He Indianapolis Colts lost their second consecutive game against Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football, falling 21-13. While the deficit isn’t ugly, Indianapolis’ offense was. after banking Antonio Richardson for Joe Skinny as a quarterback to give the team the “best chance to win,” this is a tougher loss than was probably necessary with such a baffling decision.

Now, with more questions than answers, here are the rise and falls of the 4-5 Colts after a dismal performance under the bright lights of prime time.

Elevator | Supporters

While the Colts’ offense was disgusting, the defense played fantastic. The focus of this entry goes to the linebackers. DJ speed and Zaire Franklineach of whom had great performances. Starting with Speed, the veteran made a team-high 12 tackles (2 for loss) and was a constant support on the run. As for Franklin, he tallied 8 tackles, a pass defended, and a big interception in the red zone by Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold.

The Colts have had ups and downs from their linebacker duo, but Franklin and Speed ​​played like true defensive generals against a tough Vikings offense. They will seek to continue that momentum against the buffalo bills in week 10.

Fallero | gay mate

colt kicker gay mate has struggled to make field goals longer than 50 yards in 2024, and that came back to haunt him when Indianapolis desperately needed points. While Gay’s overall performance was 2/3 field goals (54 long) and 1/1 XP for 7 total points, the issues with longer field goals are becoming concerning in game situations.

While Gay scored one of the 50+ yards (54), Indianapolis could have been in a completely different situation later in the game if that field goal had been scored. Gay is now sitting at 2/5 (40%) on field goals of 50+ yards this year and 14/17 overall, and every miss is profound.

Elevator | Grover Stewart

The Colts defensive front came to play against the Vikings on Sunday night. While DeForest Buckner had a good start (6 tackles, 1 sack), counterpart Grover Stewart He was a threat, intimidating the Vikings’ offensive linemen on his way to 4 tackles (1 for loss), 2 sacks, and a forced fumble. Darnold’s fumble was picked up by the cornerback for a defensive touchdown. Kenny Moore II.

Stewart’s presence was felt against the Vikings as more than just a run defender. If Stewart can compile more performances like this, he will give other Colts players potential opportunities to shine in the defensive trenches with tough opponents ahead of them.

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Fallero | Michael Pittman Jr.

The Colts’ star receiver Michael Pittman Jr. He had another humble performance, this time in a loss against the Vikings. Pittman was targeted 4 times and had just one catch for 14 yards. On the season, the former USC Trojan has just 30 receptions for 366 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. If this trend continues, Pittman will finish with around 57 receptions for 691 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns.

This isn’t ideal after Indianapolis paid Pittman a shiny new three-year contract. $70 million deal in the offseason of 2024. Instead, 2023 third round Josh Downs He has become Indianapolis’ best pass catcher this season. Pittman has to turn things around because as of now he represents a shell of his former self, while Downs is shaping up to be a better option at receiver.

Elevator | Nick Cruz

Security Nick Cruz continues to impress in year three with Indianapolis and continued the momentum against the Vikings. Cross finished second on the team with 10 tackles (7 solo), 1 pass defended, and an interception.

To say Cross has had success on defense is an understatement, now with 86 tackles and 2 interceptions in 9 games this season. Cross has shown fantastic qualities in his development as an NFL professional and continued that under the primetime lights. If the former Maryland Terrapin can finish the second half of 2024 the way he started, he will conclude as one of the Colts’ best defensive players.

Fallero | Joe Skinny

Richardson’s benching for Flacco is off to a rocky start, as the veteran looked 39 years old against an aggressive Brian Flores defense. Flacco was sacked three times, pressured to make erratic decisions and very conservative with his passing. In total, the former Super Bowl MVP was 16/27 passing for 179 yards passing and one interception. Flacco failed to generate many explosive plays or solid drives to maintain time of possession.

The Colts still have teams like the Bills and Detroit Lions ahead on your agenda. As long as Flacco remains at center, the next defensive opponents will focus on jonathan taylor to suppress Indy’s air attack. Things at the quarterback position look as confusing as ever for the Colts, but they must improve if they hope to make the postseason.

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