The Colts got their 7th win of the season and kept their razor-thin playoff hopes alive. They swept the season series with the Tennessee Titans with a 38-30 win. The game was not as close as it seemed, but the Cardiac Colts never fail to entertain. It got too close for comfort in the second half after the Colts got out to a 38-7 lead. Jonathan Taylor and the rushing game carried this team to another needed victory. The chances are slim, but the Colts live to fight another week as we break down the Week 16 victory over the Titans.
Jonathan Taylor Redemption Game
After a week of thrashing and verbal abuse from most of this fanbase, Taylor redeemed himself this week. It was the best ground performance we have seen all season from not just Taylor but the entire team. Taylor dominated with 218 yards on 29 carries, along with three touchdowns. The trio of Anthony Richardson, Tyler Goodson, and Trey Sermon also pitched in with 117 yards on the ground.
After last week’s mishap with Taylor, he needed to redeem himself, and he did just that. We saw the old, vintage Jonathan Taylor who could bust a huge run at any time. He delivered that ability twice in this game. With two home run touchdown runs of 65 and 70. The Colts did not stray from the run, as the offensive line had one of the best performances of the year. The pass protection was good, but the run blocking was great this week.
Colts Keep Grinding Away
One concern I had for the week was the true motivation of this football team against Tennessee. Shane Steichen talked about motivating the team by telling them “They are promised 17 of these each year” and that the team would continue to fight. They still have an outside chance of making the playoffs as they need to win out and get help from the Chargers.
The first half proved this team was still motivated to keep playing. They got out to a 24-7 lead at halftime and then extended it to 38-7, which were all unanswered. There was some definite concern in the second half where it appeared the Colts defense took their foot off the gas and changed the game plan. That game plan was to not lose the lead, which is fine, but they had an opportunity to really put together a complete game. Overall, the defense played well overall. Anytime you can get three takeaways and some impactful pressure on the quarterback, it’s a solid and productive day.
Minimal Concern For Richardson Performance
Let’s look at the positive, Richardson finished with a completion percentage above fifty percent. He finished 7/11 for 131 yards with a touchdown throw to Josh Downs. He did have a turnover, but it was early on and had minimal effect on the game. He had another solid day on the ground as the primary compliment to Jonathan Taylor.
We saw Anthony Richardson in a different light this week. He was a true game manager this week with a run-heavy scheme. There have been some mentions on social media that claim this gameplan shows the distrust that this franchise continues to have with Richardson. I disagree as this was something that we needed to see from him. Was the competition great? No, but you play the teams you are scheduled for, and he performed the gameplan wonderfully.
The Colts head back to the MetLife Stadium this Sunday, where they already have a victory on the season. The Colts must win out and hope for a Chargers loss if they plan to keep their very slim playoff hopes alive.
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