The Indianapolis Colts (9-7) defeated the Las Vegas Raiders (7-9) to continue their playoff push.
The Colts jumped out to a 7-0 lead early and never relinquished that lead throughout the entire game. The Raiders pulled within three points, but they ultimately failed to recover a last-second onside kick.
Here’s a look at the studs and duds from the Week 17 win:
STUD: RB Jonathan Taylor
It was a nice game for Taylor as he rushed for 96 yards on 21 carries, averaging 4.6 yards per carry and a rushing touchdown. Taylor and teammate, Trey Sermon, helped the Colts rush for 134 yards en route to a dominant day on the ground.
DUD: Pass rush
Though the Colts were able to get some pressure early on Aiden O’Connell, the pass rush really died down in the second half and allowed the rookie to find open receivers and at one point pull within three points. Indianapolis will need more from the pass rush next week as they face rookie sensation, C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans for a shot at the playoffs.
STUD: Offensive line
After really struggling to establish the line of scrimmage against Atlanta a week prior, Indianapolis’ offensive line had a bounce-back performance against the Raiders. Getting Braden Smith back into the starting lineup certainly was a major boost to an offensive line that has barely played all the starters together the majority of the season.
DUD: LB E.J. Speed
Speed makes the duds list simply because of the bone-headed penalty he committed by roughing the Vegas punter on fourth down and extending the Raiders drive. Vegas would proceed to score a touchdown on that same drive and ultimately was a huge mistake at that point in the game.
Speed has committed a few untimely penalties this year and must be smarter with the illegal hits committed.
STUD: CB Julius Brents
Brents and the Indianapolis secondary had a tough task facing off against the Raiders receiving corps led by All-Pro Davante Adams.
While Brents certainly had a few rookie moments, the second-round rookie responded well and had a few key breakups in the game that forced Vegas into settling for field goals.
Overall, it was a very strong performance from the rookie.
