Indianapolis’ Offense Falters, Colts Lose 20-16

Indiana came to Philadelphia hoping to make a statement and steal a win on the road from the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles. Both offenses came out with balanced attacks, although the Colts couldn’t muster much in the passing or running game. The wet and rainy game obviously affected both teams, with only two touchdowns through the air the whole game, one a 13-yard catch by Dallas Goedert, and the other being a five-yard fade from Andrew Luck to Ryan Grant. Wendell Smallwood added a score on the ground. Adam Vinatieri chipped in three short field goals and Jake Elliot also hit two for his respective squad.

Andrew Luck finished 25/40 with 164 yards and one touchdown. He struggled most of the game, only recording a lowly 4.1 YPA. He did not push the ball downfield and when he did it was often behind the receiver or not throw with any velocity. Although he was effective in not turning the ball over, and the play calling didn’t seem to give him much diversity. Questions about Luck’s health remain as he was replaced on the final play of the game by Jacoby Brissett to throw a 54-yard hail-mary.

Friend turns to enemy

Through the first two games of the season, the Colts converted 61% if their 3rd down plays. Today they were 2-12. Both teams were one and two entering the game today, at 61% and 54% specifically. The Eagles won the battle on third down with ease, although they were aided by four first downs on Colts penalties as well.

Defense looks Good

The Colts defense was once again, good today. Holding Carson Wentz to a fairly pedestrian stat line of 255 yards and one TD. They put pressure on Wentz for a large part of the game. Darius Leonard led all Colts in sacks, with two. Player to watch Kemoko Turay had 1.5 sacks and another player to watch, Margus hunt had one sack and forced a fumble. Anthony Walker Jr. recorded his first career interception was well. 379 total yards on offense for the Eagles, that’s about as good as you can ask for from a defense that spent 40 minutes on the field and 20 minutes resting.

O-Line Takeaways

Andrew Luck was under some duress, although he was only sacked twice (once because he was pressured and tripped) he was under pressure a lot of the time. The running game was nonexistent; Andrew Luck led the Colts in rushing with 33 yards on one long scramble. Perhaps the switching of tackles from week to week limits coach Frank Reich’s play calling. The Colts hope to get LT Anthony Costanzo back next week.

Week 3 Negatives

• Lackluster Offense (209 total yards)

• Penalties (11 penalties-77 yards)

• Couldn’t capitalize on Eagles mistakes (1-5 RZ opportunities, 6 points off two Eagles RZ turnovers.)

Week 3 Positives

• • Defense (20 PA, 1 FF, 1 Int)

• Did not turn the ball over (0 TOs)

• Strong Pass Rush (5 Sacks)

OVERVIEW

Do not flip out, small errors are fixable, expect Frank Reich and his offense to come out firing next week against an 0-3 Texans team at home. First divisional game of the year could be a statement game for the Colts. The Colts move to 1-2 on the season, but are only one game back of both the Jaguars (2-1) and the Titans (2-1)

Box Score

PASSING

NoRUSHING

RECIEVING

*Stats Via  http://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=401030782

Notes

ADAM VINATIERI moves into a tie with Morten Anderson for most field goals of all time ***