The Dopey Report Card (Colts-Steelers)

Minshew was marvelous, the defense balled out, the depth came through in the offensive backfield; it was the Colts most inspired performance all year.

RUN OFFENSE

I would feel a whole lot better about the Colts’ rushing attack coming down the stretch if I knew what I could expect from them from week to week. Two weeks ago, they couldn’t do anything against a terrible Bengals run defense, and had been below 100 rushing yards in four of their previous five games. Then Saturday – guarantee I’m gonna screw up at least once in this column and mention Sunday – the Colts faced the worst of circumstances, an injury to Zack Moss, and didn’t miss a beat. If anything, it was one of the best rushing performances of the season, led by an angry offensive line and two fringe running backs, Tyler Goodson and Trey Sermon. Is this replicable? Will JT and/or Moss be back for next week’s game? Which offensive line will show up? Saturday, those were the “Run The Damn Ball” Colts, but it’s not something they’ve been able to hang their hats on this season. For one day, though, an incredible performance, notably the 13 straight runs during a fourth-quarter drive that was both dispiriting for the Steelers and embarrassing.

Grade: A

RUN DEFENSE

Let me dispel the rumor that E.J. Speed was everywhere all at once. It seemed that way, sure, but it actually wasn’t the case. Big day for the Colts linebacker, who led the teams in tackles with 10, nine of them solo, plus a forced fumble. The Steelers were running in mud, finishing with 74 yards on 24 carries, a 3.1 yards-per-carry average.  It’s also worth noting that the Colts didn’t get carved up on screen passes, as was the case last week in Cincinnati, when they gave up an unbelievable 125 yards on three screens. Honestly, I can’t recall a single screen that gashed Indianapolis Saturday (haven’t said Sunday yet…it’s a miracle).  

Grade: B+