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Overview
Coming into this game both the Colts and the Jaguars were welcoming back their starting quarterbacks. While Brissett missed the last game and a half, this was Foles first game since week one. The Colts were without T.Y. Hilton and Parris Campbell, and still found themselves as three point favorites heading into this one.
As it turned out Foles was rusty, Brissett is a massive improvement over Brian Hoyer, even if the Colts didn’t need to throw the ball to win this game. Adam Vinatieri’s struggles are well documented but after going five for five on kicks this week he will be somewhat off of the media’s radar, heading into the week 12 Thursday night game.
All in all this was a good Colts win. I didn’t expect Foles to play as poorly as he did today, I saw a lot of people saying he looked good in his return, frankly, I’m not sure what game they were watching. He’s lucky he didn’t throw four interceptions and he was inaccurate for much of the day. Gardner Minshew II would have given the Jaguars a better chance to win in this one.
First Quarter
Malik Hooker sighting
#Colts with a big stop on 3rd down. Sorry not sorry #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/BrWPEusI2z
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
On the Jaguars first drive of the game, thanks in part to a first down holding call, the Colts forced a 3rd and long and nearly forced a turnover. Nick Foles hasn’t played for ten weeks but even if he had, I’m not sure he expected Hooker to make a play quite like this. Good stop for the Colts defense.
Then the Colts answer with this
#Colts first third down didn't go so well. Braden Smith beaten inside. pic.twitter.com/ZPOXgGmWwM
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
After a really nice punt pinned the offense deep and a nice Marlon Mack run, the Colts gave up this sack on 3rd and 3. Braden Smith was beaten inside by Jags rookie pass rusher Josh Allen.
I don’t follow any open threads during the game but I assume everyone deserved to be cut after this play
#Colts fans don't panic, this is what 4.3 speed looks like, it's still early. Have to have a plan to prevent #Charkattacks going forward. #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/gj1phrvFij
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
DJ Chark is a very good receiver. When you have someone who is 6’3” with legit 4.3 speed, sometimes this is going to happen.
Same play different look
Another look at the #DUUUVAL TD catch. #Colts pic.twitter.com/FEJFSJfaLu
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
The Colts were aggressive all day. Here we see a good receiver beat man coverage and a safety in Malik Hooker who underestimated his opponents speed. This was the only meaningful Jags score on the day.
Jags defense isn’t what it used to be
Great blocking up front for Marlin Mack #Colts pic.twitter.com/w2tFjScMx9
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
It is impossible to keep a team together forever in the NFL, every team has its run. This Jags defense has seen better days and we should see an overhaul soon.
When something is working, you keep doing it until it doesn’t
Make them stop it Frank. #RTDB #Colts #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/1j3PFGeZdi
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
If it works, don’t do anything different.
Working against zone coverage
WR1 #Colts pic.twitter.com/WdOY0Wz2UH
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
Zach Pascal only caught two passes on the day, Brissett only completed 15 passes on the day. It’s nice to know it’s there if you need it, but I’m glad the Colts didn’t need to throw very often.
Marlon Mack thought he was in a video game
Marlon Mack's 1st quarter TD run pic.twitter.com/iWVPAkFD3y
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
Marlon Mack had a great game and this touchdown run is just silly.
Second Quarter
I’m not saying Marvell Tell is Richard Sherman
Marvel Tell! #Colts pic.twitter.com/YjnNxWiHn8
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
But they were both drafted in the 5th round. It’s starting to look like Chris Ballard’s staff found a gem of a safety who converted to cornerback.
Kenny Moore had a fantastic game
I love the aggressiveness of the #Colts defense today. Matt Eberflus is taking it to #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/j7ngwJSLdO
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
Had Moore not gotten home, Darius Leonard probably would have. Matt Eberflus tested Nick Foles early and often with the blitz and it was effective all day long.
If he would have finished the game, he might have reached 200 yards on the day
#Colts are trying to Marlon Mack 200 yards today pic.twitter.com/CCJV1zvXJo
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
Mack looked good. The Colts offensive line looked good. The other Colts running backs looked good. It was a great day for the Colts in all phases of the game.
Eric Ebron with a great catch on the sideline
#Colts what a catch. Questionable camera work. pic.twitter.com/UVZyGhVpSM
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
Ebron had 4 catches on 4 targets for 27 yards. A solid day overall.
Johnathan Williams has been waiting for his chance
#Colts this hole was insane pic.twitter.com/A2Ie0vUqZ5
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
Today Williams took full advantage of the chances he had today.
Kenny Moore can do it all
What a tackle. #Colts Kenny Moore having a day pic.twitter.com/Un9iKLjxEA
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
He blitzes, he deflects, he covers, he tackles, he just resigned with the Colts but the next time his contract comes due, he will be a very wealthy man. Kenny Moore is on a very team friendly deal and once again, Chris Ballard found another guy perfect for the team’s system.
It’s been up and down for Rock Ya-Sin
#Colts Rock Ya-Sin with his first INT. Malik Hooker with the assist on the second receiver pic.twitter.com/ikceZ8EDP4
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
Ya-Sin was able to go up and take the ball away from the receiver, he bobbled it but was able to gain control and bring in the pick. Malik Hooker did his part to jump on the second receiver so that he couldn’t get the ball loose from Ya-Sin. Ya-Sin would later leave the game with an ankle injury which is concerning given the Colts short week and the lack of depth at the position.
