The Indianapolis Colts survived against the depleted Arizona Cardinals by a final score of 31-27. Both teams were depleted in this game, with the Colts on defense and the Cardinals on offense. The Cardinals were missing key players on offense, down starting quarterback Kyler Murray and both running backs atop the depth chart. During the game, the Cardinals lost starting wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to a concussion.
The Colts were decimated with injuries on the defensive side of the ball. It got worse during pre-game warmups, where starting cornerback Charvarius “Mooney” Ward suffered his second concussion of the season after colliding with tight end Drew Ogletree. With Ward out, it became the eighth different starting cornerback change in the lineup now. This defense also saw the debut of freshly acquired linebacker Germaine Pratt, who was also brought in to fill in for injuries. He played well, leading the team in tackles this week. Pratt did miss some coverage and assignments, but is still integrating into this defense. He has been with Lou Anarumo nearly his entire career, so he should be fully up to speed quickly.
While injuries ruled the storyline of this game, it was another productive game for the Indianapolis Colts’ offense. An offense that is now one of the best in the league, statistically. In fact, they lead the league in points scored and are 3rd in yards per game now. The MVP-caliber seasons are continuing for both Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor. Jones has been terrific, but it is Taylor who truly is putting up another stellar season. He continues to run with patience and allows the blocks to develop at times. His ability to be whatever running back the Colts need in specific situations has been his best trait so far this season.
Offense Bails Out The Defense
Speaking of Jonathan Taylor and this offense, it was the offense that bailed out the defense this week. Daniel Jones was terrific again this week, even with some struggles. He threw a horrific interception, but it never phased him. He was precise most of the game as he completed 22/30 and even had a rushing touchdown as well. He shined in the fourth quarter when the team needed him the most. He led back-to-back necessary touchdown drives in the 4th quarter when the defense could not come up with stops against a Jacoby Brissett-led Cardinals offense (again, without Marvin Harrison Jr. and two top RBs).
We spoke last week about the continuing evolution of this offense, and this week we saw it again. This is not some juggernaut offense that is going to be a highlight reel of insane plays. Head coach Shane Steichen has created a scheme that is dependent on what he promised when he was hired. For those who don’t remember, he promised a scheme that is RPO-heavy. His philosophy of “throw to score, run to win” has been fully engaged this season. He has accentuated the strengths of both Jones and Taylor, and it has been a beauty to watch.
Injuries Beginning To Pile Up
Every team deals with injuries; it is part of the game. While the Colts have been able to navigate most of them, this was the first week where the issues started to show cracks. As mentioned above, this team dealt with an injury to Mooney Ward in warmups. The secondary and linebacker group have dealt with injuries all season. They began to show today against a depleted Cardinals offense.
Arizona was able to move the ball with ease, at least through the air. The defensive effort against the run was one of the best of the season, allowing only 88 yards on the ground. It was expected as the Cardinals trotted out their backups with injuries to their starters. The defensive line continues to shine against the run. The pass rush continues to evolve, but we did see the best game of the season from Kwity Paye. He had his first multi-sack game of the season. He has been quiet this season, so it was nice to see him make an impact. Hopefully, he can build on this success and create a solid tandem with Laiatu Latu.
The secondary (linebackers included), however, continues to struggle. Yes, I know the injuries are playing a role, but what we saw this week was downright unexpected. I do think the pregame injury changed some plans, and just the shock of the incident likely played a factor as well in the mental aspect. Roles have changed week by week, and that kind of change can alter performance. It was the first time this season I felt like I was watching a Gus Bradley defense, but they got the final stop at the end when it was needed.
Overcoming This Week and Looking Ahead
We talked about the pregame injury of Mooney Ward, but we also saw a freak injury to Anthony Richardson. He had a “malfunction” with his exercise bands in the warmups and suffered an orbital eye fracture. It was so bad that he spent the game at a local hospital for treatment. Obviously, as a backup, the role is lessened, but paired with the injury to Ward made for an interesting start to the game.
The Ward injury obviously made an impact on not only the game plan but the mental fortitude of this already injury-riddled secondary. The struggles they had against Arizona were through the air. What really stood out was the resilience of the team. They have dealt with injuries, retirements, and new personnel than most teams have so far this season. Sometimes you need these games to really test your fortitude and confidence. We saw this team rally to defeat Denver, and now they had to really dig in defensively to defeat Arizona. I think these types of wins will help them down the road as the schedule only gets more difficult.
Looking ahead to next week, the Colts return to the West Coast to take on the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers are dealing with their own string of injuries, and the Colts will need to capitalize on those. Like the Cardinals, they are down to backup running backs, but Justin Herbert will be the best quarterback they have faced so far. The secondary will have its hands full, but hopefully, we will see Kenny Moore return with Ward likely out again. The defense will need to improve in the secondary if they wants any chance to defeat this stout Chargers team that is strong in all three phases.
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