The Indianapolis Colts (5-2) just barely survived the Denver Broncos (2-6) on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium, walking away with a 15-13 win.
It was an ugly game for the Colts throughout the matchup and while they did come away with a win—which is what really matters—there were plenty of studs and duds from the win.
Here are the studs and duds from the Week 8 win:
STUD: DE Justin Houston
The veteran defensive end continues to be a force for the Colts defensive line. Though he was called for an offsides penalty in the first half, Houston was bullying Broncos left tackle Garrett Bolles all game.
Houston recorded another sack in this game, marking it three games in a row that he’s gotten a sack on the opposing quarterback. The 30-year-old got it done mostly with power using his bullrush on Sunday, and he continues to be a driving force for this defensive line.
DUD: CB Rock Ya-Sin
It’s easy to say this was the rookie’s worst game since his first season began in Week 1. The second-round pick was a favorite target of Joe Flacco, especially since Ya-Sin was fond of committing penalties throughout the game.
Some of the penalties were deserved while others were difficult to see. But they were called, and he finished the day with five of them. He also struggled in man coverage across from Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton—allowing some big plays to the second-year wide receiver.
STUD: RB Marlon Mack
It wasn’t always an easy day for Mack as the offensive line struggled with consistent run blocking—not to mention the Broncos front seven has been playing very well against the run recently.
However, Mack was able to truck his way to a decent outing. This included a 10-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that got the Colts their first touchdown of the day. It was a physical outing for Mack, and he continued to prove he’s a red-zone weapon for the offense.
DUD: Offensive Line
It was a rough outing for the offensive line against the Broncos front seven. There could even be an argument that it was the worst game they have played in the last two seasons. They allowed quarterback Jacoby Brissett to be under pressure for most of the day, and their run blocking was incredibly inconsistent.
Even the studs of the line in left tackle Anthony Castonzo and left guard Quenton Nelson had a rough game both in run blocking and pass protection. This unit will bounce back, but it didn’t have its best day against a tough Broncos defense.
DUD: WR T.Y. Hilton
It was a difficult day for the Colts’ passing attack. Jacoby Brissett struggled mostly under pressure, and Hilton wasn’t able to get much going as a receiver either. He did have some big catches to help move the chains, but he was taken out of the game by Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr.
The 29-year-old wide receiver finished with just two catches on six targets for 54 yards. Hilton will bounce back in the future, but he struggled to get involved early against Harris.
