Coming out of the bye week, the Indianapolis Colts were looking to make a statement that proved their upset win two weeks prior was no fluke, and that they are legitimate contenders in the AFC.
In order to make that type of statement, they had to defeat the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. They did so with an emphatic 30-23 win that featured some stellar play on both sides of the ball for the majority of the matchup.
Here are four things we learned about the Colts in Week 7:
Jacoby Brissett shows potential as game-changer
While there is no debating that Brissett has done a fine job leading the Colts to a few victories, there were still some questioning whether he had the trait of being a game-changer—a quarterback that can take over a game and win the matchup.
He hadn’t shown that through the first five games. But the Colts got a taste of it on Sunday. With the rushing attack failing, Brissett took over and enjoyed a career day. He finished completing 26 of 39 passes for 326 yards and four touchdowns without throwing an interception.
There is still a long way to go to figure out whether Brissett is the long-term answer, but he showed that is in his repertoire during the Week 7 win.
Veteran DE duo is making a huge impact
Though the Colts didn’t draft a big-name pass rusher, and they decided against throwing money at the top options in the free-agent market this offseason, but Chris Ballard’s moves are paying off on the edges.
The Colts have a veteran duo at defensive end in Jabaal Sheard and Justin Houston. That duo is making a monumental impact from the defensive side of the ball. Whether it’s setting the edge against the run or applying consistent pressure on the opposing quarterback, the veterans are getting it done in a big way.
Sheard recorded his first sack of the season, bull-rushing his way to Deshaun Watson while Houston was credited with two sacks, both of which came at vital points in the game.
Rookie DBs are taking over
Through the first seven weeks of the season, one thing has become abundantly clear: the Colts aren’t afraid of throwing their rookie defensive backs into massive roles. Specifically cornerback Rock Ya-Sin and Khari Willis, the duo in the secondary played 100% of the team’s defensive snaps.
This a trend that has been taking place for a while. Ya-Sin has played at least 93% of the snaps over the last three games. Willis has earned a starting role and has played 100% of the snaps in each of the last three games.
Both have had their share of growing pains, but there is immense optimism that they can be a major part of the secondary making impact plays during their rookie seasons. There are more growing pains to come—as is the case with rookies—but this duo of defensive backs is beginning to take over.
Zach Pascal is here to stay
While the Colts are certainly hoping Devin Funchess can make an impact upon his return from injury, Pascal has emerged to solidify himself as the unquestioned WR2 in the offense opposite T.Y. Hilton.
That role might not always come with production similar to Sunday’s outing, but Pascal is doing everything right, and the coaching staff can’t speak highly enough about him. The third-year wideout caught six of seven targets for 106 yards and two touchdowns.
The Colts are patiently awaiting the return of Funchess—and rookie Parris Campbell—but Pascal has exceeded expectations holding down the WR2 role in the offense.
