Stampede Blue - Indianapolis Colts vs Oakland Raiders: 2018 Week 8 Game Hub An Indianapolis Colts bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/29818/stampedeblue_fave.png2018-11-07T11:00:23-05:00http://www.stampedeblue.com/rss/stream/177839372018-11-07T11:00:23-05:002018-11-07T11:00:23-05:00Film Room: Ryan Kelly pass blocking vs. Oakland Raiders
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Oakland Raiders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oDktv3LEP7oAo4d759NaZF1PG6E=/0x0:5568x3712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62218447/usa_today_9767651.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="LbKhEA">The <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> offensive line has started to get a lot of attention. Over the past three games, <span>Andrew Luck</span> has not been sacked and the rushing game has started to do real damage. The return of veteran left tackle <span>Anthony Castonzo</span> has certainly been important. Contributions from rookies <span>Quenton Nelson</span> and <span>Braden Smith</span> have also played a big role in the line’s success. Even former Seahawk Mark Glowinski has been vastly outperforming expectations.</p>
<p id="7wweUD">Lost in all of this is former first round center <span>Ryan Kelly</span>. He has been earning a great deal of praise from his offensive line coach but he has certainly not been generating the kind of discussion on a national level that his rookie teammates have been. It’s time to take a closer look at his contributions to get a feel for his role in the unit’s recent success.</p>
<p id="3m2mn8">We will start with his contributions in the passing game against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> in Week 8.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="CWaBbZ">
<div id="Xm8TGr"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://gifs.com/player/1rkellyvsoakwk8-pholdstunt-mQKOwE" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="M3GDVN">Our first play shows a perfectly executed stunt that surprises Kelly (#78). He is left to reach to get a block on <span>P.J. Hall</span> (#92) and ends up hooking him with his arm. It is difficult to see here but he appears to have been held by <span>Nicholas Morrow</span> (#50) who crashed into him. You can see the linebacker’s arm is extended. </p>
<p id="Oz2KzN">If so, this explains why he couldn’t slide out to redirect the stunting defensive lineman.</p>
<div id="CYJ6Rt"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://gifs.com/player/2rkellyvsoakwk8-pinsidestunt-rRP80B" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="TrjCEs">While Kelly does a nice job of controlling his man on this play, there are more defensive players attacking the line than their are Colts players to stop them. Luck ends up taking a shot on this play, and you would have liked to see Kelly come off of his block to slow down the free pass rusher. </p>
<p id="mu7Lz0">The second pause and highlight shows an excellent block by running back <span>Nyheim Hines</span> (#21). Despite his small stature, he is not afraid to mix it up as a blocker and helps keep more pressure out of Luck’s face as he releases the pass.</p>
<div id="1OAca0"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://gifs.com/player/3rkellyvsoakwk8-pbacksidepro-voWlgL" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="b3c8Vw">This play is not particularly exciting but it shows an important trait for good NFL pass blockers. We have pointed out throughout the season that <span>Quenton Nelson</span> is particularly good at keeping his head on a swivel to pick up defenders and find where he can help. </p>
<p id="aV4wZw">Here, Kelly recognized that all defensive linemen have been accounted for play side, so he rolls out to the backside to keep pressure out of Luck’s face as he looks in the other direction. This makes for an easy pitch and catch to tight end <span>Jack Doyle</span>.</p>
<div id="NJFcEa"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://gifs.com/player/4rkellyvsoakwk8-pstuntstuff-yrZo8z" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="yypVmv">It has been fun to watch rookie Quenton Nelson lock on to defenders and drive them out of the play in 2018. While he continues to do so, Kelly also gets into the mix to keep the pocket clean. Rookie defensive lineman <span>Maurice Hurst</span> (#73) attempt to slant inside but is met by Kelly, who anchors and drives him out of the pocket.</p>
<div id="S82bVK"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://gifs.com/player/5rkellyvsoakwk8-pinsideanchor-BLDNg2" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="goaz9t">This is another example of Kelly easily handling the defensive lineman. Nelson comes over to help but has little to do.</p>
<div id="PGGsPx"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://gifs.com/player/6rkellyvsoakwk8-pinsideanchor3-JqOyZ9" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="OJ9GaY">Former Colts nose tackle <span>Johnathan Hankins</span> (#90) lines up directly over Kelly and attempt to drive him into <span>Andrew Luck</span>. While he certainly forces Kelly to re-anchor a couple of times, he ultimately fails and is unable to get pressure on Luck. This is a nice one-on-one battle with a strong defender to give Luck plenty of time to search the field and roll out to his right.</p>
<div id="aM7u89"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://gifs.com/player/7rkellyvsoakwk8-pinside-anchor2-L8Q7gp" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="nmIaAa">Kelly again handles a Raiders defensive lineman one-on-one. This time it appears that <span>Hurst</span> is attempting to generate pressure up the middle. Kelly corrals <span>Hurst</span> in the middle of the line and gives Luck a couple of yards to step into his throw. It is nice to see him mirror a young, athletic defender by himself and give Luck the time he needs to get his pass away.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="ol7IG5">
<h3 id="vfKHjP"><strong>ANALYSIS</strong></h3>
<p id="vrC5m6">Colts fans have a great deal of familiarity with strong center play. Jeff Saturday most recently formed a connection with <span>Peyton Manning</span> that fans in Indianapolis will not soon forget. First round pick <span>Ryan Kelly</span> represents hope to potentially fill Saturday’s void for the long-term and keep the pocket clean for Andrew Luck.</p>
<p id="G18ws2">While there was quite a bit of running in Oakland, and therefore more to breakdown in that area of the game, Kelly had an effective game as a pass protector. The holding penalty and free blitzing linebacker were the biggest blemishes of his day. Otherwise, he either effectively drove defensive linemen out of the pocket or effectively anchored to keep Luck clean to deliver his passes. It is nice to see him do much of his work one-on-one as the center position can be one that requires the most help on the line.</p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2018/11/7/18071446/film-room-ryan-kelly-pass-blocking-vs-oakland-raidersBrett Mock2018-10-29T14:22:23-04:002018-10-29T14:22:23-04:00Indianapolis Colts Week 8 game balls vs Oakland Raiders
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Oakland Raiders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/guZQqh52XUwYQeDPGm0_Py7CqbQ=/0x0:3794x2529/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61950709/usa_today_11546030.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="lNZSSh">The <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> pulled one out on the road in Oakland in Week 8 and showed us that they could win a close game when given the chance against a team that they should beat. The Colts outscored the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> 31-0 in the first and fourth quarters showing how vital it is to start quick as well as doing what their coach has preached since Day 1 — have an obsession to finish.</p>
