The Indianapolis Colts (6-4) bounced back against the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-6) on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium with a 33-13 win.
The victory, combined with the Houston Texans’ loss, moves them into first place ahead of the Thursday night bout that features both teams. This was a complete team win with strong performances on both sides of the ball.
Here are the studs and duds from Week 11:
STUD: RB Marlon Mack
The Colts got back to their roots of dominating in the run game. Mack, behind the offensive line, spearheaded the rushing attack. Though he eventually left with a hand injury and didn’t return, Mack was the engine that kept the offense rolling.
Mack left halfway through the third quarter but finished taking 14 carries for 109 yards and a strong touchdown. The third-year back had five runs of 10 yards or more on the day. It remains to be seen if he will be healthy enough to play on Thursday night.
DUD: RT Braden Smith
The struggles of the right side of the offensive line might get overlooked because of the dominating win, but they were still there on Sunday. Most notably in the first half, the second-year tackle in Smith struggled mightily against rookie edge rusher Josh Allen.
Smith was getting bullied in pass protection. Regardless of whether Allen was using an inside move highlighting his speed or whether he was pushing Smith back with a bull rush, it wasn’t a good day for the former second-round pick.
STUD: CB Kenny Moore
This was potentially the best game for Moore this season. He even left and returned with a shin injury during the first half of the game. Regardless, Moore was on fire, and he was all over the place on Sunday.
The Colts continue to highlight Moore’s ability as a pass rusher. He recorded his second sack of the season coming off a nickel blitz to end one of the Jaguars’ drives. He also had a huge pass breakup on a fourth-down attempt in the second half of the game. Moore also made some beautiful open-field tackles.
STUD: RB Jonathan Williams
The Colts were already down one running back with Jordan Wilkins being inactive due to an ankle injury. Then they lost Marlon Mack halfway through the game with a hand injury. It didn’t matter because Williams carried the load just fine.
In relief of Mack, Williams took 13 carries for 116 yards. He had a huge 31-yard reception on a screen pass on third down and then took a carry for 48 yards that helped set up the dagger touchdown in the fourth quarter. If Mack misses the Thursday night game, Williams will be ready to go.
STUD: CB Rock Ya-Sin
Another player that left with an injury and didn’t return, Ya-Sin was having a strong day before he had to exit. The rookie looked better in coverage throughout the game and even had some big open-field tackles. He also recorded his first career interception on a 50/50 ball down the field.
Ya-Sin left in the third quarter with an ankle injury after making a tackle. He quickly went to the ground and then to the locker room. His status for Thursday night isn’t clear, but this was one of his better games this season.
