At 6-3, the Colts control their own fate
By ADAM RIPBERGER
ISL Contributor
The Indianapolis Colts took full advantage of their only prime-time game of the season. They had an opportunity to showcase their talent in front of the football world and quiet some critics after a tough loss at home the previous Sunday. The Colts did just that on Thursday night, dominating the Titans in all three phases of the game and making a statement in their 34-17 victory.
Coming off of a short week and a divisional opponent on the road, the Colts certainly had their work cut out for them on Thursday night. But after a slow start and a couple promising drives that came up empty, Indianapolis took control shortly after halftime and they never looked back from there. The Colts trailed 17-10 late in the 1st half and after a field goal to end the half, they only trailed 17-13. The Colts would score the next 24 points and would shut out the Titans in the 2nd half thanks to a brilliant defensive effort and three special team plays that wound up being disastrous for Tennessee and ultimately sealed their fate in the loss.
The Colts got contributions from nearly everyone on offense led by Nyheim Hines who scored two of the Colts touchdowns on the night and led the rushing attack with 70 yards while tallying 45 receiving yards as well. Rookie wide receiver Michael Pittman put up his first 100 yard receiving game as a pro and was a key target all night for Phillip Rivers. Rivers had another efficient game throwing for over 300 yards and a touchdown. The numbers won’t jump off the scorecard, but Rivers was really good again, not turning the ball over and making timely throws when he needed to. This was only the third time all year Rivers has eclipsed the 300-yard mark in a game, but when the running game is productive and the defense is getting stops, Rivers doesn’t need to be “phenomenal” every week.
The Colts took control late in the 3rd quarter with a big defensive stand, and the blocked-punt touchdown. The dominate 2nd half performance was capped in the 4th quarter by backup QB Jacoby Brissett, who scored on a QB sneak, which opened up the score to the eventual final score of 34-17.
The Colts defense didn’t allow a single point in the 2nd half and even though they didn’t force a turnover, they made key plays and the special team plays assisted in the performance. All year, the story of this Colts team has been its dominant defense and Thursday night proved why teams should take the Colts more seriously going forward in the season. Critics and the media can say what they want about Rivers limitations and his style of play, but through ten weeks, he has led this Colts team to a 6-3 record and a first place standing in their division. Sure, the Colts and their fans are probably wondering what this team could be aside from the week 1 letdown against the Jaguars and the ugly game against Cleveland a few weeks ago. However, this team got a win when they needed and now sit atop the division with only seven weeks to go in the season.
Noteworthy Stat: During the game, Phillip Rivers did pass Hall of Famer Dan Marino on the all-time passing yards list moving him up to #5 on the all-time list. Rivers keeps moving up on the record books and making his case for the hall of fame. Rivers also threw his 400th touchdown pass this season putting him only 20 behind Marino in the category as well. The one thing missing from Rivers’ resume is a super bowl, and if he can put together a title run in Indy, he may just cement his name in the Hall of Fame when his time comes.
Up Next:
The Colts will return home, with about 10 days rest and will welcome the Packers into Lucas Oil Stadium for what will be another huge game for the Colts. The Packers are one of the best teams in the NFL this year and with the second battle against the Titans looming the week after, the Colts will still want to prove this game was no fluke and that they are a serious playoff contender.