<p id="OedkAS">The Colts did just that and they did it on the backs of a few guys who deserve a ton of credit, not just for how they played yesterday, but for their emergence as true leaders on this roster. Here are the Colts’ Week 8 game balls for their win over the Raiders.</p>
<h2 id="pdxdmn"><span><em><strong>Marlon Mack</strong></em></span></h2>
<p id="i5ni6t">What more can we say about <span>Mack</span> lately? I told you last week that anytime a Colts’ running back pushes out a 100-yard performance, he’s going to get one of these from me. Mack looks to be exactly what Chris Ballard, and so many draftniks saw in him coming out of college.</p>
<p id="jSr1EL">In his last 3 games he’s put up 347 rushing yards on 56 carries (6.2 yards per carry) and 3 touchdowns. He’s put up over 120 yards on the ground in the last two weeks, and if you’re a Colts fan right now you have to be loving it. </p>
<p id="lqRO9F">Yes, he’s benefiting from a much improved offensive line right now, but there’s so much more to his game that is assisting in his breakout this season. I said it last week, but his vision is massively improved, he’s running with a great deal more power and showed yesterday that explosive playmaking ability that everyone has been waiting for.</p>
<p id="VTachQ">Mack is just one piece of an offense that — despite still having a lack of playmakers at the receiver position — looks to be gearing up to make a splash in the second half of their season.</p>
<h2 id="3WafOk"><span><em><strong>Jack Doyle</strong></em></span></h2>
<p id="TEqQsc">Despite being out since Week 3 of the season, <span>Doyle</span> came back with a vengeance yesterday. He didn’t do much in the way of production early on, but in the second half — when the Colts needed him the most — he really began to show how important he can be to the success of this offense.</p>
<p id="p5ibOG">All three tight ends caught touchdowns yesterday, and Doyle’s wasn’t any more spectacular than the other’s. However, he led the team in receptions when <span>T.Y. Hilton</span> was noticeably ineffective for most of the afternoon, and he came through big time in the clutch catching 4 balls for 52 yards and added the drive-ending touchdown on the Colts’ second-to-last meaningful drive of the game.</p>
<p id="F1fPRd">Clutch is the only way to describe it.</p>
<p id="nqCcwi">In all, Doyle caught 6 passes for 70 yards in his first game back from injury and it was glorious. His return certainly balanced out the offense as you saw on a couple of his catches that he was almost completely able to run free, not getting the credit he deserved with <span>Eric Ebron</span> and others on the field at the same time. This offense is so much better when Doyle is in the lineup.</p>
<h2 id="XSCXMl"><span><em><strong>Andrew Luck</strong></em></span></h2>
<p id="wP7v6F">Honestly, we could give Luck a game ball almost every single game, but he absolutely deserved to get noticed despite having his second-lowest attempt total of the season Sunday. Luck was efficient with a completion rate bordering 71 percent, put the ball in the end zone 3 of the 5 times the Colts were in the red zone, and threw at least 3 touchdown passes for the fifth straight game.</p>
<p id="x0frzC">Most of the game he was very accurate, and almost looked to feel as if it was too easy at times. Luck has a total of 12 career games in which he’s eclipsed the 70 percent threshold, and he already has 3 this season through 8 games. Luck has the deep ball, he has the accuracy and the arm strength. </p>
<p id="xzA4mq">I don’t know what everyone was worried about his offseason...</p>
<h2 id="D54pYC"><span><em><strong>Darius Leonard</strong></em></span></h2>
<p id="32Y0F1">A rookie continuing to lead the league in tackles, a turnover creating machine and one of the leaders on this young Colts defense. That’s exactly who <span>Darius Leonard</span> is right now. He has completely turned anyone’s analysis of his college days upside down who doubted him, or called his being drafted in the second round one of the worst picks of the draft. </p>
<p id="81uGXY">Leonard hasn’t had fewer than 8 tackles in any game this season, has forced 3 fumbles, has 2 passes defensed, 4 sacks and 7 tackles for loss. Yesterday, in a day where the opposing offensive line was getting to the second level quite effectively, Leonard still found the opportunity to knock a ball loose, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. </p>
<p id="2j1Bva">Leonard has almost single-handedly turned the Colts linebacker corps into a strength this season after it was a major liability last year, and several years in a row before that. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that Leonard has a nose for the ball, but also that Chris Ballard might have an eye for talent.</p>
<h2 id="SuX2S5"><span><em><strong>Nyheim Hines</strong></em></span></h2>
<p id="KZCExC">Look, it’s no surprise that <span>Hines</span> wasn’t seen as a good ‘between the tackles’ runner through the first several weeks of the season. He was a weapon who’d seemed to put some of his ball control issues from the preseason in the rearview mirror, and was a nice piece to move around in different packages for Frank Reich. </p>
<p id="Uaau3O">Lately, however, and especially the past two weeks, Hines has become much more efficient as a runner and may just be becoming a very good complementary piece to Mack and the rest of this offense. Sunday Hines ran for 78 yards on only 11 carries which computes to better than a 7-yard average.</p>
<p id="zhsBwW">Hines was doing it on the perimeter, and between the tackles and in somewhat of a crucial point in the game — inside the first half’s two-minute warning. Really it’s been the last two weeks for the 5-foot-9 running back. Over the last two weeks Hines has carried the ball 16 times for 125 yards (7.8 yards per carry) and has looked very good doing it. </p>
<p id="28bP8u">Hines had only accumulated 113 rushing yards through the first 6 weeks of the season before that for a little better than a 3.1-yard average. Whatever has happened, Colts fans would love to see more of it.</p>
<h2 id="br25zb"><em><strong>The offensive line</strong></em></h2>
<p id="zKs1r3">Again, how crazy is it that we’re actually talking about the Colts O-line being a major strength of the team? I can’t believe I’m writing it to be perfectly honest, but that is absolutely the case here.</p>
<p id="qm06bL">The Colts haven’t given up a sack in the last three games, and have only given up 10 through the first 8 games. That’s one more than the league lead right now, and there are 5 teams sitting at 10 as well. Would you like to know the combined record of those other teams who’ve also given up just 10 sacks this year? I thought you did. It’s 24-5-1, so don’t tell me that drafting offensive linemen in the first couple rounds isn’t a smart decision, or that they don’t hold any value.</p>
<p id="lo6vHF"><span>Andrew Luck</span> would greatly disagree with you. </p>
<p id="wPsKhL">But it’s not just the protection that has been fantastic this year, it’s the run blocking as well. According to Football Outsiders, through Week 7, the Colts are sitting at No. 4 in the league in Adjusted line yards (4.86), have the fifth lowest stuffed percentage (15%), and are 7th in second-level yardage. </p>
