RUN OFFENSE
Well, that was mildly pathetic. The Colts, historically a solid running team, went nowhere quick Sunday in Pittsburgh. Jonathan Taylor averaged three yards per carry but worse, the Colts consistently got stuffed in the red zone, where they finished 1-for-3 and were forced to settle for five field goals. Difference in the game? I’d say so. Without Alec Pierce’s deep threat, defenses are loading the box, daring the Colts to run, and the results have been mixed at best. Do you see that turning around anytime soon? I don’t.
GRADE: D
RUN DEFENSE
Jaylen Warren is a nice running back, but he’s not a cross between Walter Payton and Earl Campbell – even if the Colts made him look like a Hall of Famer. Aside from DeForest Buckner, who would be excused if he demanded a trade out of Indy, the tackling was abysmal. That was especially true on Warren’s 80-yard catch-and-run early and the 50-yard touchdown run. Tackling is all about desire, and this team lacks the raw desire necessary to win football games like this one. Inexcusable.
GRADE: C-
