INDIANAPOLIS- The Colts bounced back from their 0-2 start by edging the Browns 31-28 last Sunday. Although the Colts nearly allowed Cleveland to come back from a 21 point deficit, the win should give Indianapolis enough confidence to start a winning streak and make a run at the Tennessee Titans.
Andrew Luck is not back at practice yet. When he returns, that will rejuvenate the team. Backup Jacoby Brissett showed better timing with receivers T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief. Hilton received seven passes for 153 yards and one touchdown against Cleveland. Frank Gore had a few impressive runs as well.
The Colts are normally more efficient passing the ball than running. However, if Gore finds rhythm, the colts offense will be unstoppable.
Although the Colts have a high octane offense, they struggled against the Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals by scoring a combined total of 22 points. Indianapolis passes for 194.3 yards per game which is 22nd in the league. The Colts run for 81 yards per game which ranks 25th.
The defense needs to step it up. The fact that the Browns scored 28 points and had a chance to win should be a point of emphasis at team meetings. In order to truly emerge as the playoff threat they are capable of, the Colts need to limit offensive production. Assuming the Colts do that, they will compete against the Titans and Jaguars. Giving up 46 points to the Rams n week ones should also be considered a red flag.
The defense performed well against the Cardinals in week two giving up just 16 points. The defense must shut down Marcus Mariota, Corey Davis and Delanie Walker as well as Blake Bortles, Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, and Leonard Fournette.
Why should the Colts be considered a playoff threat with all of these problems? They look inefficient on offense. The defense is a hot mess. Luck is still out of action.
The offense was out of sync because Brissett’s timing was off on his throws. Even Tom Brady said Brissett needs to work on his timing.
Brissett showed improved timing against Cleveland. He also showed he can run the ball effectively when there are opportunities. Brissett ran for two touchdowns.
Perhaps he needed experience to thrive. His ability to escape pressure to complete passes and run for touchdowns is similar to Carson Wentz and Ben Roethlisberger. Colts fans should also take his height into account. Brissett is 6-4, 235 pounds. He is also 23 so he is not in his prime yet. Brissett’s progress will be tested against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night.