<p id="4RW0zn">It literally ALL starts up front for the Colts on offense, and the proof is in the pudding. They were fantastic again yesterday, and two rookies (<span>Quenton Nelson</span>, <span>Braden Smith</span>) and an unknown (<span>Mark Glowinski</span>) have made major contributions to this unit being what it is right now. What a time to be alive!</p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2018/10/29/18038900/indianapolis-colts-week-8-game-balls-vs-oakland-raidersMatt Danely2018-10-29T09:00:09-04:002018-10-29T09:00:09-04:00Colts vs Raiders: Week 8 winners and losers
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Zm5mHN8PclAVD0y1mMZ1vgfJZRc=/0x0:776x517/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61944347/Mo_Alie_Cox.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Colts.com</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="CaOhgJ">The <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> walked into the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a>’ house on Sunday and delivered a convincing win over the floundering Raiders. The offense for the Colts was dominant, passing for 239 yards and rushing for 222 more, as well as controlling the time of possession 36:30 to 23:30. </p>
<p id="nhr95G">They converted on 69% of 3<sup>rd</sup> downs and looked incredibly sharp, particularly in the fourth quarter. The 42-28 win was the kind they needed to send them into their bye week with some momentum. Let’s take a look at this game and decide who the winners and losers from this game were. </p>
<h2 id="z94ELJ">Winners</h2>
<h4 id="uOgsaM"><span>Darius Leonard</span></h4>
<div id="wd86mX">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Darius Leonard just keeps making these kinds of plays. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Colts?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Colts</a> <a href="https://t.co/N2itxlPuwU">https://t.co/N2itxlPuwU</a></p>— Chris Blystone (@chrisblystone) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrisblystone/status/1056771058622070784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="EsPz4L">Every week <span>Darius Leonard</span> seems to make a big play that impacts the outcome of the game. On a day where the defense played like hot garbage, Darius Leonard showed up and got work done. He notched 9 tackles, a QB hit, and a critical forced fumble that allowed the Colts to put the game out of reach. </p>
<p id="OEww0t">Leonard’s 3 forced fumbles on the year trail just <span>J.J. Watt</span>, <span>Von Miller</span>, <span>Khalil Mack</span>, and Dee Ford. He leads the league in tackles by 12. In general, Darius Leonard is a defensive force and it would be stunning if he doesn’t get a real look for defensive player of the year, let alone defensive rookie of the year. </p>
<h4 id="xmuQSd"><span>Marlon Mack</span></h4>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Indianapolis Colts v Oakland Raiders" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0iN1D9HN_BEexs1bD_XgBvSdSs4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13349977/1054708104.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="Qujlz2">Ladies and gentlemen, <span>Marlon Mack</span> has arrived. In the past 3 games, <span>Mack</span> has gone over 120 yards twice and only just missed the 100-yard mark against the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a>. With his performance today he surpassed his 2017 rushing total and tied his touchdowns from last season. Additionally, <span>Mack</span>’s 49-yard run was a career long. With <span>Mack</span> running behind a rejuvenated Colts’ offensive line, he is a dangerous weapon that defenses will have to account for. </p>
<h4 id="L0cVX4"><span>Nyheim Hines</span></h4>
<p id="tvoVpZ">Speaking of dangerous weapons, how about <span>Nyheim Hines</span>’ performance? Despite getting just 11 carries, Hines ripped up the Raiders’ defense for 78 yards and 7.1 yards per carry. He looked like a dynamic runner and didn’t just play the elusive back, he broke tackles and charged ahead for extra yards after contact. Hines has come a long way from the player many thought was going to be a bust while he was badly muffing punts. He is perfectly suited to Frank Reich’s system, which uses him expertly as a change of pace back who can do major damage. </p>
<h4 id="KTgLYa"><span>Dontrelle Inman</span></h4>
<p id="HFR45Q">His production quieted down in the second half a bit, but <span>Dontrelle Inman</span> had a great game for the Colts’ offense. He was 6 of 7 for 52 yards, and he made some catches that would have been nearly guaranteed drops to any other receiver on the roster not named Hilton. The Colts have desperately needed a receiver to step up and be a reliable number 2 receiver, and Inman certainly did that in this game. </p>
<h4 id="bJRXiK">Offensive Line</h4>
<p id="DuHXMF">Quick—Try to remember the last time the Colts went 3 games without allowing a sack. It has been awhile, but that’s exactly what <span>Andrew Luck</span> has enjoyed over the last 3 weeks. The offensive line hasn’t just been good in pass protection though. Their run blocking has been what has allowed this offense to put together back to back games rushing 200+ yards. That deserves recognition. These guys are becoming the backbone of this team, and Chris Ballard deserves all the credit in the world for getting done what Ryan Grigson, a former offensive lineman, simply could not do. </p>
<h4 id="eZzZKX">Tight Ends</h4>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Indianapolis Colts v Oakland Raiders" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hkMiAQY4rdq4TTaqS_6b9qaonAA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13349979/1054772290.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="QA2kRO">This Colts tight end group is one of the most dynamic on the team. For the first time in NFL history, 3 different tight ends scored touchdowns in the same game. Mo-Alie Cox had one of the more ridiculous one-handed grabs I’ve seen in awhile.</p>
<p id="Sauy0o"><span>Eric Ebron</span> is tied with <span>Tyreek Hill</span> for 2<sup>nd</sup> most receiving touchdowns in the league behind Antonio Brown. Raise your hand if you’re good with <span>Eric Ebron</span> being talked about in the same conversation as these two… </p>
<h4 id="xtaWJh"><span>Adam Vinatieri</span></h4>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Oakland Raiders" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gkQN-gOkIzSfgzAwBs2N1uS9Nq0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13349983/usa_today_11544844.jpg">
<cite>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
<p id="nIYHef">I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit nervous watching Vinny kick last week. His kicking was rough and he was obviously hurt. Thankfully he was able to go this week and looked like himself yet again. He deserved to get the record for most points all-time, and this week he did it, passing <span>Morten Andersen</span> and further cementing his legacy as the greatest place kicker in NFL history. Colts fans have been pretty lucky over the years to get to witness some all-time greats. </p>
<p id="7xuLaM"><em>Honorable Mentions: </em><span><em>Andrew Luck</em></span><em>, </em><span><em>Jack Doyle</em></span></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="U9Dmk2">
<h2 id="y04bce">Losers</h2>
<h4 id="QIzltl">Defense</h4>
<p id="CB5t2t">Basically, if you aren’t Darius Leonard, this means you. The Colts’ defense had no sacks. The only QB hit was courtesy of Darius Leonard. There were missed tackles, bad angles, and terrible penalties. The cornerbacks played soft coverage, but still had men running free deep on multiple occasions. <span>Anthony Walker</span> and <span>Nate Hairston</span> had particularly awful games. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Oakland Raiders" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/valvLDREA9QpEDUHl261cO2BW4g=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13349987/usa_today_11544940.jpg">
