Colts Vs. Redskins Recap
This was a very important game for the Colts in many ways. Going in the Colts were dealing with critics saying that they couldn’t win on the road, they were too injured on defense to stop anyone especially vs. the run where they have historically been weak and I’ll admit those are viable points. Some were answered some were not. Before I break down the defensive issues I’ll address the offense, which no one is concerned with. Now I have to admit like most weeks I expected the Colts to score but this week especially because the Colts were playing a 3-4 Defense and it’s my belief that truly elite Quarterbacks have their way with the 3-4, especially in this situation because it’s a first year 3-4. Imagine my surprise when the Redskins first defer the opening kick off but then when Peyton and the boys take the field the Redskins aren’t coming out in the 3-4, but a prowler defense with one or no down linemen that immediately confuses the offense and the first pass is nearly intercepted. Though, that worked in favor of the ‘skins because had the defensive back caught it, it would have been a fumble that the Colts would have recovered for a first down. The incompletion caused the Colts to punt. On the second offensive series disaster nearly struck again but it would seem the old adage that corners are wide receivers that can’t catch is true for the Redskins because they dropped another bad pass by Manning. From that point on though it was all Colts on offense, Manning Immediately recognized that the Redskins were holding back on forming until late on the play clock to confuse him. So he started quick snapping to both keep the deafening Washington fans out of the play calling and to keep the personnel on they wanted on the field. As Manning fed Addai the ball over and over for his career best in yardage and a career long run in the end Manning had two passing touchdowns and Addai one rushing a great day by any standards and a complete offensive attack.
I wish I could say the same for defense but there were still quite a few issues that can be addressed. However I would prefer to start with the positive most of all being the turnovers. When the Colts were forced to punt on the first series Jerraud Powers made a brilliant interception jumping a quick slant on the first pass of the Redskins drive that resulted in a touchdown. From there as a whole I was very happy with the pass rush getting three sacks on the always dangerous McNabb. Pressure was going to be a huge factor if the colts were to be successful in the game because McNabb has proved for years if you give him time he will find the open man down field. The defense wasn’t all good though while I was impressed with the penetration the colts were getting on passing and running plays they were not wrapping up tackles with the Colts already struggling vs. the run it was heart breaking to see defenders having Torain at a 3-4 yard lass and fail to wrap him up and run for a eight yard gain however for the most part the Colts did a Great job of keeping the Redskins out of the end zone and forcing punts. With the touchdowns that were scored coming off of turnovers. But as has been the case in the past the defense stepped up when needed and created a turnover to win the game. With forty seconds left on the clock and no time outs the ‘skins came out passing on first down with a sixty yard bomb and if not for an immaculate one handed interception by Aaron Francisco they would have scored and took a four point lead with less that thirty seconds on the clock.
To say I was furious about how our special teams played would be like me saying I think the Flash is pretty quick. The punt game was fine and it really will be a shame if MacAfee doesn’t make the Pro-Bowl this year. That being said the Kickoff coverage was completely unacceptable allowing far too many yards. Even that wasn’t a concern compared to the abysmal return game. Not only did the punt return man continually not fair catch balls and let them bounce and be downed shallow of the five yard line but the one punt he did decide to field he fumbled turned it over and ruined a great defensive stand and gave McNabb the ball in the red zone for a go ahead score.
Over all a wins a win and this was a big win over a quality opponent on the road now we go in to a much needed bye at the perfect time to get our starters rested and our injured back to full strength and come back strong for a playoff push to win our division starting with a rematch with the Texans at home.
This was a very important game for the Colts in many ways. Going in the Colts were dealing with critics saying that they couldn’t win on the road, they were too injured on defense to stop anyone especially vs. the run where they have historically been weak and I’ll admit those are viable points. Some were answered some were not. Before I break down the defensive issues I’ll address the offense, which no one is concerned with. Now I have to admit like most weeks I expected the Colts to score but this week especially because the Colts were playing a 3-4 Defense and it’s my belief that truly elite Quarterbacks have their way with the 3-4, especially in this situation because it’s a first year 3-4. Imagine my surprise when the Redskins first defer the opening kick off but then when Peyton and the boys take the field the Redskins aren’t coming out in the 3-4, but a prowler defense with one or no down linemen that immediately confuses the offense and the first pass is nearly intercepted. Though, that worked in favor of the ‘skins because had the defensive back caught it, it would have been a fumble that the Colts would have recovered for a first down. The incompletion caused the Colts to punt. On the second offensive series disaster nearly struck again but it would seem the old adage that corners are wide receivers that can’t catch is true for the Redskins because they dropped another bad pass by Manning. From that point on though it was all Colts on offense, Manning Immediately recognized that the Redskins were holding back on forming until late on the play clock to confuse him. So he started quick snapping to both keep the deafening Washington fans out of the play calling and to keep the personnel on they wanted on the field. As Manning fed Addai the ball over and over for his career best in yardage and a career long run in the end Manning had two passing touchdowns and Addai one rushing a great day by any standards and a complete offensive attack.
I wish I could say the same for defense but there were still quite a few issues that can be addressed. However I would prefer to start with the positive most of all being the turnovers. When the Colts were forced to punt on the first series Jerraud Powers made a brilliant interception jumping a quick slant on the first pass of the Redskins drive that resulted in a touchdown. From there as a whole I was very happy with the pass rush getting three sacks on the always dangerous McNabb. Pressure was going to be a huge factor if the colts were to be successful in the game because McNabb has proved for years if you give him time he will find the open man down field. The defense wasn’t all good though while I was impressed with the penetration the colts were getting on passing and running plays they were not wrapping up tackles with the Colts already struggling vs. the run it was heart breaking to see defenders having Torain at a 3-4 yard lass and fail to wrap him up and run for a eight yard gain however for the most part the Colts did a Great job of keeping the Redskins out of the end zone and forcing punts. With the touchdowns that were scored coming off of turnovers. But as has been the case in the past the defense stepped up when needed and created a turnover to win the game. With forty seconds left on the clock and no time outs the ‘skins came out passing on first down with a sixty yard bomb and if not for an immaculate one handed interception by Aaron Francisco they would have scored and took a four point lead with less that thirty seconds on the clock.
To say I was furious about how our special teams played would be like me saying I think the Flash is pretty quick. The punt game was fine and it really will be a shame if MacAfee doesn’t make the Pro-Bowl this year. That being said the Kickoff coverage was completely unacceptable allowing far too many yards. Even that wasn’t a concern compared to the abysmal return game. Not only did the punt return man continually not fair catch balls and let them bounce and be downed shallow of the five yard line but the one punt he did decide to field he fumbled turned it over and ruined a great defensive stand and gave McNabb the ball in the red zone for a go ahead score.
Over all a wins a win and this was a big win over a quality opponent on the road now we go in to a much needed bye at the perfect time to get our starters rested and our injured back to full strength and come back strong for a playoff push to win our division starting with a rematch with the Texans at home.
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