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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Kevin Hickey

Analyzing Colts’ snap counts from Week 15 loss to Vikings

The Indianapolis Colts (4-9-1) found themselves on the wrong side of history Saturday when they blew the largest lead in NFL history in their 39-36 overtime loss against the Minnesota Vikings (11-3).

There were a lot of factors that led to the Colts’ demise at U.S. Bank Stadium. The second half of the game featured a lot of undisciplined football on Indy’s sideline combined with self-inflicted wounds and the constant narrative of the offense struggling to keep up its end of the bargain.

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Now, let’s take a look at the snap counts on offense, defense and special teams from the historic loss:

Offense

Analysis

  • RB Jonathan Taylor played just two snaps before exiting the game with an ankle injury. It isn’t considered serious, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if the team shut him down for the final three games.
  • RB Zack Moss led the split after Taylor’s injury, playing more snaps and seeing more carries than Deon Jackson. Moss took 24 carries to Jackson’s 13.
  • TE Jelani Woods continues to see frustratingly low usage, marking his second consecutive game under 25% of the offensive snaps.
  • QB Nick Foles was the only active offensive player to not play a snap.

Defense

Analysis

  • After playing every snap in Week 13, S Julian Blackmon missed just one play Saturday. Meanwhile, S Rodney Thomas II still held his role, suggesting another week of heavy three-safety sets.
  • With both CB Kenny Moore II and Brandon Facyson inactive, CB Isaiah Rodgers played a season-high in snaps.
  • Rookie CB Dallis Flowers also saw a bump in play, logging his first defensive snaps of the season.
  • DE Dayo Odeyingbo saw his lowest percentage of snaps since Week 9 but arguably had his best game of the season.

Special Teams

Analysis

  • LB E.J. Speed (81%) once again led the team in special teams snaps followed by CB Tony Brown (70%), WR Ashton Dulin (63%), LB Grant Stuard (63%) and S Nick Cross (60%).
  • K Chase McLaughlin converted all five of his field-goal attempts and all three of his extra-point attempts. He also set a new single-season franchise record for most field goals of 50 or more yards.
  • P Matt Haack punted seven times, the third time this season he’s hit that many punts in a game.
  • CB Dallis Flowers continues to be electric on kick returns. He had five kick returns for 175 yards, which included returns of 49 and 48 yards.
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