<cite>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
<p id="ce2cQi">If you had any doubt about the impact of <span>Malik Hooker</span>, this game should have clued you in a bit. While many have taken issue with his “lack of playmaking” in terms of actual plays on the ball, the fact that he was not on the field opened up the downfield throwing in this game in a way the Colts haven’t really seen all season. With the additional loss of <span>Mike Mitchell</span> during the game, this defense looked just plain awful across the board. </p>
<p id="C7Zjiq"><span>Derek Carr</span> is not a bad quarterback, but he is surrounded by very little. Somehow, this Colts’ defense let him run the Raiders’ offense up and down the field on them as if he were the second coming of <span>Peyton Manning</span>. </p>
<p id="dv7mOm">Admittedly, some of these issues were due to injury. This defense isn’t quite so porous with the starters on the field, but it was a rough performance and illustrates how much more Chris Ballard needs to do to make them more than decent. </p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2018/10/29/18036916/colts-vs-raiders-week-8-winners-and-losersChris Blystone2018-10-29T08:00:06-04:002018-10-29T08:00:06-04:00Colts Cast: Colts finish strong in Oakland to take Week 8 matchup 42-28
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7lhapxQOTnrT2f7GfM_JQIxHUvk=/25x0:625x400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61943917/logo_final_colts_cast.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<div id="SFLfs1"><iframe src="https://player.megaphone.fm/VMP8010059562" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 200px;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div>
<p id="Oio7OX">The <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> headed into their Week 8 matchup with the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> with a bit of momentum, but had their work cut out for themselves on the West coast. The Colts took an early lead and looked like they might cruise past the Raiders, but the Colts defense was uninspired to say the least.</p>
<p id="yqZP1d">Today we’ll go through and discuss everything from the offensive explosion the team has been displaying lately, to the defensive consistently loose play, but also talk about their ability to make plays when they’re needed the most. Matt looks at the Colts on third down, how good the Colts were in the second half on first, and second down and how the offense as a whole has finally become a unit that can make some real noise with the O-line, running game, <span>Andrew Luck</span>’s greatness and a couple trusted targets in the receiver corps.</p>
<p id="gght3O">Sunday we saw a team that was typically on the other side of these sorts of games. This time the Colts were the ones getting off the field on a third down stop in a tie game, driving down the field to score, then forcing a turnover to turn a nip-and-tuck game into a two-score win that looks like a blowout on the scoreboard.</p>
<p id="JT57ff">The Colts are now 3-5 heading into their bye week and are only two games out behind a team that they absolutely should have beaten in their first go-round. They have a very favorable schedule from here on out and may be in great position to take the AFC South if they can tweak some things defensively and maintain their offensive prowess of late.</p>
<p id="RjM8nh"><strong>Please subscribe, rate and review the channel anywhere you listen to podcasts.</strong></p>
<p id="UoZb3e"><strong>Follow our hosts on Twitter:</strong> <a href="https://twitter.com/MDanelySB"><strong>@MDanelySB</strong></a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/HolderStephen"><strong>@HolderStephen</strong></a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/bamock"><strong>@bamock</strong></a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme"><strong>@NFLscheme</strong></a></p>
<h2 id="CGb7mp"><em><strong>Stampede Blue Podcast Links:</strong></em></h2>
<p id="LbMeIk"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stampede-blue-colts-cast/id1260116854?mt=2"><strong>Apple Podcasts</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=144417&refid=stpr"><strong>Stitcher</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="https://www.art19.com/admin/series/17cbf87c-a63b-47d3-98f6-355a28d98018/content"><strong>Art 19</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfm20uX_qWozApkKgXWb1tA?view_as=subscriber"><strong>SB Colts Cast YT Channel</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9yc3MuYXJ0MTkuY29tL3N0YW1wZWRlLWJsdWU%3D"><strong>Google</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6aKs29IxQvJ889USxWAtLc"><strong>Spotify</strong></a></p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2018/10/29/18036730/colts-cast-colts-finish-strong-in-oakland-to-take-week-8-matchup-42-28Matt Danely2018-10-28T19:55:05-04:002018-10-28T19:55:05-04:00Knee-Jerk Reactions: Colts stun Raiders in fourth quarter for 42 - 28 victory
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Oakland Raiders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P-_6Ls9WxnmIXZne3aOlw3u1fjE=/0x0:4183x2789/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61941313/usa_today_11545840.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="AVTtEM">For the first time this season, the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> offense had to make up for a lousy defensive effort. Well, that is until rookie linebacker <span>Darius Leonard</span> forced a fumble and gifted Indy’s offensive line and running backs the ball with a short field. This defensive play effectively sealed the game.</p>
<p id="0ReVbN">NFL history was made today. <span>Adam Vinatieri</span> broke the all-time NFL scoring record in the first half. The fact that he returned just a week after a groin injury that was clearly hindering his ability to kick with accuracy makes the accomplishment all the more impressive.</p>
<p id="USUuFH">If you thought that was the only all-time NFL record, you would be wrong. <span>Andrew Luck</span> threw touchdowns to three different tight ends today. No other team and no other quarterback has ever done this before. It is difficult to express just how good the tight ends have been for Frank Reich’s offense this year. <span>Erik Swoope</span> has been a red zone threat himself, and he didn’t even dress this game due to injury.</p>
<p id="9tVoey">Despite these storylines, the most impressive part of the game is the offensive balance the Colts displayed for a second consecutive week. <span>Andrew Luck</span> and Frank Reich ran the ball 38 times (not counting Luck kneeling at the end of the game). The offense threw 31 times. Luck completed just over 70% of his passes for three touchdowns and no interceptions — good for a passer rating of 125.6. </p>
<p id="chdu1o">The backfield? If you remove Luck’s two rushes for negative two yards (kneeling in victory formation) Indy generated 224 yards on 38 carries, good for a 5.9 yards per carry average. <span>Marlon Mack</span> rushed for 132 yards and 2 touchdowns on 25 carries, for a 5.3 yards per carry average. Rookie Nyheim Hines added 11 carries for 78 yards, an exceptional 7.1 yards per carry. Even Jordan Wilkins rushed twice for 14 yards — 7.0 yards per carry.</p>
<p id="6u05F7">The offensive line? No sacks allowed in three straight games. They allowed 1 hit today. Consecutive 200+ yard rushing games — the first time since 1985. Mack? First running back to run for 100+ yards in back-to-back games since <span>Joseph Addai</span> in 2007. The line suffered from highly annoying penalties, including some very questionable holding calls, but otherwise had their way with <span>Johnathan Hankins</span> and the rest of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> defensive line. </p>
