The Indianapolis Colts traveled to Oakland to take on the 1-5 Raiders and it was a close one up until the fourth quarter. The game was tied 28-28 until the Colts offense were able to start clicking and put up 21 unanswered points with the help of defensive rookie of the year candidate Darius Leonard.
Honorable Mentions
Starting with Honorable mentions, we have rookie running back Nyheim Hines who had a career game as he rushed for 78 yards in eleven attempts and received two passes for seven yards. Hines had a career day along with Marlon Mack combining for over 200 rushing yards in back to back games since 1985. Hines using his quick and shift moves to rush for good amounts allowed Mack to take a break to continue to have a great day. He is also emerging as a top back up in the league.
Former college basketball player and Colts’ tight end Mo Alie-Cox played well considering his past in sports. Not only did Alie-Cox block exceptionally well, but he had a beautiful one-handed grab over a Raider cornerback to give the Colts their first touchdown. Alie-Cox only had that one reception but his blocking in this game gives him an honorable mention.
Adam Vinatieri is now the all-time scorer in NFL history with a clean 2,550 points. Vinny is coming off a groin injury and was questionable to play for most of the week. Not much more to be said except congrats GOAT!
Studs
Jack Doyle, the veteran tight end for the Colts who came off a hip injury, was relatively quiet for most of the game but came up clutch in the fourth quarter as he ended the day with 70 yards in six receptions and a touchdown. Mr. Reliable gave the Colts the edge in the fourth quarter to put up another two touchdowns and lock up the win for the Colts.
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Marlon Mack has had back to back career games and back to back 100+ rushing yard games. This week Mack had 132 yards in 25 carries and two touchdowns on the ground while still receiving two passes for 17 yards. Mack infighting an amazing running game behind the Colts much improved offensive line give Luck the opportunity to not throw for nearly every down in a game.
I’ve been leading up to this, but once again Darius Leonard was an absolute beast and comes up clutch for the Colts in the fourth quarter. Leonard came into the game leading the NFL in tackles even after missing week 5 with an injury. In Oakland, Leonard was able to rack up another nine tackles and a QB hit to compliment his forced fumble on Doug Martin. Leonard is a clear-cut leader for defensive rookie of the year and an argument could be made for the defensive player of the year for him because how big of an impact he has made. Only time will tell as the Colts head into a bye week after winning back to back and improving to 3-5.
Duds
There were not many individuals why could be called duds from this great team win, that being said, in the first three quarters, the entire Colts’ defense was a dud allowing four Raider touchdowns. The Colts’ defense allowed Derrick Carr to dot them up for a total of 244 yards for 21 completions, also allowing him to throw for three touchdowns and rush for one giving him credit for all of the Raiders points.
The Colts also allowed 29-year-old Doug Martin to rush for 72 yards in thirteen carries. Overall not a great day for the Colts’ defense, luckily Leonard saved them with a forced fumble late in the game. Another way the Colts’ defense could be considered the teams’ “dud” for the day is because of the constant penalties caused by jumping offsides and other un-helpful actions during the game.
