The Colts blew out the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, 37-5. This was an all-around dominant performance by the Colts in every area of the game. LeSean McCoy’s injury on the second play of the game was a bad omen for the Bills, as he did not return. Chris Ivory exited the game later with an injury after a solid 81-yard performance. The Bills were simply overmatched in this game by a talented, desperate Colts roster that is finally beginning to get healthy again.
For the first time in millennia, the Colts rushed for more yards than they passed for. Andrew Luck threw the ball only 23 times but completed 17 of his passes for four touchdowns, 156 yards, and no interceptions. T.Y. Hilton, returning from injury, caught two touchdowns in the red zone. Adding to the fun, Erik Swoope and Marlon Mack caught touchdown passes.
Marlon Mack flashed brilliance in limited touches against the Jets. Against the Bills, he broke out in a big way. Mack toted the rock 19 times for 126 yards and a touchdown. He was shifty, explosive, and Buffalo just couldn’t figure him out. Mack gashed an excellent Bills defensive line, consisting of Jerry Hughes and Kyle Williams. The Colt offensive line had a stellar performance, only allowing two QB hits and no sacks. Andrew Luck was clean for most of the game and diced up Buffalo’s secondary because of it.
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The Colts defense forced five turnovers and dominated Buffalo’s debilitated offense. Derek Anderson played like you would expect someone to play who hasn’t started a game in two years. He threw for 175 yards and three interceptions. Kenny Moore covered exceptionally well and Quincy Wilson even had a great game as well.
Darius Leonard continued his reign of terror on the NFL, accruing 17 tackles. As usual, he flew all over the field, made plays, and recovered a fumble. My MVP of the game goes to Mike Mitchell, who has been playing out of his mind since the Colts signed him a few weeks ago. Mitchell recorded seven tackles, two pass deflections, a forced fumble, and an interception. He was passionate, fiery, and embodied how the Colts played today.
Chasing the all-time points record, Adam Vinatieri had a major off day, missing two extra points.
With the Jaguars and Titans both losing today, the AFC South is wide open. If the Colts can defeat the Raiders next week in Oakland, they will, miraculously, be back in the hunt for the division.
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.