<p id="Nrr4uc">All of this was good, but the defense has to get things figured out. We saw how huge <span>Malik Hooker</span> is playing in the back half of the secondary today. <span>Corey Moore</span>, <span>Mike Mitchell</span>, and <span>Clayton Geathers</span> were abused deep. <span>Hooker</span> needs the bye week to get and stay healthy. Mitchell will be needed in the back half of the season as well — and he left the game with an injury.</p>
<p id="cqzTYs">The defensive line was ineffective, particularly generating pressure on Derek Carr. Margus Hunt slipped off of what would have been two sacks. One of his near sacks resulted in a touchdown pass. This cannot happen consistently. If you get a hand on the QB, you have to get him down. If you can’t, there is no excuse that the defense isn’t effective enough at generating pressure to have someone there to clean it up.</p>
<p id="lKbw4G">This season has been a little Jekyll and Hyde for Indianapolis. The only game that saw the Colts dominate on both sides of the ball was a week ago, at home against Buffalo. Otherwise, every week there has been one side trying to carry the other. If defensive players are playing injured, the bye might be coming at just the right time. If not, Eberflus will need to get back to the drawing board.</p>
<p id="a2VT9T">Every game will continue to be devastatingly important for 2018. There really is no meaningful margin for error. The Colts had to win. An inspired fourth quarter allowed them to stun Gruden and his grinders, 42-28.</p>
<p id="rSr6Zz">Let’s revisit the keys to the game.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="acvC9F">
<h3 id="noNAKb"><strong>KEEP CATCHING THE DAMN BALL</strong></h3>
<p id="yZ5fil">While <span>Dontrelle Inman</span> was unable to make a leaping catch in the end zone in the first half, it is difficult to kill him for it. It would have been a pretty incredible finger tip grab. Speaking of incredible grabs, <span><strong>Mo Alie-Cox</strong></span> picked a pretty incredible way to score his first touchdown.</p>
<p id="7sbnpz"><span>Marlon Mack</span> dropped a pass late in the third quarter for no reason. I suppose his monster day will make up for it but that is the kind of thing that can kill drives. The drop came on first down and not third, so Luck and company were able to keep things going.</p>
<p id="q77MuQ">In all, Colts receivers were relatively reliable. A deflected pass thrown to <span>Zach Pascal</span> actually ended up in the arms of <span>Dontrelle Inman</span> — and that was key to keeping the offense going. Speaking of Inman, he had an impressive game in his second week with the team. I like him a lot as a third receiver. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="H9LFhv">
<h3 id="7fuudC"><strong>DIAL UP THE PRESSURE</strong></h3>
<p id="m0t3jj">Didn’t happen. A few hits and a couple of missed opportunities won’t get it done.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="oJ1i4k">
<h3 id="BLg6Pn"><strong>STAY BALANCED</strong></h3>
<p id="XoPBiC">As stated above, the Colts have not only stayed balanced, they have managed to put together two run heavy weeks in a row. We haven’t seen it all come together quite yet, and we could be one deep receiving threat away for it to happen but if the running game continues to be this dominant, Luck is bound to rip open secondaries with play-action passing at some point this year.</p>
<p id="nbUiYw">If the offense stays at this pace, it could be a special year for the group. Thank you Chris Ballard and scouting staff for putting together the best tight end room in the NFL, and for fixing the offensive line in two years.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="VCvo8f">
<h3 id="d9pBSf"><strong>STAY HEALTHY</strong></h3>
<p id="V75j7W"><span><strong>Ryan Kelly</strong></span> left the game early with a hand injury and was immediately listed as questionable to return. The Colts were fortunate to see him return to the game in the first half.</p>
<p id="0Y4PZM">Mike Mitchell left the game with a calf injury. A missed tackle by Mitchell early in the game allowed <span>Doug Martin</span> to rip off a long run. After two solid games, Mitchell came down to earth, allowing two deep passing touchdowns and taking a horrible angle against the run. These things happen but the Colts need him to clean up the errors and stay healthy.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="NomCkH">
<h3 id="c28rnq"><strong>SET THE TONE EARLY</strong></h3>
<p id="cT8ZSh">While the Colts jumped out to a 10-0 lead, the tone they set flamed out by the end of the first half. Two offensive drives that resulted in field goals instead of touchdowns put them in a one point second half hole. </p>
<p id="leMGIa">It turns out, the key was finish the game strong. The Colts did it and the Raiders did not. Oakland’s defense was gassed in the second half and Indy’s offense had its way with them.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="ZI1HnP">
<p id="9bYoCa"><em>By the way, the officials were awful. They didn’t determine the outcome of the game but it is infuriating to see them ruin what would otherwise be a competitive game by throwing laundry all over the field.</em></p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2018/10/28/18035624/knee-jerk-reactions-colts-stun-raiders-in-fourth-quarter-for-42-28-victoryBrett Mock2018-10-28T19:19:46-04:002018-10-28T19:19:46-04:004 takeaways from Colts 42-28 Week 8 victory over the Raiders
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Oakland Raiders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lYOk1W5jHmqP6XvT8nJ96eTEwfk=/0x0:3439x2293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61941019/usa_today_11545785.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="uT2ee7">The <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> came into Week 8 with some great momentum after blowing out Buffalo at home in Week 7. This matchup against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> seemed to be the perfect stepping stone to increased success after their Week 9 bye, but the Raiders had another outcome in mind.</p>
<p id="i6td5g">The Raiders took the lead 14-10 with 6:24 left in the second quarter and continued to keep the lead — or remain tied with the Colts — until the Colts defense forced their first point of the second half at the 9:20 mark of the fourth quarter.</p>
<p id="uKMlU7">This was the turning point in the game.</p>
<p id="cBGcvH">The Colts scored using <span>Jack Doyle</span> heavily to take the lead with 5:28 to go, then <span>Darius Leonard</span> forced a fumble on the Raiders first play of their next possession and converted that into points a couple minutes later, giving the Colts a 42-28 lead that would stick.</p>
<p id="L0MvAg">Here are a few takeaways from the Colts 42-28, Week 8 victory over the Raiders.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Lef9mB">
<h3 id="0PFdaX"><em><strong>Colts broke 100 rushing yards by halftime.. again?</strong></em></h3>
<p id="YdY46M">That’s right folks, for the second straight week, the Colts broke 100 rushing yards by the end of the first half. <span>Marlon Mack</span> and <span>Nyheim Hines</span> had 46 and 47 yards respectively, and <span>Jordan Wilkins</span> added 14 on 2 carries. Collectively they averaged 5.1 yards per carry, but <span>Hines</span> was by far the most successful in the first two quarters of the game with an average of 9.4 yards per carry. </p>
