Monday Morning Awards: Week 13 @Texans

MVP of the Game: DeForest Buckner

Buckner’s presence was surely missed in the last game, against the Titans. Buckner should really get some DPOY hype going on. With him, the defensive line as a whole just performs so much better. There is just no way for an offensive line to look good when Buckner is on: If you choose to double team Buckner, then Autry, Houston, or Stewart are going to get in the backfield. Choose not to double team Buckner and he will be in the backfield even quicker. I will re-watch the entire game and just focus on Buckner, his performance was that amazing.

Dud of the Game (The Grigsy): Chaz Green

Green just had a really bad game. The Texans placed J.J Watt against him throughout most of the game and the backup left tackle just could not figure out how to keep him in check. When Reich left a tight end to help him or chip the edge rusher, he was better, but I believe he lost all his one-on-one matchups. Anthony Castonzo might be the most important player on the offense.

Best Play of the Game: Texans’ fumble on the snap late in 4Q

The Colts got really lucky on this one. The Texans were down just 6 points and drove the entire length of the field only to have a bad snap by their center erase it all. Grover Stewart got penetration, jumped on the ball and it ultimately landed next to Anthony Walker, who jumped on it to secure the win.

Worst Play of the Game: Stuffed on 4th and 1 in the RZ

Reich just keeps insisting with Hines in the red zone on 4th and short, and it does not work. I don’t understand why he is so stubborn with this, and at this point it is becoming infuriating. Yesterday, it nearly cost the Colts the win. Hines is not a short down back, and Burton is not a blocking tight end, so why use them as such on the most important play of the game?

Best Position Group: Defensive line

The defensive line (with Buckner) is simply elite. Yesterday, it was Justin Houston who enjoyed a nice day filled with one-on-one matchups. He exploded for 3 sacks, a forced fumble, and a safety. The defensive line as a whole finished with 5 sacks and 6 tackles for loss.

Unsung Hero: Anthony Walker

I’m not a very big fan of Anthony Walker, as I believe he is a complete liability in coverage, which limits his playing time to only run situations. Yesterday he saw most of the snaps at linebacker because of Okereke’s injury, and despite having some bad plays, he had an overall solid day, including the game-clinching play.

Rookie of the Week: Jonathan Taylor

Taylor just keeps improving as the season goes. Yesterday he had yet another really solid game that continued to confirm him as the best back on this Colts roster. Taylor rushed for 91 yards on just 13 carries, showing improved vision and the ability to break tackles. He also caught 3 passes for 44 yards and a score.