Grades: Week 16 @ Chiefs

[Superman]

Against major contending competition, the Colts are 4-0, and this latest one comes post-Reggie, on the road. The five losses are against teams that are a combined 43-32. We're Giant Slayers.

 

 

Week 15 grades

Box score

 

Offense, B: 72 plays, 367 yards, 19 first downs (10 passing,  5 rushing, 4 from penalty), 7/18 on third down, 0/2 in the red zone, 0 turnovers, 23 points; nice, even performance, but could do better finishing drives with TDs

 

QB: Luck's accuracy and decision making continue to improve; he's getting better every week. Did a good job of managing the gameplan, making adjustments to plays and protections, even throwing a smoke route on a called run play at one point (which is a good thing, even if it didn't result in a lot of yardage). He's being given more responsibility, and he's responding well. Almost made a dumb mistake on a throw to Richardson, but other than that, a strong game. Hit slants, hit comebacks, used his eyes to move defenders, used a pump fake to get Hilton wide open on a big play (should have been a bigger gain, but Luck was under pressure as the ball came out). He also used his legs a few times to get out of trouble, though I'd like to see him make those decisions just a little bit quicker. B

 

Backs / receivers / tight ends, B+: 

Running game: Continued improvement, overall, although the big damage came on Brown's play. Richardson still looks hesitant, confused, and sometimes plain slow, but did make some good decisions and finished a few runs strong (including the 4th down conversion). Brown continues to stand out, but had mixed results as well. Choice had a nice carry at the end to get the final first down. The coaching staff continues to vary the run plays, which is a welcome adjustment, and the big gains continue to come on trap plays, which is good for the offense overall (especially helps with play action). Still dependent on inconsistent run blocking. B, nice results against a strong defensive front on the road

 

Passing game: Suddenly, we have a receiving corps that can get open on big downs and make plays. Griff Whalen is working it, not only making catches, but then shrugging off defenders for YAC. Still have big play potential, though we haven't connected that much recently, partly because of inexperienced receivers (Whalen, Rogers and Brazill have all had opportunities down the field, but can't get to them). But a good passing attack earns its pay on short and intermediate hookups, and there were plenty of those in this game. And that's mostly without the tight ends. The backs did a good job earning yards as well, especially Donald Brown's big TD. I'd like to see more crossing routes; we were mostly finding open areas and sitting underneath, which hurts YAC opportunities, but at least the completions were moving the ball well, and against a pretty good secondary. Nine players caught passes Sunday. This is promising. B+, I smell a big breakout sometime soon, with the way we've been working it underneath lately

 

OL / blocking: Another improved performance, and again with a makeshift line. Like we've been saying all along, shorter passing concepts and quicker decision making by the QB will help the protection tremendously, and it has. Luck was sacked once, and it was on a nice blitz by the Chiefs (and just barely a sack, all told). The linemen deserve credit, also, as they held their blocks really well in passing situations. In the run game, not so much. Lots of penetration and collapsed edges, making it really messy for the backs. Still five carries for no gain or a loss, and plenty more for only a yard or two. A few nice plays, but the line still loses a lot of matchups in the run game, including combo blocks, which is nuts. McGlynn plain whiffed on a couple plays; he's much better at center. Nixon has good feet at guard, and does a nice job of sealing when he's on the move, but doesn't overpower his man very often.  B-, still some nitpicks, just need to keep making progress, and hopefully get somewhat healthy

 

Defense, B+: 53 plays, 287 yards, 18 first downs (8 passing, 8 rushing, 2 from penalty), 1/8 on third down, 1/1 on fourth down, 0/1 in the red zone, 4 turnovers, 7 points; after the sloppy first drive, turned it on and shut down an offense that had scored 101 combined points the last two weeks

 

Defensive front: Again a sloppy game by the defensive front against the run, only saved by improved tackling. The Chiefs let us off easy by not running the ball more often, as we were getting pushed off the ball in the middle and weren't disciplined on the edge. Chapman got double-teamed often, and the run fits from the other linemen were inconsistent. Redding did okay, Moala and Mathews were all over the place. There were a number of plays that we did a great job on, including a toss (Charles bobbled the ball, but the outside was shut down anyways), but we were kind of at their mercy. The linebackers were sometimes completely washed out of the play by good blocking, and other times got to the ball carrier and brought him down. Multiple failures on the long TD run, but it started with poor play up front. And the two read option plays betrayed a lack of focus (maybe a lack of preparation, as we haven't faced an option QB in a while), but we tightened that up after the second one. The pass rush was more consistent, and kind of a perfect example of how the coaches want us to pressure the passer as a unit. Even got two sacks with Mathis on the bench, which is awesome. Good coverage helped as well. Strong play by Redding on his sack, beating his man and shooting directly up the middle. Just need to play more effectively in the middle against the run, and hopefully we get RJF back for the first playoff game. B-, getting better, hoping for better discipline against the run next week