<p id="sXCrzT"><span>Mack</span> greatly improved his average from just over 3 yards per carry in the first half, to 6.3 yards per carry with his huge 49-yard run on his first carry of the second half. Mack finished the day with well over 100 rushing yards (132), Hines amassed 78 rushing yards as well and all of the sudden it looks like the Colts actually have a very good rushing attack that could help them make a push towards a playoff berth.</p>
<p id="7d3MH3">In all, the Colts totaled 222 yards on the ground. It’s still possible, don’t rule it out.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Augdfi">
<h3 id="HRFu5i">
<span><em><strong>Inman</strong></em></span><em><strong> becoming quite the trusted weapon for </strong></em><span><em><strong>Luck</strong></em></span><em><strong>, and in big spots</strong></em>
</h3>
<p id="S2BqHU">Most of the success today came from the tight ends, and it was glorious. The threesome of <span>Jack Doyle</span>, <span>Eric Ebron</span> and Mo Alie-Cox each caught a touchdown, but another target has seemingly become a favorite for <span>Andrew Luck</span>. </p>
<p id="yLu6ar"><span>Dontrelle Inman</span> was targeted 7 times, hauled in 6 catches for 52 yards. That’s not all that impressive — I mean it’s a solid day for a guy who was just signed to the roster. But, when he’s been targeted is what’s been pretty interesting. Today Inman was targeted 4 times on third down situations, he caught 3 of those and all three were conversions. </p>
<p id="XpPoC3">That’s nearly a third of the team’s third down attempts for the game.</p>
<p id="4C9hjX">He has been a very heads up player, with good route-running skills and that matters. Reich has familiarity from his days in San Diego and let’s say he made a very good decision in bringing him in to help out a struggling receiver group this year.</p>
<p id="Jch7Fw">He also caught a tipped ball late in the third quarter which became the difference in a third-and-long, and a third-and-short. In a game like this one, that is an enormous help.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="R3aoen">
<h3 id="a7cnFe">
<span><em><strong>Vinatieri</strong></em></span><em><strong> makes history just before halftime</strong></em> </h3>
<p id="ALCRu3">The G.O.A.T finally got his record. <span>Adam Vinatieri</span> was successful in taking over the all-time scoring record just before halftime with a field goal to pass <span>Morten Andersen</span>’s mark of 2,544 career points. Vinny has been with the Colts since 2006 and racked up a ton of those points while wearing a horseshoe on the side of his helmet.</p>
<p id="e1fDbD">He holds more records than that, though.</p>
<div id="fs4GVg">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Adam Vinatieri is first in NFL history in career points scored, career FGs made, consecutive FGs made, & career 100+ point seasons, among others. He’s the only player to have 1,000 points with multiple teams. He has multiple game-winning Super Bowl kicks. He’s truly the .</p>— Josh Wilson (@JoshWilsonSB) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshWilsonSB/status/1056658171597594624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="bwCEVb">Vinatieri had already solidified his spot in Canton, Ohio as a first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee, but holding the scoring record might be just the cherry on top. His 1361 total points with the Colts is 173 more points than he totaled in his time with the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>. We can only imagine that he’ll enter “the Hall” as an Indianapolis Colt.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="qMbgVK">
<h3 id="k4PSxi"><em><strong>Colts pass rush, pass defense was beyond unacceptable</strong></em></h3>
<p id="kjotHy">In the first several games of the season, we were talking about how the defense was keeping the Colts in games and the offense showed very little aggression. The Colts, at one point, were also in the top-5 in the league in sacks. If you watched them today you would have guessed that this was the Colts years past with their lack of pass rush and wide open zones at the second and third levels of the field. </p>
<p id="OMbU3d"><span>Derek Carr</span> diced up the Colts for 244 passing yards, but that wasn’t really the issue. The real issue was that he only had 4 incompletions until their last drive of the game, and at one point rattled off 17 straight completions. The Colts only had 1 QB hit, zero sacks and 1 pass defensed for the entire game — and <span>Carr</span> finished 21-of-28 and 3 touchdowns. There is no way that sort of performance can sit well with Frank Reich and Matt Eberflus. </p>
<p id="pCvuDx">The safety position suffered big time without <span>Malik Hooker</span> back there to police the secondary as <span>Jared Cook</span> feasted (ZING!) on <span>Corey Moore</span> and finished with 4 catches, 74 receiving yards and a touchdown. <span>Seth Roberts</span> got behind the deepest safety for a 31-yard touchdown catch as well. This simply cannot happen.</p>
<p id="IWV8HZ">Additionally, the Colts didn’t notch a single tackle for loss on the day. No sacks, 1 hit and no TFLs? There better be some accountability during the bye week from the coaching staff. After all, the Colts were facing a Raiders O-line without Osemele and two rookies as the bookends. </p>
<p id="skx7qM"></p>
<p id="N70HvN"></p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2018/10/28/18035328/4-takeaways-from-colts-42-28-week-8-victory-over-the-raidersMatt Danely2018-10-28T17:37:56-04:002018-10-28T17:37:56-04:002018 Week 8: Colts vs. Raiders 2nd Half Open Thread — Colts trail 13 - 14
<figure>
<img alt="Indianapolis Colts v Oakland Raiders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/W4y6s76WLxBXQ-JGlcB3WK8Q2Mo=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61940409/1054708132.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="AVTtEM"><span>Andrew Luck</span> started the game hot, completing every pass until the final attempt of the first quarter. This incomplete pass led to the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> settling for a field goal, which gave them a 10-0 early lead. </p>
<p id="R6biOF">On the first drive of the second quarter, the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> offense got things going. <span>Derek Carr</span> started spreading the ball around and led an efficient drive that ended with a long touchdown pass to <span>Seth Roberts</span>. I couldn’t help but notice the absence of <span>Malik Hooker</span> on that play.</p>
<p id="DEKDb5">Defensive penalties started to pile up in second quarter, providing Oakland’s offense with ideal situations on early down — and opportunities to continue pushing the ball down field. The second <span>Carr</span> passing touchdown, to <span>Jared Cook</span>, was another example of testing Indy’s deep zones — where <span>Hooker</span> typically roams.</p>
<p id="aecD0S">Ultimately, the story of the first half ended up being about two offensive drives that stalled in the red zone, settling for field goals., and a defense that is sorely missing its deep coverage.</p>
<p id="uQJESm">Colts are down at the half 13-14.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="KhvFej">
<h3 id="noNAKb"><strong>KEEP CATCHING THE DAMN BALL</strong></h3>
<p id="yZ5fil">While Dontrelle Inman was unable to make a leaping catch in the end zone, it is difficult to kill him for it. It would have been a pretty incredible finger tip grab. Speaking of incredible grabs, <span>Mo Alie-Cox</span> picked a pretty incredible way to score his first touchdown. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="k8ygYU">
