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Reich’s Best/Worst Decisions: Week 11 Vs. Jaguars

The Colts finally won a game by more than a touchdown, in what was a perfect division win against the Jags, albeit some key injuries.

Jacksonville Jaguars v Indianapolis Colts Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images

Best Decisions

#1: Handling of the running game

After struggling on the ground for the past couple of weeks, the Colts running game finally exploded and showed the potential it has. Marlon Mack and Jonathan Williams are the first pair of Colts 100-yard rushers in a game since Randy McMillan and Albert Bentley (1985). Hines was also once again used as a complementary piece and he finished the game with 3 catches for 24 yards, adding a touchdown on the ground to finish off the Jags. Overall, it seemed like this week the blocking was much more better than it was, and the running backs were hitting the holes and making players miss in the open field, which resulted in the biggest running game in quite some time for the Colts.

#2: Well-timed blitzes on defense

At the beginning of the season, Matt Eberflus struggled to dial up the hot blitzes he used to call last season, but as the season progressed he has found his mojo once again. Kenny Moore II is the perfect Swiss knife in the backfield, as he can rush the passer from the slot, and is also adept in coverage and an elite open-field tackler. Linebacker Darius Leonard is also very smartly used, as his fake-spy delayed blitzes don’t allow the quarterback to step into the pocket. These two facets on the defense were on full display on Sunday, as Kenny Moore got a key sack on Nick Foles, and Leonard got a couple of pressures on delayed blitzes.

#3: Smart play-calling on offense

Reich is an excellent offensive head-coach, but sometimes his calls can be a bit confusing (take for example the whole red-zone sequence last week against the Dolphins). This week, Reich was absolutely masterful and the Colts offense flourished as a result. It also helps to get your starting quarterback back, but it always seemed like the Colts were one step ahead of the Jaguars.

Worst Decisions

#1: Keeping Khari Willis in the game late in the 4th

Well, this is simply a reach. Emerging rookie safety Khari Willis suffered a concussion late in the game. With the score already settled, why not take out some of your key players? Especially considering the Colts have to face the Texans on a short week. This was just bad luck, as no one can predict injuries, but Reich could have subbed Willis and other starters out to prevent stuff like this.