 

Pass defense: I reserved praise last week because we were at home against an inexperienced and limited QB. Alex Smith might be limited, but he's very experienced and savvy, and our guys took their good play on the road with them for the first time in a while. Tight coverage, good tackling, big hitting, active hands, etc., all resulting in a very mediocre 4.6 yards/pass attempt, adjusted. Dwayne Bowe didn't do much, even dropping a deep one that Bethea couldn't make a play on (Bethea just can't track the ball in the air, but he's been more active and quicker to the ball lately). Charles went off last week, and did very little after the catch against us. Several opportunities to take the ball away, due to great coverage. I don't mind the penalties one bit. Liked how Gordy played, which was surprisingly well. Definitely a good call to put him on the outside instead of Butler. The linebackers and safeties were all around the ball also, with Freeman coming up with two takeaways. A-, if Toler can get back, this secondary might be a force

 
Special teams: More sloppy coverage leading to big returns, and a missed FG (AV's first miss inside the 20 this year). McAfee overkicked a couple of punts. But the coverage got better, DHB made a really nice stop as a gunner after beating two blockers down the sideline, and then got the stop on McAfee was able to bounce a punt backwards. There were some other nice plays as well, but we can't let returns out like that. B-

Coaching / playcalling, B:

Another nice gameplan by Manusky, executed very well by his guys. Got burned by the read option a couple times, then slowed the backers down to contain the outside better (should have done that sooner, because the overpursuit on the outside was opening up running lanes all game). Still some weird coverages, leaving slot receivers covered with a safety 10-12 yards off the line, and let some cross-matches happen, but the backers did a better job sticking with receivers. This gameplan won't work against the Pats or Broncos, but is perfect against the Chiefs, who want to throw quick and beat you with YAC. B+

 

Again, Pep mixed things up in the run game a little more, giving the guys more opportunities with traps. Got the backs the ball in the passing game so they could run in space, which always seems to work. Purposely worked the ball to receivers underneath, which opened up some opportunities over the top (the deep throw to Hilton, for instance). Finding different ways to get guys open against different coverages, and doing so quickly rather than running slow developing concepts so often. Would like to see more crossing routes so the receivers can run after the catch, rather than the hooks where they have to turn up the field after the catch is made. Going uptempo and giving Luck more freedom is the way to go. Not a lot of points down the stretch and some stalled drives all game, so we have to find a way to score more points. B

 

Robbed on the challenge (though I get the decision). I liked the use of timeouts at the end of the half, though the defense almost blew it and gave up a score. The overall adjustments in the lineup and gameplan have saved this team's chances this season. Took long enough. B

 

Game balls:

 

Donald Brown, 110 all purpose yards, two TDs on big plays, and he's consistently been one of the best weapons on offense. People doubted that he would make the 53 man roster, and here he is, leading the team in rushing yards. Probably his last year as a Colt, and he's really doing a great job for us.

 

Jerrell Freeman, was all over the place, forced 2 turnovers, benefiting from a third forced by Mathis, and had other stops as well in the passing game and the run game. Not a perfect game, but enough big plays to help shut down an offense that has shown big eruption potential in recent weeks.

 

Old Spice Swagger Award: Pat McAfee, for the golf swing after the punt. 

 

Next up, hosting the Jags. Have a chance to sweep the division, match last season's record, and stay hot going into the playoffs. Outside chance of a first round bye. Keep playing hard, fellas.

 

GO COLTS!!!

[Gabriel Alexander Morillo]

I'd put Bengals as a contender but that's just me.

I like your grades Superman.

[TKnight24]

I believe Pep Hamilton called his best game yet on Sunday.

The early no huddle movement was very key. And not abandoning the run game even though it was horrible it still kept the defense honest and we burnt them when we needed to ( Donald Brown TD run).

