As Indianapolis won its first game in Baltimore for the first time in 14 years, there were plenty of distractions and storylines going against the Colts coming into Sunday. Yet, it didn’t phase them.
Matt Gay had an unprecedented day, making four field goals from beyond 50 yards, the first time such a feat has been accomplished in a game by any NFL kicker.
Before last weekend, the Colts had lost eight consecutive games dating back to last season. Indianapolis has now won back-to-back games, possessing a 2-1 record and a sole first place standing in the AFC South, thanks to losses by Jacksonville and Tennessee today.
With both rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson and veteran center Ryan Kelly sidelined due to concussions, the Colts looked to backup Gardner Minshew under Wesley French.
Despite struggling all afternoon to read Baltimore’s blitz, Minshew, to his credit, managed to keep the Colts alive and threw zero interceptions despite being sacked five times.
Safety Kyle Hamilton had a monstrous game for Baltimore, recording three sacks alone. Lamar Jackson managed to score both of Baltimore’s only touchdowns in the game, yet the Colts defense did an impressive job containing him, recording four sacks on the day.
Head coach Shane Steichen was particularly effective in utilizing running back Zack Moss, who continues to lead Indy’s backfield in Jonathan Taylor’s absence. Moss had a career-high 122 yards. Steichen’s play calling, however, was not as sharp in the second half and overtime compared to the first two quarters.
For the Ravens, veteran Justin Tucker continually maintains his reputation as one of the best legs in the league, even though he did fall short in making a 61-yard attempt as time nearly ran out in regulation, in what, otherwise, would’ve given Baltimore the win.
As the Colts travel back home with an above .500 record and much cushier matchup versus a beatable Los Angeles Rams team next Sunday, Indianapolis’ current division lead could easily be maintained beyond week 4. Especially if Anthony Richardson is able to to suit back up.
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