The Colts lost to the Jets on Sunday in New York, 42-34. Despite only falling by one score, the Jets were in control for much of this game. Once again, the drop bug haunted the Colts. On the first drive, Marlon Mack dropped a screen pass. Morris Claiborne picked said screen and returned it to the house. Later in the game, Andrew Luck hit both of Ryan Grant’s hands on a pass. What was the result? Ant interception, of course. Luck’s third pick was his fault but the Colts were in desperation mode at this point. Luck once again carried the pathetic Colts, throwing for 301 yards, four touchdowns, and three picks (really one.)
The Colts’ four giveaways were detrimental. This was a winnable game, the whole way through. Sam Darnold played a solid game, throwing for 280 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. The Colts did a solid job containing the run game, holding Isaiah Crowell and Bilal Powell to under 100 yards combined. New York couldn’t convert drives into touchdowns but this was mitigated by Jason Myers’ record-setting day, kicking seven field goals.
Malik Hooker netted his first pick of the season and had a good day aside from one contested catch given up in the first quarter. Darius Leonard made a big impact in his return from injury, racking up nine tackles and playing solid coverage. The pass rush couldn’t get any pressure on Sam Darnold. Jihad Ward and Jabaal Sheard both sacked Darnold but those were the only two hits all day. The Colts defense, which looked so much improved early in the year, has faced significant regression.
On the bright side, the Colts established a run game for the first time all year. Marlon Mack provided a spark, carrying 12 times for 89 yards. He looked shifty, explosive, and a much-needed boon for this offense. Unfortunately, when the receivers can’t catch a thing, there isn’t much the run game can do. Eric Ebron continued his dominance, catching four passes for 71 yards and a score. He leads all tight ends in touchdown catches, at six.
The Colts are looking like they’re going to have a shiny, top five picked player on the roster next season. They will try to right the ship next week against the Bills.
Ben Pfeifer is the Managing Editor of the Colts for Full Press Coverage, the AFC South Division Editor, and head NBA editor. Want to continue the discussion? Contact Ben Pfeifer on Twitter @Ben_Pfeifer_, @FPC_NBA and @FPC_Colts.