<h3 id="7fuudC"><strong>DIAL UP THE PRESSURE</strong></h3>
<p id="m0t3jj">The Colts have been unable to get much going in terms of pressure. In fact, defensive neutral zone infractions have aided the Raiders offense. <span>Derek Carr</span> has the hard count working in his favor and it is keeping the defensive line a bit gun shy off the snap.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="CLymUT">
<h3 id="BLg6Pn"><strong>STAY BALANCED</strong></h3>
<p id="XoPBiC">For a second straight game, the offense has remained balance. In fact, the ground game has produced 107 yards on 20 plays for an average of 5.1 yards per carry. <span>Andrew Luck</span> and the passing offense have generated 108 yards on 20 passing attempts.</p>
<p id="MSZntE">It doesn’t get a whole lot more balanced than that.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="t9rIjW">
<h3 id="d9pBSf"><strong>STAY HEALTHY</strong></h3>
<p id="V75j7W"><span>Ryan Kelly</span> left the game early with a hand injury and was immediately listed as questionable to return. The Colts were fortunate to see him return to the game in the first half and seem to have dodged a bullet.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="sPCBGB">
<h3 id="c28rnq"><strong>SET THE TONE EARLY</strong></h3>
<p id="cT8ZSh">A long first quarter drive for a touchdown is precisely the the team needed to do on the road. It is unfortunate that they had to settle for a field goal on the second drive and third offensive scoring drives. The game is very much in reach but Indy had a chance to take control and keep putting pressure on the Raiders. On the road, you have to score touchdowns when you get inside the 20 yard line.</p>
<p id="isH5fc"></p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2018/10/28/18035292/2018-week-8-colts-vs-raiders-2nd-half-open-thread-colts-trail-13-14Brett Mock2018-10-28T15:49:06-04:002018-10-28T15:49:06-04:002018 Week 8: Indianapolis Colts vs. Oakland Raiders Open Thread
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Oakland Raiders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qQ8e8qvfKlv_1TBmTVgfkE3Kplc=/0x0:3841x2561/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61938051/usa_today_9767547.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="AVTtEM">It has been a long time since fans in Indianapolis have watched a team that relies so heavily on contributions from players in their first two professional seasons. </p>
<p id="DW9m8a">The upside? Young players will have a real opportunity to develop and build the identity Chris Ballard needs before he starts handing out big contracts in free agency. The downside? Young players are inconsistent. They make mistakes. As the season goes on, it is fair to expect that their weaknesses will be exposed, and opponents will have more film to draw from to take advantage.</p>
<p id="I1DEHX">Last week, a <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> team that has played well enough to threaten in every game this season put it all together. The offense was highly efficient and delivered the kind of balance Frank Reich has wanted to establish all year. It is rare to see the Colts go with a run heavy script, particularly with <span>Andrew Luck</span> under center, but that finally happened in a blowout win against the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a>. </p>
<p id="TYA66N">The defense? The opportunism Matt Eberflus hoped to bring with him from Dallas played a big role in the outcome. Veteran safety <span>Mike Mitchell</span> has been incredible in his first two weeks in this system, <span>Darius Leonard</span> is a serious contender for defensive rookie of the year, and rookie <span>Kemoko Turay</span> was finally able to emulate Colts pass rushing legend <span>Robert Mathis</span> with an impressive strip sack.</p>
<p id="3wGYHy">What does all of this mean? What should fans expect? </p>
<h2 id="pE22BE"><strong>WHO KNOWS?</strong></h2>
<p id="yIRa3i">Indianapolis desperately needs to put together a winning streak and establish some momentum. Outside of the AFC South, any hopes of winning the division would be so outlandish it wouldn’t be worth discussing. In this division, a <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> team that isn’t particularly impressive sits at the top. A win today and losses by the <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> and <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> could push the Colts to second in the division heading into their bye week.</p>
<p id="O6mxnw">While some fans are tired of hearing about the late-game decision to throw away a tie, the reality is that the decision could very well cost the Colts a playoff berth. If it does, the costs far outweigh any obscure thought about inspiring a “play to win” mentality. The confidence a playoff berth would give to this young team as it continues building would make a smart football decision to take a tie against a divisional opponent at home a distant memory.</p>
<p id="V4tIp8">I digress.</p>
<p id="kQ8RO1">Indianapolis has a favorable second half schedule but they have to finish out the first half strong. The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> have been an absolute dumpster fire since Jon Gruden took the reins. Their best player, <span>Khalil Mack</span>, was dealt to the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> — who are suddenly competitors. The Raiders? They are desperately trying to find a pass rush — ironic. One of their best offensive players, <span>Amari Cooper</span>, was just dealt to the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>. Is <span>Derek Carr</span> next?</p>
<p id="pDGZmW">Gruden is collecting draft picks and clearly selling his best assets for a wide scale reset. One has to wonder if the stigma of taking Tony Dungy’s <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> to a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> win in 2003 is really digging at him. He has “10 years” and all of the control he could ever want with the Raiders. They’re about to move to Las Vegas and Gruden has a chance to fill his team full of grinders? And hoagies? And Italian beef? </p>
<p id="Z9Hy7b">Maybe he is targeting a Portillo’s franchise deal?</p>
<p id="EfoV38">Point is, the Colts season is effectively on the brink. It will stay there from now to Week 17. Ballard and coach Frank Reich cannot afford to lose more than a game or two the rest of the way and can ill afford to lose more than one division game. Perhaps no opponent provides a more desirable situation than Gruden’s Grinders™. </p>
<p id="iuockm">What are the keys to a Colts win?</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="KhvFej">
<h3 id="noNAKb"><strong>KEEP CATCHING THE DAMN BALL</strong></h3>
<p id="yZ5fil">The Colts entered the season with <span>T.Y. Hilton</span> as the only sure-thing at wide receiver. Veteran Ryan Grant has been a reliable chain-mover in his NFL career but is not a threat to break a big play. <span>Chester Rogers</span> has shown ability in fits and starts but has not put it all together. Behind them? <span>Zach Pascal</span> is been getting his first real opportunity to make an impact and veteran <span>Dontrelle Inman</span> was recently signed to replace second-year receiver <span>Marcus Johnson</span> — Inman wasn’t targeted once against Buffalo, even though he ran more routes than any other player on the roster. </p>
<p id="TbZ2PT">Through the first six weeks of the season, the drops were an epidemic. <span>Rogers</span> and <span>Pascal</span> were the primary culprits and some of the drops were back breakers. <span>Eric Ebron</span> has had his own drop issues but has made up for them with a pace of production that would demolish his season bests in every category. Last week, drops were significantly reduced. <span>Luck</span> was incredibly efficient.</p>
