The Indianapolis Colts (0-1) opened the season with a 30-24 loss in overtime to the Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) in Week 1.
There were some strong performances, and there were some concerning performances. Not everything should be taken to heart in Week 1 of the season, but there were those that separated themselves during the opener.
Here are some winners and losers from the Colts’ overtime loss to the Chargers on Sunday:
Winner: RB Marlon Mack
The Colts have been adamant about the run game picking up in 2019, and they started off on the right foot in Week 1. Mack carried the load taking 25 attempts for 174 yards and a touchdown. His yardage total was the highest of his career for a single game and was good for the most in a single game since Edgerrin James in 2004. He struggled big time in the first half but found his groove in the second half behind a strong offensive line.
Loser: K Adam Vinatieri
Unfortunately, there wasn’t a bigger loser than Vinatieri on Sunday. He had the worst game of his career, missing two field goal attempts and an extra point. It was the first time in his career he had done that. The Colts said after the game that there are no physical issues but that it was simply an off day. For what it’s worth, head coach Frank Reich didn’t seem concerned at all. Regardless, Vinatieri’s missed kicks were a big reason why the Colts left Week 1 with a loss.
Winner: DE Ben Banogu
Guys like Kemoko Turay and Al-Quadin Muhammad could also be considered winners, but the rookie second-round pick got a chance to get after the quarterback on Sunday, and he took advantage of it. The TCU product was used sparingly in the defensive end rotation behind Turay and Muhammad, but he recorded a sack early in the game, showing that he has the potential to see more playing time. It remains to be seen if he will get any more work, but Banogu is continuing his hot streak off a strong preseason.
Loser: DT Tyquan Lewis
There is a very specific reason Lewis is on this list as a loser following the Week 1 loss. He didn’t suit up. The second-year defensive tackle—who has been praised since being drafted—was a healthy scratch (as far as we know) for the regular-season opener. The Colts opted to go with Jihad Ward and Grover Stewart as the reserve interior defensive linemen, leaving Lewis to watch the game from the sidelines. Whether that will be the case in Week 2 isn’t clear, but Lewis wasn’t even given the chance to make an impact on Sunday.
Winner: QB Jacoby Brissett
Stepping in for Andrew Luck is no easy task, but Brissett was solid in his first start since the former’s retirement. The fourth-year quarterback, who just signed an extension, was efficient all day. He completed 21 of 27 pass attempts for 190 yards, two touchdowns and a 120.7 passer rating. He was mobile in the pocket and proved to be a difficult player to take down. He was sacked twice, but Brissett showed there is plenty of promise in his game to be the leader of the offense.
Loser: RT Braden Smith
Though he was solid when it came to run blocking and climbing to the second level. The second-year right tackle struggled when it came to blocking Chargers star defensive end Joey Bosa off the edge. Smith allowed one sack and a handful of pressures when line up against Bosa. There isn’t too much of worry with Smith. He’s a solid right tackle even though he’s still developing. He had a tough matchup with Bosa on Sunday and had some tough reps in pass protection.
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