Stampede Blue
Reviewing how the Colts’ players improved or decreased their position on the team
There was no bigger winner on Sunday than Anthony Richardson, who returned to the starting lineup with a bang. The young quarterback had one of his best games as a pro, and looked much better than before the benching, completing over 60% of his passes, getting three total touchdowns, and overall looking much more settled down in pockets that were usually collapsing quickly.
Three pressures, two tackles for loss, and a sack for Latu, who is quietly putting up an impressive rookie season. He now is averaging a pressure every 9.5 pass rushing snaps. While that is not close to the elite edge-rusher rookie seasons like T.J. Watt or Micah Parsons, Latu is playing with a hand on the line and Gus Bradley is more conservative on his pass-rushing approach.
According to PFF, Jones allowed just four catches on eight targets and had two forced incompletions. This was against Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson mind you (though obviously not both at the same time, as that might be a bit unfair). I am very happy to eat my words about Ballard addressing the cornerback position in the offseason, as even after the injury to Juju Brents, Jones has been absolutely amazing.
What a day for Goncalves, when the Colts needed it the most with injuries ravaging the offensive line. The rookie swing tackle was impressive, and facing a tough matchup too, as the Jets’ defensive line is among the best in the NFL and they had edge rusher Hassaan Reddick back with them. His good play raises the question “Should the Colts play him at right guard to keep him on the field?”
Flacco, Richardson, Minshew, Ehlinger... no matter the quarterback you just know Josh Downs is going to deliver. He caught all five of his targets for 84 yards and a touchdown, on a play where he was coming out of the backfield. I feel confident saying that right now this is the best wide receiver the Colts have, and an absolute weapon for Steichen.
Gay made all three of his field goals, including one of 56-yards, and nailed his one extra point attempt of the game. A solid day in the office for the kicker who had missed a long one against the Bills. After a rough start, he is now 16 of 17 on field goals and perfect on XP for the past seven games.
The matchup against Quinnen Williams was the toughest the interior offensive line will face this season, and not having veteran center Ryan Kelly to help set up the pass-protection schemes probably hurt too, but undrafted free-agent Dalton Tucker has been underwhelming so far starting in place of the injured Will Fries. Tucker allowed 5 total pressures against the Jets, and the coaching...
