Colts vs Lions live updates, analysis, highlights

Following a win last Sunday against the Jets, the Indianapolis Colts are back at home for what could be their most difficult matchup of the season, having to face the 9-1 Lions.

Last week’s win rejuvenated the Colts’ playoff hopes and the team’s spirits with Anthony Richardson back under center. Now at 5-6 on the year, the Colts sit just one game back in the AFC playoff race, however, this week’s game–win or lose–comes with major implications to their playoff odds.

Awaiting the Colts this week is perhaps the most complete team in football. Detroit boasts the NFL’s highest-scoring offense and also has a defense that ranks fifth in scoring as well.

A mistake-free game feels like a must for the Colts, and any potential success on either side of the ball begins and ends with the run game. Indianapolis has to find a way to contain Detroit’s dynamic running back duo, while on offense, the combination of Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson have to keep the Colts ahead of the sticks and out of predictable passing situations.

So with all of that in mind, stay up to date right here with live updates and highlights from the Colts vs. Lions game on Sunday afternoon.

Colts Inactives

The Indianapolis Colts announced that six players will be inactive for this game. Below is a look at who those players are and for a deeper dive into what it means for today’s game, click here.

DE Isaiah Land
QB Sam Ehlinger
WR Anthony Gould
S Darren Hall
TE Will Mallory
OT Bernhard Raimann

The Lions will be without cornerback Terrion Arnold, among a few other defensive starters in this game.

Scoring Summary

First quarter
Matt Gay makes a 27 yard field goal. Colts lead 3-0

Second Quarter
Jahmyr Gibbs runs it in from a yard out. Lions lead 7-3
Matt Gay makes a 29 yard field goal. Lions lead 7-6.
David Montgomery runs it in from six yards out. Lions lead 14-6.

Third quarter
Jahmyr Gibbs runs it in from five yards out. Lions lead 21-6.

In-game analysis

– The run game was heavily involved on the Colts’ opening drive–as it should be–but we specifically saw Indianapolis attacking the edges and also a good mixture of Anthony Richardson designed runs, Jonathan Taylor, and Josh Downs.

– The Colts are 0-2 to start the game in the red zone. Field goals aren’t going to beat this Lions team. The offense has done well moving the ball between the 20 yard lines, but a penalty on the first red zone trip and a dropped touchdown pass by Drew Ogletree have been costly.

– You can see why it’s difficult to pressure Goff with all of the play-action, screens, and misdirections the Lions utilize, which can take away some of the pass rush’s bite.

– Way, way too many penalties from the Colts. A clean game against the Lions is a requirement but that hasn’t happened and those penalties have wiped out some big plays.

– A rough performance from the Colts offensive line. A lot of throws for Richardson with defenders in his face, not to mention several penalties that have been called.