While football will always remain a team sport, it doesn’t stop certain individuals from being more important than others; especially when their presence alone separates you from the pack. On Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts (6-4) witnessed that kind of player return to action for them and the results were evident.
In his first full game back since Week 8, quarterback Jacoby Brissett produced two touchdowns and led the Colts to a much-needed 33-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-6). With the JB7 under center, the first place AFC South leader played their best game in recent weeks and seems to be back on track as six games remain in their season.
Here are five takeaways from the Colts’ 33-13 win over the Jaguars.
JB7 literally makes a huge difference
Even during Brissett’s good start to this season, there were still various Colts fans and media who weren’t on the bandwagon. After every game, including JB7’s standout performances against the Falcons and Texans, those same people continued to wonder if he was actually capable of being this team’s quarterback.
But after not having the NC State product available for action over the last two weeks, there were little to no complaints from JB7’s doubters as he once again displayed his obvious talent and leadership. Although his final numbers weren’t the best (15/24, 148 passing yards, one passing touchdown to one INT), the Colts’ QB1 impact was still felt throughout Sunday’s game.
Against the Jaguars, we saw the same Brissett who took care of the ball, made the right adjustments pre-snap, and had a couple of sensational plays to either extend or conclude Colts’ offensive drives.
Let’s run the damn ball, indeed!
As a long-time Colts fan – dating back to the days of Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, etc – it’s funny witnessing this team’s transformation into a dominant, run-first offense. For years, the Colts had a below-average running game and were heavily reliant on their passing attack. But a good switch up doesn’t hurt nobody right?
Throughout this entire season, the Colts’ offense has lived by the quote “Run The Damn Ball” and it was best defined during their performance against the Jaguars on Sunday. Not only did the AFC South competitor run for 264 yards (the most they ran for in a game in 15 years) and three touchdowns, but they accomplished a rare feat.
For the first time since 1985, the Colts produced a single-game rushing performance where two running backs eclipsed the 100-yard mark. Starter Marlon Mack had 109 and one of his back up’s in Jonathan Williams finished with 116.
Houston’s House of Horror was open on Sunday
The free-agent signing of Justin Houston from last March is proving to be the Colts’ best signing in recent memory. Not only has the former Pro Bowler brought a unique energy and skill-set to this team’s defense, but a production that hasn’t been seen the likes of Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.
By getting another sack on Sunday, Houston’s weekly sack streak was extended to six and he’s only getting better as the season comes along. Whether it’s swimming by offensive tackles on the edge or powering through them, there hasn’t been a clear-cut plan in slowing down No. 99.
Improvement is evident within the secondary
Although Nick Foles’ final numbers against the Colts appear to be very solid (296 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception), the game film would say otherwise. After beginning Sunday’s game with an impressive touchdown drive, the former Super Bowl MVP began to struggle against the Colts’ young and emerging secondary.
Whether it was Rock Ya-Sin getting his first-ever interception or the duo of Kenny Moore II and Malik Hooker creating various big hits, the Colts’ defensive back end played what was possibly their best game of this season; and continued their recent trend of not allowing more than a handful of big plays down the field.
Perfect form for Vinatieri
Listen, it’s been a mighty long season for the future Hall of Famer and I’m almost running out of things to say about his performance on a weekly basis. Fortunately for me, there isn’t much to say about how he did on Sunday.
Kicker Adam Vinatieri made all five of his attempts and did so with ease. As a whole, we’ve discussed various reasons for Vinatieri’s struggles but it will be for naught if he finds his rhythm again, similar to yesterday and a couple of other occasions this season.
.jpg?w=600)
