The Indianapolis Colts escaped New England with a win following another game-winning drive by Anthony Richardson.
With the game having just wrapped up, let’s take a look back at the Colts’ performance with our instant analysis.
– The passing game felt disjointed for much of the game with Richardson throwing two interceptions and he again not getting help with some drops. However, for the second time in three weeks, when it mattered most, Richardson orchestrated a game-winning drive. On a 19-play, 80-yard drive, Richardson completed 6-of-11 passes, including the game-winning touchdown, and converted two fourth downs as well as the two point conversion, while still impacting the game on the ground.
– It’s been tough sledding on the ground for the Colts over the last month-plus, but the run game found some traction today against Indianapolis, and Shane Steichen leaned heavily into it. This helped the Colts sustain drives, provided some needed consistency to the offense, and helped with their improved third-down efficiency. We again saw Richardson play a big role in the run game as well.
– Contributing to the run game success was the improved play with Mark Glowinski at right guard over Dalton Tucker. I also thought that Steichen did a nice job of using heavier sets without Josh Downs and pairing that with pre-snap movement.
– On the flip side, while the Colts run game was rolling, so was the Patriots. Believe it or not, it’s not as if the Patriots entered the game with a potent rushing attack but Indianapolis had zero answers. The trickle-down effect of a good run game is the offense staying ahead of the sticks in short down-and-distance situations, which can open up opportunities in the passing game, as evidenced by an extremely efficient performance from Drake Maye.
– A bad matchup for the Colts coming into this game was the New England tight ends. Indianapolis has struggled to defend tight ends in the passing game, while Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper entered this game ranked first and third on the team in receiving yards.
– The saving grace for the Colts was their red zone defense, and some help from the Patriots. Penalties stalled out one red zone drive, New England would miss a field goal before halftime, and a bobbled pass resulted in an interception. Otherwise, this game might not have been a one score game at the end.
– According to PFF’s preliminary numbers, the Colts weren’t able to get steady pressure on Maye and this was against an offensive line unit that entered the game ranked in the bottom five of football in pressure rate this season. The pass rush had been picking up steam in recent weeks, but one thing we can look at when it comes to why they struggled is in their inability to slow the run game. It’s a lot more difficult for a defensive front to let it rip when the offense is ahead of the sticks.
– Obviously, we know not having Downs hurts, but the impact was a heavier dose of the tight ends in the passing game, which further shined a light on the lack of pass-catching options they have at that position.
– The Colts came into this game with the easiest remaining strength of schedule of any team. Although still below .500, at 6-7 on the season, they’re playoff hopes are still alive with the bye week ahead.
