while Goncalves was absolutely dominated by Cameron Heyward. No quarterback, or offense, can survive their offensive line getting dominated like that. What worries me the most is how bad the offensive tackles were in pass-blocking, with two games against the Texans (Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter) on the horizon. Taking into account the context of the game, the struggles are a bit more understandable. T.J. Watt always seems to have Braden Smith’s number, and yesterday was not the exception, Matt Goncalves’ dad passed away last week, which must have surely affected the talented guard’s preparation for the game, and Raimann was dealing with Nick Herbig, one of the best young pass-rushers in the NFL, on an island.
Best play of the game: First drive on offense and defense
After a forced three and out, the Colts scored a touchdown on a 13-play drive where they systematically drove down the field. It all seemed to be going according to plan then, but unfortunately everything that came after that was just worse and worse.
Worst play of the game: Basically any offensive drive after the first touchdown
Fumble-Interception-Punt-Punt-Interception-Field Goal-Fumble. Kudos to the defense because the game should not have been as close as it was with that amount of turnovers and offensive incompetence. It just cannot get any worse than that, and it will give all the Daniel Jones’ haters out there plenty of fuel this week to criticize. I am still firmly aboard his ship, and think that next week will be a good chance for him to show that this was just a bad game, as it can happen to anyone, and nothing more than that.
Best position group: Defense
I am going to give this one to the defense as a whole, they played an amazing game. There is nothing they can do if the Steelers’ offense is constantly getting the ball at the halfway line or even worse. I also want to highlight Zaire Franklin and Germaine Pratt. Linebacker has been my biggest area of concern for the unit, but they both had a decent game, and they played with a palpable passion and drive to win, which I definitely appreciate.
Unsung hero: Michael Badgley
Badgley made all four of his kicks, including two over 50 yards. Yeah sure, one was when the game was basically over, but it was still a welcome sight because after Shrader’s injury I was really worried about the kicker position.
Rookie of the Week: Vacant
It was a disappointing game for tight end Tyler Warren, facing a defense that has struggled covering tight ends, he was kept in check recording just five catches for 26 yards. J.T. Tuimoloau is playing more, which is a welcome sight, but his impact on the game was not enough to get the award.
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