Stampede Blue
The Indianapolis Colts steamrolled over the Las Vegas Raiders 40-6 with a balanced offensive onslaught tailored with a suffocating defensive performance. The Colts put on a clinic Sunday to improve to 4-1, remaining unbeaten inside Lucas Oil Stadium as they have outscored their three home opponents 102 to 42.
Indianapolis improved its season scoring efficiency to an NFL-best 68% as its offense continues to operate at a historic clip. The Colts went 6-for-6 in the red zone Sunday and have lit up the scoreboard in 30 of their 44 true offensive drives this season. An efficient offense, plus an overwhelming defense had the Colts rolling over another AFC opponent as Indy’s 34-point win margin was the biggest largest win inside Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Raiders (1-4) managed to discover a slight spark from rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, who fueled their opening drive with 42 total yards on eight early touches. Colts defensive end Tyquan Lewis set the tone with a key sack on Raiders quarterback Geno Smith that forced Las Vegas to settle for a 24-yard chip shot field goal. From there, the floodgates opened and the Colts unleashed a relentless assault that the Raiders had no answer for. Each attempt by the Raiders to regain any rhythm was smothered by Lou Anarumo’s defense as DeForest Buckner, Samson Ebukam, and Zaire Franklin all added sacks.
Colts Quarterback Daniel Jones engineered a 13-play, 83-yard response capped by a smooth 11-yard touchdown thrown left on an out route to tight end Tyler Warren, which gave the Colts a lead they would never relinquish. Indy’s first round draft pick continues to make his mark in the league and finished with four receptions for 44 yards and his first career receiving TD.
Colts’ Segun Olubi burst through the line to block a punt inside Raiders territory, which set up Indianapolis with goal-to-go at the 8-yard line. Three plays later, left guard Quenton Nelson pulled right to lead block for Taylor to power into the end zone from 3-yards out. Taylor totaled 86 scrimmage yards and scored his first of his three rushing touchdowns to increase the Colts lead to 14-3.
With under four minutes left in the first half, defensive tackle Grover Stewart tipped a pass from Smith and Colts edge rusher Laiatu Latu was there to pick it off and deny a scoring opportunity inside the red zone. Jones orchestrated an 88-yard march in the final minutes of the half, connecting with Michael Pittman Jr. for a diving 4-yard touchdown to stretch the lead to 20-3 before halftime. Pittman added five catches for 39 receiving yards and his fourth touchdown of the season.
The Colts refused to let up in the second half as the Raiders were left gasping for answers on the way to their fourth straight lost. After cornerback Mekhi Blackmon jumped the route to intercept Smith and returned it 32 yards to the Raiders’ 6-yard line, Colts backup running back Ameer Abdullah added his own statement score to rub...