Third Quarter
Williams had 147 yards from scrimmage
I wouldn't count on this working often but nice execution on 3rd and 19 for the #Colts pic.twitter.com/jco2mb2Jjy
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
This 31 yard screen was the play that led to the Colts opening a two score lead and never looking back. I really like Jordan Wilkins but Williams looked more explosive today than Wilkins ever has. I don’t know how we don’t see more Williams moving forward.
Hopefully the hand injury isn’t serious
This Marlon Mack guy looks pretty good. #Colts pic.twitter.com/da8s67zUCm
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
Marlon Mack is a good back with good vision and elite short area quickness. Here he gets the edge, makes a man miss and adds to his rushing total for the day.
This play was overturned
BIG Q!!! #Colts pic.twitter.com/H6Mlm2suow
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
But they celebrated like it counted and that’s all that matters
I DON'T CARE IF IT COUNTS THIS IS THE GREATEST CELEBRATION OF ALL TIME pic.twitter.com/BKz7VdfiuJ
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
That’s all that mattered because this happened on the 4th and goal attempt
#Colts spare me your "QB purgatory" takes. pic.twitter.com/oBq4pD48Zx
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
Jacoby Brissett isn’t a “special” quarterback in the way Andrew Luck was special. He isn’t a guy that’s going to be able to put a team on his back for 10+ games a season. He’s going to need talented guys around him and despite what Colts fans might think, that’s not what “quarterback purgatory” is. Brissett is good enough to win with a team, if the Colts had a good team and still couldn’t win with Brissett, that’s quarterback purgatory.
Who knew Malik Hooker could hit
#Colts Malik Hooker! pic.twitter.com/cz63ZF5X5p
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
Malik is probably going to have this one on his highlight tape at the end of his career. A really solid hit that separated the man from the ball.
Kenny Moore again
#Colts Kenny Moore with the big 4th down play pic.twitter.com/sDOZMVYpba
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
I’m not going to be buying a 23 jersey any time soon, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see kids wearing them soon.
Mack was out at this point
#Colts still killing #DUUUVAL on the ground. Now with receivers. pic.twitter.com/YCFZuWilck
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
Chester Rogers is on the roster after Deon Cain is on another team (weird who could have seen that coming /s) and while he isn’t the first guy I would call on to run the ball, he did a good job taking what was there on this play and followed Jack Doyle for an 18 yard gain.
I think this is an RPO
This formation #Colts Brissett with the keeper. pic.twitter.com/9s0tOMC96p
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
I’m not 100% sure but the line was run blocking, you can actually see Ryan Kelly take a couple side steps back toward the line of scrimmage when he sees Brissett with the ball and a chance to pass. He’s trying to avoid being called for having an illegal receiver down field. Instead Brissett kept it and made this a three score game.
#Colts had Jabaal Sheard in coverage. Shows off his Jack Doyle like vert. pic.twitter.com/t1n2oilzul
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
#Colts What a run by Williams! pic.twitter.com/Soyzzzp7Ne
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
#Colts ballgame. pic.twitter.com/UFTEJRytIW
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
Fourth Quarter
I don’t like dropping defensive ends into coverage
#Colts had Jabaal Sheard in coverage. Shows off his Jack Doyle like vert. pic.twitter.com/t1n2oilzul
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
But it worked here. So you know, good job.
Yes the line did well
#Colts What a run by Williams! pic.twitter.com/Soyzzzp7Ne
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
But Williams did a good job anticipating his blocks and accelerating through the hole once it opens. His lateral agility and contact balance look good as well. The Colts are deep at the running back position and that’s never a bad thing.
Nyhiem Hines got in on the action
#Colts ballgame. pic.twitter.com/UFTEJRytIW
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
Hines did his best Marlon Mack impersonation with a spin of his own and after this score the rest of the game was just a formality.
Justin Houston was only in the game to get his sack
#Colts Justin Houston smelled blood in the water with an injured LT. I think he's done for the day. pic.twitter.com/GdhJA36GOU
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
Houston took himself out of the game after this one. Jags left tackle Cam Robinson came up limping before Houston took his lunch. 8 sacks on the season and it seems like Justin Houston was a good free agent signing.
The first one of these I’ve seen in the NFL
#Colts Okereke! pic.twitter.com/oz61ZDkypc
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
Bobby Okereke with the pick-2! I don’t remember seeing one of these in an NFL game before this, maybe I have and I forgot about it, either way this is a really cool way to end the game for the Colts defense.
Victory formation
#Colts win! pic.twitter.com/SoeB3uSS3f
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
Brian Hoyer didn’t fumble the snap so it was a success.
Final Thoughts
I don’t feel any differently following this game than I did following the Dolphins game. The Colts are the same team they’ve been and they’re struggling through a rash of midseason injuries. I am surprised by the final score as I didn’t expect Nick Foles to play the way he did. With that said this was a good win and hopefully we will get T.Y. Hilton back to take on a team that he historically kills in the Texans and the past few games are just a rough patch that no one thinks about at the end of the season.
We’re just a few days away from the Colts next game, we’ll get to enjoy this win much longer than the team will. So have fun Colts fans and get ready for primetime.
As an aside to the great game today, this is maddening:
@NFLOfficiating hey you guys want to explain this? Who handles placing the weekly bets? How do you guys decide which games to bet on each week? You guys would make an absolute killing if you released a betting guide each week. #Colts #Dolphins #Patriots #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/MnsrwDz8YN
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019