Monday Morning Awards: Week 8 Vs. Broncos

I can’t remember when was the last time I saw the Colts play this badly and still win. The Colts made plenty of mistakes in all three phases of the game and won thanks to a GW field goal by the G.O.A.T Adam Vinatieri.

MVP of the Game: Adam Vinatieri

Yes, I know he missed a 45 yarder and a PAT, but he also nailed two 50+ yarders, one to give the Colts their first lead of the game with under 30 seconds remaining. Vinatieri has not been his usual self so far this season, but it is good to know he still has that clutch gene in him. There where some other Colts players that had nice games, like Ben Banogu and Darius Leonard, but in the end, Vinatieri was the key to this win.

Dud of the Game (The Grigsy): Mark Glowinski, Rock Ya-Sin

On offense, Glowinski got beaten all day long. He was the main reason why Jacoby was under pressure on almost every passing play, and he was not influential in the running game. Sure, he had a tough matchup against Von Miller, but the Colts right side of the line is getting exposed every other week.

On defense, rookie cornerback Rock Ya-Sin was asked to shadow Broncos emerging star Courtland Sutton. Even though the stat sheet says Sutton only caught 3 balls for 72 yards, Ya-Sin was flagged an astounding 5 times. I trust Ya-Sin will use this game to learn from his mistakes and improve as a pro, but this was ugly.

Honorable mention to the refs. Normally, I hate blaming the refs or calling them out, but WOW, Al Riveron needs to be fired as soon as possible.

Play of the Game: Jacoby’s 4Q escape and pass to T.Y

With under two minutes remaining and no timeouts left, Brissett made perhaps his best and most meaningful play of the season, escaping Von Miller’s grasp near the end zone, rolling to his right, and delivering an absolute dart on the sideline to T.Y Hilton.

Worst Play of the Week: All of them?

Watching this game hurt my eyes. The Colts did not look like a playoff team at all. Even though the Broncos have one of the top defenses in the entire NFL, the Colts should have enough talent to beat them rather easily. Given how poor the play-calling, execution, and refs were, the Colts are extremely lucky to be 5-2.

Best Position Group: Defensive Line

The defensive line faced perhaps their easiest matchup of the entire season, especially after Broncos right tackle Ja’Wuan James went down with another injury early in the first quarter, and standout rookie left guard Dalton Risner had to get his ankle taped up late in the game. However, Sheard and Houston once again delivered the level of play expected from them, as Houston once again sacked the quarterback and Sheard made an impact on every other play. Rookie Ben Banogu also had a breakout game, coming up with the sack and forced fumble that sealed the game.

Unsung Hero: Marvell Tell III

Honestly, there where not many other candidates for this award, but I liked the way Tell handled himself on the field and thought he had a solid overall game. Given his size and length, I still think he could develop into a serviceable backup cornerback if given time.

Rookie of the Week: Ben Banogu

Banogu had his best game of the season and would have actually finished the game with two sacks had it not been for a questionable holding call. Overall, it was great to see Banogu step up and have a big game, considering how thin the Colts are at defensive line and how the heavily the pass rush has relied on Justin Houston since Kemoko Turay’s injury.