<p id="mfSfvI">If receivers can build on this theme, the offense will keep racking up yards and scoring touchdowns. Hitting on all cylinders, it is doubtful that <span>Carr</span> and the Raiders can keep up.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="k8ygYU">
<h3 id="7fuudC"><strong>DIAL UP THE PRESSURE</strong></h3>
<p id="m0t3jj">The Raiders offense is on life support. <span>Marshawn Lynch</span> is out, <span>Amari Cooper</span> is gone, and <span>Derek Carr</span> has looked uncomfortable playing in Gruden’s system. Nothing that has happened since the season started has improved the outlook for for <span>Derek Carr</span>. His best target is a tight end. The Colts could certainly scheme to take 31 year old <span>Jared Cook</span> out of the game. If they do, where will <span>Carr</span> turn?</p>
<p id="or9qOY">I’m not sure he even knows the answer to that. You can only check down to <span>Jalen Richard</span> so many times and the speed of the Colts defense isn’t particularly favorable for that game plan. </p>
<p id="DQUq6O">The lack of weapons should mean that <span>Carr</span> has to hold onto the ball a little longer than he would like. If so, the Colts need to capitalize. Pressure, quarterback hits, sacks, Eberflus should have a chance to rack these up. If they do, the defense can remain opportunistic.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="CLymUT">
<h3 id="BLg6Pn"><strong>STAY BALANCED</strong></h3>
<p id="XoPBiC">The last six quarters have seen <span>Marlon Mack</span> and the Colts run offense come to life. Even rookies <span>Nyheim Hines</span> and <span>Jordan Wilkins</span> have been highly successful running behind an offensive line that finally has veteran <span>Anthony Castonzo</span> back at left tackle and rookie <span>Braden Smith</span> at right tackle. Even right guard <span>Mark Glowinski</span> has been excellent in his first two games as a starter in Indianapolis.</p>
<p id="nXrKls">Look, if the Colts can continue creating big plays on the ground, Luck will feast. Play-action passing in Luck’s career has been more of a strategic necessity than an actual threat. If the running game starts to create legitimate defensive hesitation, look out. National sports writers who have been asking questions about Luck’s deep ball will sheepishly recede into the hole they came out of if the run game creates second and short situations where Reich can dial up downfield shots.</p>
<div id="caVOCv"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 74.4823%;"><iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/4pMX5rJ4PYAEM?html5=true&hideSocial=true" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="qJfCAi">The key to all of this is for the backfield to continue producing.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="t9rIjW">
<h3 id="d9pBSf"><strong>STAY HEALTHY</strong></h3>
<p id="V75j7W">Injuries have been a theme for so long in Indianapolis that it is getting boring bringing it up... o<em>r depressing. </em>A number of players who will take the field against the Raiders have been dealing with nagging injuries.</p>
<p id="H69ogW"><span>Adam Vinatieri</span> was clearly affected by a groin injury against the Bills. He missed two extra point attempts. Even his makes looked horrible. While it is hard to believe that he is actually healthy after noticeably grimacing in pain a week ago, he could be playing for the all-time scoring record before determining his long-term plan over the bye week. Missing kicks can turn a game, so his health will be important.</p>
<p id="LFxHaB">Former Raider Denico Autry may take the field and give the Colts a healthy defensive interior for the first time in weeks. Paired with <span>Margus Hunt</span>, the line was generating a lot of pressure. Without both on the field healthy, a lot more was required of <span>Turay</span> and Jabaal Sheard. With the starting unit back on the field healthy, can they pick up where they left off? Maybe, but they need to stay healthy today to make the possible.</p>
<p id="ydGucr"><span>Marlon Mack</span> has struggled through injury every week since he arrived in the NFL. He broke out for his best game last week, the first full workload since 2017. He was limited in practice on Wednesday and sat out on Thursday. Full participation on Friday is encouraging but the team needs him to find a way to get and stay healthy. Losing would almost certainly hurt the team’s offensive balance.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="sPCBGB">
<h3 id="c28rnq"><strong>SET THE TONE EARLY</strong></h3>
<p id="cT8ZSh">Heading into the half last week, the Colts were clearly in the driver’s seat. The game was well in hand and the play book was wide open on both sides of the ball. Defenders could stay aggressive at every level and the offense could do whatever it wanted. How about that nice reverse to <span>Nyheim Hines</span>?</p>
<p id="8hbiEI">It seems so obvious that you need the lead to win football games but establishing a lead early can change everything. The closer the game stays, the more competitive it is, the more limited you feel you can be in terms of taking risks. The more “conservative” you will tend to play on both sides of the ball. In a game where momentum can be so important, the longer your opponent feels that they’re in it, the more challenging it is to play the game.</p>
<p id="AhCcmA">Break your opponent’s will early. Open it up and have fun. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="SDg5Sr">
<h3 id="c4UEq0"><strong>Game Time</strong></h3>
<p id="sfw5BO">4:05 pm ET Sunday October 28th, 2018</p>
<h3 id="nqyiQo"><strong>Location</strong></h3>
<p id="LuxJFe">Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum – Oakland, California</p>
<h3 id="wlnR3y"><strong>TV Channel</strong></h3>
<p id="mGiOuF">CBS — Andrew Catalon (play-by-play) and James Lofton (color)</p>
<h3 id="dbyF65"><strong>Radio</strong></h3>
<p id="sb4W05">WFNI (1070 The Fan) and WLHK (HANK FM) — Matt Taylor (play-by-play), <span><strong>Jim Sorgi</strong></span> (color) and Caroline Cann (sideline)</p>
<h3 id="qllsST"><strong>Referee Assignment</strong></h3>
<p id="ZKi98A">John Parry</p>
<h3 id="z7ZXXk"><strong>“Enemy” Blog</strong></h3>
<p id="WWU981"><a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/"><strong>Silver and Black Pride</strong></a></p>
<h3 id="ypB60C"><strong>Twitter</strong></h3>
<p id="mWsaH2">Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/StampedeBlue"><strong>@StampedeBlue</strong></a> for the complete <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/"><strong>Colts</strong></a> coverage.</p>
<h3 id="pSyElo"><strong>Facebook</strong></h3>
<p id="qu7M0h"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/stampedebluecolts"><strong>Like Stampede Blue on Facebook!</strong></a></p>
<h3 id="eMGXl0"><strong>Podcasts</strong></h3>
<p id="6qiJf4"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fstampede-blue-colts-cast%2Fid1260116854%3Fmt%3D2" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Apple Podcasts</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=144417&refid=stpr"><strong>Stitcher</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="https://www.art19.com/admin/series/17cbf87c-a63b-47d3-98f6-355a28d98018/content"><strong>Art 19</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfm20uX_qWozApkKgXWb1tA?view_as=subscriber"><strong>SB Colts Cast YT Channel</strong></a></p>
<p id="9AxZ8G"></p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2018/10/28/18034202/2018-week-8-indianapolis-colts-vs-oakland-raiders-open-threadBrett Mock