As I have previously mentioned, I’m not just a UFL writer; I also enjoy writing about the NFL. In particular, I look forward to giving you weekly power rankings and sharing some of my opinions on the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts have been stuck in mediocrity since Andrew Luck’s surprise retirement before the 2019 season. Outside of 2020 and the Philip Rivers season, this Colts team has never been able to get over the hump. We’ve had Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan, Sam Ehlinger, Nick Foles, Anthony Richardson Sr., Gardner Minshew, Joe Flacco, Daniel Jones, Philip Rivers again, and Riley Leonard start games.
That is not a recipe for success.
It stings even more when you have Jonathan Taylor in his prime, usually putting together amazing performances that somehow end up going by the wayside.
This season came with a lot of uncertainty. Daniel Jones was coming off a torn Achilles, while there were also several new faces on both sides of the ball. The Colts lost Zaire Franklin, Kenny Moore, Braden Smith, and Michael Pittman, among others. Reports coming out of training camp and the combined practices said Daniel Jones looked sharp.
That was not the case in Week One.
The Colts chose to receive the opening kickoff, showing confidence in their offense. The first drive looked great. Daniel Jones passed on the first seven straight plays, which surprised me, but the Colts converted a few third downs and eventually capped the drive with a Jonathan Taylor touchdown.
After that drive, though, everything fell apart.
Baltimore had an amazing kickoff return, and in only three plays, they had a touchdown response. Zay Flowers caught a 49-yard pass, and two plays later, Lamar Jackson kept the option and ran into the end zone for an easy touchdown.
Then Jesse Minter started bringing the heat. Even with his two-safety look on defense, he was able to confuse Daniel Jones. A negative run by Taylor set up an interception on a horrible read by Jones.
On a crucial third-and-long for Baltimore after a penalty, the Colts brought a blitz and looked to have Lamar Jackson bottled up. Instead, Jackson ducked three defensive linemen and ran for a first down. Steichen challenged the play, but the challenge was unsuccessful. Two plays later, Derrick Henry ran into the end zone for a touchdown.
Following another Colts three-and-out, Baltimore had a chance to go up 21-6. Instead, they got all the way to the goal line before Lamar threw a touchdown that was overturned because of a holding penalty.
The Colts’ defense finally stood up on fourth-and-goal and turned away the Ravens’ offense.
Starting at their own 3-yard line, the Colts got a first down before immediately going backward on a Taylor run. Facing third-and-long, Jones checked the ball down, and the Colts punted again.
Baltimore responded in just five plays as Zay Flowers escaped the Colts’ coverage and juked the defense on his way to a 54-yard touchdown catch.
Halfway through the second quarter and down 21-6, the Colts needed something, anything, to get going.
Instead, on just one play, Jonathan Taylor ran for 14 yards but lost a key fumble that Baltimore recovered.
Then, in just three plays, Derrick Henry caught a screen pass and took it 32 yards for a touchdown.
What a blowout in Indy.
This was completely unexpected, and Colts fans like myself were in shambles.
After another Colts three-and-out and punt, Baltimore got the ball back, but the Colts finally made a play. They brought a blitz and forced a Lamar Jackson fumble that was recovered by Indianapolis.
Finally, something went right.
Starting from the Baltimore 15-yard line, Jonathan Taylor ran in for his second touchdown four plays later. Baltimore still led 28-13.
After a three-and-out by Baltimore, the Colts had a chance to make this a one-score game. Instead, they went three-and-out again and punted the ball back to Baltimore.
The Ravens responded with a six-play, 37-yard drive that led to a field goal.
31-13 at halftime.
This was a complete and utter embarrassment for the Colts.
The second half produced much of the same. Indianapolis only mustered a field goal in the third quarter, while Baltimore was mainly focused on chewing clock.
Baltimore’s first possession of the fourth quarter all but sealed the victory. A six-play, 77-yard drive ended with another Derrick Henry touchdown, and Henry even waved goodbye to the Colts fans from the end zone.
The Colts responded with a touchdown drive of their own, capped by Tyler Warren, but it was far too late.
My initial reaction is just how unprepared the Colts seemed on both sides of the ball.
They gave up 504 total yards to Baltimore, including more than 300 passing yards from Lamar Jackson and more than 150 rushing yards from Derrick Henry.
The lack of defensive pressure from the Colts’ front was concerning, while the coverage from their corners was horrendous. That group includes Charvarius Ward Sr. and Sauce Gardner. Justin Walley was primarily the one picked on in coverage and was completely exploited.
Cam Britt-Taylor will be welcomed back in a big way next week following his one-game suspension.
The new-look linebacker group, outside of Akeem Davis-Gaither, was absolutely horrible as well. Lou Anarumo has a tremendous amount of work to do.
The offense was also a horror story outside of Jonathan Taylor.
Jesse Minter had his way with Shane Steichen’s offense. How does Josh Downs make two amazing catches on the opening drive and then barely see the ball after that?
Daniel Jones looked extremely rocky and rusty coming off his season-ending injury last season. Keenan Allen and Alec Pierce were okay, and Tyler Warren did catch a touchdown, but last season, a lot more of the offense was designed around Warren. There simply weren’t enough plays involving him in this game.
The game plan is mind-boggling.
Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard are definitely on the hot seat.
And their schedule gives them no favors. They travel to Kansas City next Sunday night before returning home to play Houston.
Yikes.
If the Colts don’t make significant adjustments quickly, this season could start slipping away before it even gets going.
