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Indianapolis Colts Risers and Fallers suffer humiliating loss to Minnesota Vikings

Posted on by Pranco
Indianapolis Colts Risers and Fallers suffer humiliating loss to Minnesota Vikings

The Indianapolis foals lost their second game in a row against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football, 21-13. While the deficit isn’t ugly, the Indianapolis offense was. After banking Anthony Richardson for Joe Flacco as a quarterback to give the team the “best chance to win,” this is a tougher loss than it probably needed to be with such a baffling decision.

With more questions than answers, here are the risers and fallers for the 4-5 Colts after a dismal showing under the bright lights of primetime.

Riser | Linebackers

Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (all white) makes a tackle on Minnesota Vikings (purple jersey) Aaron Jones.

November 3, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) runs with the ball against Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) in the first quarter at US Bank Stadium. Mandatory credits: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images / Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

While the Colts offense was disgusting, the defense played fantastic. The focus for this entry is on linebackers EJ speed And Zaire Franklinwho all delivered great performances. Starting with Speed, the veteran recorded twelve tackles (2 for loss) and was a consistent support in the run. As for Franklin, he recorded 8 tackles, a pass defended and a huge interception in the red zone of Vikings QB Sam Darnold.

The Colts have had ups and downs from their linebacking duo, but Franklin and Speed ​​played like true defensive field generals against a run-heavy Vikings offense. They will look to continue that momentum against the Buffalo Bills week 10.

Faller | Matt Gay

Colts kicker Matt Gay (all white uniform) goes for a kick attempt against the Jacksonville Jaguars (teal jersey).

Indianapolis Colts place kicker Matt Gay (7) kicks a field goal as punter holds Rigoberto Sanchez (8) during the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jaguars defeated the Colts on a field goal 37-34. (Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union) / Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Colt’s kicker Matt Gay has struggled to make field goals longer than 50 yards in 2024, and they came back to haunt him when Indianapolis desperately needed points. While Gay’s overall performance was 2/3 FGs (long of 54) and 1/1 XP for a total of 7 points, the issues with longer field goals become concerning for in-game situations.

While Gay scored one of the 54-plus yards, Indianapolis might have been in a very different situation later in the game if that field goal had been made. Gay now rests at 2/5 (40%) on field goals of more than 50 yards this year and 14/17 overall, with every miss coming from deep.

Riser | Grover Stewart

Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart (all white uniform) appears to get through a double-team block for a sack.

October 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans guard Kenyon Green (76) and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (78) attempt to block Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart (90) during the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory credits: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Colts defensive front came to play the Vikings on Sunday night. While DeForest Buckner Had a nice outing (6 tackles, 1 sack), counterpart Grover Stewart was a threat, bullying Vikings offensive linemen en route to 4 tackles (1 for loss), 2 sacks and a forced fumble. The Darnold fumble was picked up for a defensive touchdown by cornerback Kenny Moore II.

Stewart’s presence was felt against the Vikings as more than just a run defender. If Stewart can put together more performances like this, it will give other Colts players potential opportunities to shine in the defensive trenches with tough opponents ahead.

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Faller | Michael Pittman Jr.

Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (all white uniform) looks at the field before the start of a match.

October 13, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) during pregame warmups against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory credits: Steve Roberts-Imagn images / Steve Roberts-Imagn images

The Colts star pass catcher Michael Pittman Jr. had another modest performance, this time in a losing effort against the Vikings. Pittman was targeted four times and hauled in a single catch for 14 yards. On the season, the former USC Trojan has just 30 catches for 366 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. If this trend continues, Pittman will finish with approximately 57 catches for 691 receiving yards and 4 scores.

This isn’t ideal after Indianapolis paid Pittman a brand new three-year contract. A $70 million deal in the offseason of 2024. Instead, 2023 third-rounder Josh Downs has proven to be the best pass catcher for Indianapolis this season. Pittman needs to turn things around as he represents a shell of his former self as of now, while Downs breaks out as a better option at receiver.

Riser | Nick Cross

Colts safety Nick Cross (all white uniform) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Minnesota Vikings.

November 3, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross (20) returns an interception from Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at US Bank Stadium. Mandatory credits: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn images / Jeffrey Becker-Imagn images

Safety Nick Cross continues to impress in year three with Indianapolis, and he continued the momentum against the Vikings. Cross finished second on the team with 10 tackles (7 solo), 1 pass defended and an interception.

To say Cross has committed himself to defense is an understatement, now with 86 tackles and 2 interceptions in 9 games this season. Cross has shown fantastic qualities in his development as an NFL pro and continued that under the primetime lights. If the former Maryland Terrapin can finish the second half of 2024 the way he started, he will finish as one of the Colts’ best defensive players.

Faller | Joe Flacco

Colts quarterback Joe Flacco (all white uniform) awaits the next action on the field against the Minnesota Vikings.

November 3, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco (15) looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at US Bank Stadium. Mandatory credits: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn images / Jeffrey Becker-Imagn images

Richardson’s benching of Flacco got off to a bumpy start, as the veteran looked 39 years old against an aggressive Brian Flores defense. Flacco was sacked three times, pressured into erratic decisions and very conservative with his passing. Overall, the former Super Bowl MVP was 16/27 passing for 179 yards through the air and an interception. Flacco failed to generate many explosive plays or solid drives to maintain time of possession.

The Colts still have teams like the Bills and Detroit Lions ahead of their schedule. As long as Flacco remains under center, emerging defensive opponents will concentrate Jonathan Taylor to bottle up Indy’s passing attack. Things at the quarterback position appear to be as confusing as ever for the Colts, but need to get better if they hope to make the postseason.

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