Game ball goes to Pep Hamilton imo

[BleedBlue18]

Against major contending competition, the Colts are 4-0, and this latest one comes post-Reggie, on the road. The five losses are against teams that are a combined 43-32. We're Giant Slayers.

 

 

Week 15 grades

Box score

 

Offense, B: 72 plays, 367 yards, 19 first downs (10 passing,  5 rushing, 4 from penalty), 7/18 on third down, 0/2 in the red zone, 0 turnovers, 23 points; nice, even performance, but could do better finishing drives with TDs

 

QB: Luck's accuracy and decision making continue to improve; he's getting better every week. Did a good job of managing the gameplan, making adjustments to plays and protections, even throwing a smoke route on a called run play at one point (which is a good thing, even if it didn't result in a lot of yardage). He's being given more responsibility, and he's responding well. Almost made a dumb mistake on a throw to Richardson, but other than that, a strong game. Hit slants, hit comebacks, used his eyes to move defenders, used a pump fake to get Hilton wide open on a big play (should have been a bigger gain, but Luck was under pressure as the ball came out). He also used his legs a few times to get out of trouble, though I'd like to see him make those decisions just a little bit quicker. B

 

Backs / receivers / tight ends, B+: 

Running game: Continued improvement, overall, although the big damage came on Brown's play. Richardson still looks hesitant, confused, and sometimes plain slow, but did make some good decisions and finished a few runs strong (including the 4th down conversion). Brown continues to stand out, but had mixed results as well. Choice had a nice carry at the end to get the final first down. The coaching staff continues to vary the run plays, which is a welcome adjustment, and the big gains continue to come on trap plays, which is good for the offense overall (especially helps with play action). Still dependent on inconsistent run blocking. B, nice results against a strong defensive front on the road

 

Passing game: Suddenly, we have a receiving corps that can get open on big downs and make plays. Griff Whalen is working it, not only making catches, but then shrugging off defenders for YAC. Still have big play potential, though we haven't connected that much recently, partly because of inexperienced receivers (Whalen, Rogers and Brazill have all had opportunities down the field, but can't get to them). But a good passing attack earns its pay on short and intermediate hookups, and there were plenty of those in this game. And that's mostly without the tight ends. The backs did a good job earning yards as well, especially Donald Brown's big TD. I'd like to see more crossing routes; we were mostly finding open areas and sitting underneath, which hurts YAC opportunities, but at least the completions were moving the ball well, and against a pretty good secondary. Nine players caught passes Sunday. This is promising. B+, I smell a big breakout sometime soon, with the way we've been working it underneath lately

 

OL / blocking: Another improved performance, and again with a makeshift line. Like we've been saying all along, shorter passing concepts and quicker decision making by the QB will help the protection tremendously, and it has. Luck was sacked once, and it was on a nice blitz by the Chiefs (and just barely a sack, all told). The linemen deserve credit, also, as they held their blocks really well in passing situations. In the run game, not so much. Lots of penetration and collapsed edges, making it really messy for the backs. Still five carries for no gain or a loss, and plenty more for only a yard or two. A few nice plays, but the line still loses a lot of matchups in the run game, including combo blocks, which is nuts. McGlynn plain whiffed on a couple plays; he's much better at center. Nixon has good feet at guard, and does a nice job of sealing when he's on the move, but doesn't overpower his man very often.  B-, still some nitpicks, just need to keep making progress, and hopefully get somewhat healthy

 

Defense, B+: 53 plays, 287 yards, 18 first downs (8 passing, 8 rushing, 2 from penalty), 1/8 on third down, 1/1 on fourth down, 0/1 in the red zone, 4 turnovers, 7 points; after the sloppy first drive, turned it on and shut down an offense that had scored 101 combined points the last two weeks

 

Defensive front: Again a sloppy game by the defensive front against the run, only saved by improved tackling. The Chiefs let us off easy by not running the ball more often, as we were getting pushed off the ball in the middle and weren't disciplined on the edge. Chapman got double-teamed often, and the run fits from the other linemen were inconsistent. Redding did okay, Moala and Mathews were all over the place. There were a number of plays that we did a great job on, including a toss (Charles bobbled the ball, but the outside was shut down anyways), but we were kind of at their mercy. The linebackers were sometimes completely washed out of the play by good blocking, and other times got to the ball carrier and brought him down. Multiple failures on the long TD run, but it started with poor play up front. And the two read option plays betrayed a lack of focus (maybe a lack of preparation, as we haven't faced an option QB in a while), but we tightened that up after the second one. The pass rush was more consistent, and kind of a perfect example of how the coaches want us to pressure the passer as a unit. Even got two sacks with Mathis on the bench, which is awesome. Good coverage helped as well. Strong play by Redding on his sack, beating his man and shooting directly up the middle. Just need to play more effectively in the middle against the run, and hopefully we get RJF back for the first playoff game. B-, getting better, hoping for better discipline against the run next week

