The Cardiac Colts survive despite another poor defensive performance in Foxborough. Indianapolis secured the win after a second game-winning drive led by Anthony Richardson in three weeks. Richardson is clearly improving with each game since his elevation, and while there was plenty for him to clean up versus the Patriots, it was the defense that nearly cost Indy this football game. After a stretch of what felt like sustainable play, continued dysfunction in run defense was on full display again. This is another pathetic performance that will need addressing as the team stays alive in the playoff hunt, at least for this week.
Anthony Richardson To The Rescue
Another game where the box score does not look great for Richardson, but, yet again, context is key. He was far from perfect and did commit two costly turnovers with his arm. The drops by this core of receivers continue to haunt this football team. Rookie WR Adonai Mitchell and veteran TE Kylen Granson had some crucial drops in the 4th quarter, but Richardson did have some overthrows as well. However, when he made mistakes through the air, we saw him deliver on the ground. Richardson had nine carries for 48 yards, finding the end zone on a designed run. We also saw some of these runs come from broken plays where he was forced to extend it.
In the final drive, when he was needed most, Richardson delivered. A 19-play, 80-yard drive capped off with an Alec Pierce TD and the gutsy 2-point conversion. While hindsight bias may or may not play a factor, the aforementioned 2-point conversion attempt was the correct play call. In a game where we couldn’t stop them and had the momentum, they had no other choice. This play call showed not only big onions but also the growing belief that this team has in Richardson. To put the ball in his hands, at that moment, with their playoff hopes disappearing, Richardson delivered.
The Run Defense Issues Continue
It seemed like this defensive unit had finally improved, but then Sunday happened. It was an outing that allowed 200 yards on the ground and another 238 through the air. Allowing 238 passing yards is sustainable, but allowing 200 rushing yards. To pour salt on the wound, the Patriots were able to overcome their slew of penalties. Many of the penalties were holding or illegal shifts on the offensive line. Through all the penalties (8 in all), they managed to lead most of this football game.
This defense under Gus Bradley has been an inconsistent mess all season long. They take one step forward and then two steps back. This entire team has been that way but at least with this offense, they are progressing. The defense continues to show they cannot play with consistency no matter what the level of team they are playing against. Even simple fundamentals like tackling seem to escape them at this point. With a playoff run still in the cards, this must be fixed. Richardson cannot continue to bail them out week after week. This bye week will be crucial to hopefully find some new rhythm on the run defense or a change will be needed in the future.
Credit To Tony Sparano Jr and The Offensive Line
Another week and another new starting lineup. With the absences of Tanor Bortolini and Braden Smith, we saw Danny Pinter get his first playing time of the season and rookie Matt Goncalves move to the right side. We also saw veteran Mark Glowinski take over right guard for the benched Dalton Tucker. We also saw the return of Bernhard Raimann from a knee injury.
When it comes to first-time starters this season in Danny Pinter and Mark Glowinski, their performances were remarkable. Glowinski was sitting at home waiting for an opportunity again (if not near retirement) and in two weeks was ready to start and make an impact which deserves praise in itself. Pinter, on the other hand, was just as impressive, if not more so as he coming off a major injury and trying to make the team to starting fill-in center. Tony Sparano Jr and this offensive staff deserve a ton of credit for having these guys prepared and ready to play in a crucial road game.
Looking Ahead
The Colts will have two weeks to prepare for the Denver Broncos. Traveling to Mile High Stadium is never an easy task. The stakes will be high, especially if the Broncos lose on Monday Night Football to Cleveland. This could potentially be a playoff eliminator game for both teams. The Colts must win out to keep their chance at 10 wins alive. A loss to Denver would essentially eliminate them from playoff contention or at least make their chances razor-thin and would need help to continue their season. A monumental game in two weeks.
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