Stampede Blue
Reviewing how the Colts’ players improved or decreased their position on the team.
First game back from injury and Taylor delivered, being probably the only offensive player that had a good game against the Texans. The running back finished the game with over 100 rushing yards and a touchdown, and overall looked a step above the rest. One can only wonder how he only got 20 carries while there were 32 passing attempts.
Impressive game from Dayo, who if just could put this sort of performances more consistently would be one of the better edge rushers in the NFL. He had a sack, a couple of pressures, and a key forced fumble and recovery late in the game that was really close to being a touchdown and one of the most impressive plays I have ever seen from a Colts’ player.
Gay has now made 9 consecutive field goals, and while he did get some help from the upright against the Texans he still finished the game perfect. With how inconsistent the Colts’ offense has been, an unreliable kicker was a luxury the team just could not afford, so it is nice watching Matt put his hernia issues behind and becoming what the Colts envisioned him to be.
When his seat was the hottest, Gus Bradley delivered. I was skeptical because the good performances by the defense had come against some bad quarterbacks, but I think it is safe to say that Stroud does not fall in that category. This defense did enough to win the game, and having their star players back obviously helped a lot. Kudos to Bradley, as the defense looked well-prepared and ready for everything the Texans tried to do.
Kenny had another good game and has been the steady presence the Colts have needed in the secondary. His development from a gadget cornerback that can only cover the slot to a reliable shutdown cornerback that can even line up on the outside has been amazing, and the run defense he provides considering his size adds even more to the equation.
The Richardson slander has gone way off the rails. On Sunday his offensive line let him down, his wide receivers let him down, and the coaching staff let gim down, so it would be idiotic to place the blame entirely on him. His stock is down though not only because even taking all that into account it was still a bad game, but also because subbing himself off for a play must have not done him any favours in that locker room. When half the national media is calling for your benching, and you sub yourself out, even on a 3rd and 24 handoff, the optics are not great.
Catching just one of the six balls thrown your way, and getting handled by a safety 4...
