Colts improve to 5-2 as tougher schedule looms
By ADAM RIPBERGER
ISL Contributor
With a tougher schedule up next, the Indianapolis Colts needed a great game against the Lions on Sunday, and they delivered. After starting a little slow, and all of #ColtsTwitter pushing the panic button, the Colts found their groove and eventually rolled their way to a 41-21 win over the Lions bringing their record to 5-2 for the season.
After the 1st quarter, the Colts took control of the game quickly and never let up. The 2nd quarter saw Indy scoring three touchdowns to take a 20-7 lead at halftime. Phillip Rivers threw 3 touchdowns in the quarter, one to tight end Jack Doyle and two for running back Nyheim Hines who made two spectacular catches on both touchdown receptions. Hines was key on the day with those receptions while contributing to the running game that managed to produce 120 rushing yards. This was also highlighted by Jordan Wilkins who tallied 20 carries for 89 yards. The running game was really effective throughout the day controlling the clock and keeping the ball out of the Detroit’s possession and allowing them to possess the ball for nearly 20 more minutes than the Lions.
The Colts dominated in nearly every statistical category and without a few great plays and throws from Lions QB Matthew Stafford, it would have been an even bigger blowout. The defense was able get back on track totaling up five sacks and another interception that was brought back for a touchdown by Kenny Moore II. That interception brought the Colts total to 11 on the season, which leads the league up to this point. A big reason for the defense picking up: They got their leader back this week, as Darius Leonard provided a huge spark and made his presence known with a strip sack late in the 3rd quarter. This would eventually lead to a Colts touchdown. The momentum was back on their side and about 20 seconds later, the Colts took an interception back for a touchdown making it a 35-14 game and all but putting the game out of reach at that point.
Phillip Rivers was again fantastic in the game, throwing for more than 250 yards and three touchdowns in the win. Although all three touchdowns came in the 2nd quarter, Rivers was able to control the game and make timely throws to keep drives alive throughout the game. Rivers seems to have settled into the offense comfortably and is starting to look like the old Rivers from a few years ago. For what it is, his last two games against the Bengals and Lions, he has amassed over 600 yards passing, and six touchdowns while only throwing one interception. The biggest knock on Rivers has been his interceptions and the past two games, he has quieted some of his critics and seems to be making smarter decisions with the football.
A look ahead:
As the Colts sit at 5-2, their next four games are against opponents that also currently sit at 5-2. Going 2-2 in these 4 games would put the Colts in a position for a playoff run.
Week 9 will be the toughest opponent the Colts have faced all year when the Baltimore Ravens come to town for a battle of 5-2 teams. This could prove to be a critical game with a lot of playoff implications as we get closer to the playoff race heating up. Baltimore is coming off of a tough loss to rival Pittsburgh, so they will want to bounce back and prove they are still one of the top teams in the AFC. The Colts will have their hands full with reigning MVP Lamar Jackson, but with Leonard healthy and the Colts riding a small 2 game win streak, they should be ready for the challenge.