 

Pass defense: I reserved praise last week because we were at home against an inexperienced and limited QB. Alex Smith might be limited, but he's very experienced and savvy, and our guys took their good play on the road with them for the first time in a while. Tight coverage, good tackling, big hitting, active hands, etc., all resulting in a very mediocre 4.6 yards/pass attempt, adjusted. Dwayne Bowe didn't do much, even dropping a deep one that Bethea couldn't make a play on (Bethea just can't track the ball in the air, but he's been more active and quicker to the ball lately). Charles went off last week, and did very little after the catch against us. Several opportunities to take the ball away, due to great coverage. I don't mind the penalties one bit. Liked how Gordy played, which was surprisingly well. Definitely a good call to put him on the outside instead of Butler. The linebackers and safeties were all around the ball also, with Freeman coming up with two takeaways. A-, if Toler can get back, this secondary might be a force

 

Special teams: More sloppy coverage leading to big returns, and a missed FG (AV's first miss inside the 20 this year). McAfee overkicked a couple of punts. But the coverage got better, DHB made a really nice stop as a gunner after beating two blockers down the sideline, and then got the stop on McAfee was able to bounce a punt backwards. There were some other nice plays as well, but we can't let returns out like that. B-

Coaching / playcalling, B:

Another nice gameplan by Manusky, executed very well by his guys. Got burned by the read option a couple times, then slowed the backers down to contain the outside better (should have done that sooner, because the overpursuit on the outside was opening up running lanes all game). Still some weird coverages, leaving slot receivers covered with a safety 10-12 yards off the line, and let some cross-matches happen, but the backers did a better job sticking with receivers. This gameplan won't work against the Pats or Broncos, but is perfect against the Chiefs, who want to throw quick and beat you with YAC. B+

 

Again, Pep mixed things up in the run game a little more, giving the guys more opportunities with traps. Got the backs the ball in the passing game so they could run in space, which always seems to work. Purposely worked the ball to receivers underneath, which opened up some opportunities over the top (the deep throw to Hilton, for instance). Finding different ways to get guys open against different coverages, and doing so quickly rather than running slow developing concepts so often. Would like to see more crossing routes so the receivers can run after the catch, rather than the hooks where they have to turn up the field after the catch is made. Going uptempo and giving Luck more freedom is the way to go. Not a lot of points down the stretch and some stalled drives all game, so we have to find a way to score more points. B

 

Robbed on the challenge (though I get the decision). I liked the use of timeouts at the end of the half, though the defense almost blew it and gave up a score. The overall adjustments in the lineup and gameplan have saved this team's chances this season. Took long enough. B

 

Game balls:

 

Donald Brown, 110 all purpose yards, two TDs on big plays, and he's consistently been one of the best weapons on offense. People doubted that he would make the 53 man roster, and here he is, leading the team in rushing yards. Probably his last year as a Colt, and he's really doing a great job for us.

 

Jerrell Freeman, was all over the place, forced 2 turnovers, benefiting from a third forced by Mathis, and had other stops as well in the passing game and the run game. Not a perfect game, but enough big plays to help shut down an offense that has shown big eruption potential in recent weeks.

 

Old Spice Swagger Award: Pat McAfee, for the golf swing after the punt. 

 

Next up, hosting the Jags. Have a chance to sweep the division, match last season's record, and stay hot going into the playoffs. Outside chance of a first round bye. Keep playing hard, fellas.

 

GO COLTS!!!

100% agree. Great post man!     :blueshoe:  

[Franklin County]

I'd put Bengals as a contender but that's just me.

 

Ahhh only in the Jungle.

[SLILLINGTON10]

I thought Bethea really brought the wood this game.

[Superman]

I'd put Bengals as a contender but that's just me.

I like your grades Superman.

You're right. They're as much a contender as the Chiefs are.

[Superman]

I thought Bethea really brought the wood this game.

He did. I thought it was his best game in a while.

[husker61]

You're right. They're as much a contender as the Chiefs are.

 

much more!