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The Indianapolis Colts went into Sunday’s game on the back of a bad division loss, having been beaten by the Tennessee Titans. The Colts came up against an offensively strong team this week in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who were on a hot 2-game win streak. There were some strong showings during the 38-35 loss, and a few poor ones, as well.
Stock Up:
Darius Leonard was the embodiment of his nickname: The Maniac. He was all over the field against the Buccaneers, and was his usual tackling machine self with 9 tackles, with one for a loss. His tackling wasn’t all he managed, though, as he made two huge game-changing plays when he snagged two interceptions and returned one for a touchdown.
Marcus Johnson was signed to the active roster less than a month ago due to the Colts’ wide receiver corps being plagued by injuries. The Colts desperately needed a wide receiver to step up and show out and Johnson did just that against Tampa Bay. Johnson racked up 105 yards and a touchdown on just three catches.
Stock Down:
The Colts Pass Defense was atrocious on Sunday, they were gashed for 456 yards and 4 touchdowns. Jameis Winston managed to consistently throw the ball down the field and found his receivers routinely open. The Colts secondary, especially, were all over the place, out of position and constantly miscommunicating. This was an exceptionally poor showing from a usually consistent pass defense.
Jacoby Brissett, on paper, had a good game. He threw for 251 yards and two touchdowns. When you put the stats into context. however, and that this game was a clear shootout in need of a quarterback to take the reins and put up consistent points, Brissett didn’t manage it. Even on the big plays Brissett made, he was slow to react to the play and was late with his throws.
The Colts’ Rushing Attack came up against a very good Tampa Bay run defense and did not come away with the win. The Colts only managed to produce 66 yards rushing on the day and were regularly stopped near the line of scrimmage by a consistently penetrating Tampa Bay defensive line. 26 of the Colts overall rushing yards were by the Colts quarterback. Not great.