Stampede Blue - Indianapolis Colts vs Oakland Raiders 2019 Week 4 Game HubAn Indianapolis Colts bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/29818/stampedeblue_fave.png2019-10-01T10:00:00-04:00http://www.stampedeblue.com/rss/stream/206438002019-10-01T10:00:00-04:002019-10-01T10:00:00-04:00Indianapolis Colts Rookie Report: Week 4 vs Raiders
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<img alt="NFL: SEP 22 Falcons at Colts" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/z9mJJc7xRcs9yZ0O5wiV83c9z9g=/0x0:2106x1404/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65363297/1170325986.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="xPOOFn">For a more in-depth and holistic look at all snap counts, <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/2019/9/30/20891254/colts-vs-raiders-week-4-snap-counts">visit Chris Blystone’s story</a> from Monday.</p>
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<h2 id="Wpenzw"><strong>OFFENSE</strong></h2>
<h3 id="vijoTM"><strong>ROOKIES</strong></h3>
<p id="O0Y404">Wide receiver <span>Parris Campbell</span> saw another increase in his snap count this week, seeing 49 of 78 snaps, or 63%. He caught 5 passes for 25 yards on 8 targets. He was used less in the second half after suffering an abdominal injury and no longer returned kickoffs in the second half.</p>
<p id="PO1gVY">At this point, the young receivers have been unable to have the impact fans had hoped for in training camp.</p>
<h3 id="bjYOcc"><strong>SECOND YEAR</strong></h3>
<p id="9jpwsS"><span>Quenton Nelson</span> remains on this report. He had an uncharacteristically quiet game as the offensive line did well keeping <span>Jacoby Brissett</span> upright but was not particularly effective at moving the ball on the ground.</p>
<h3 id="7IPKGz"><strong>THIRD YEAR</strong></h3>
<p id="ATzG6P"><span>Zach Pascal</span> was on the field for 53 of 78 offensive snaps, or 68%. He caught 4 passes on 7 targets for 72 yards including a highlight reel catch that went for 28 yards. If there has been an offensive surprise in 2019, Pascal is it. He has been the second best receiver on the team with limited looks and is easily the most valuable receivers on the team in the blue collar aspects of the game — special teams play and blocking.</p>
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<h2 id="frNRwZ"><strong>DEFENSE</strong></h2>
<h3 id="00M1vD"><strong>ROOKIES</strong></h3>
<p id="zARjtN">With Darius Leonard out of the lineup for a second consecutive week, <span>Bobby Okereke</span> took 57 of 67 snaps, or 85%. He finished with 7 tackles, including one tackle for a loss. While no play stands out as particularly embarrassing for Okereke, the drop-off at linebacker without Leonard is painfully obvious.</p>
<p id="7SpE9b"><span>Rock Ya-Sin</span> took every snap for the first time in his career. He tallied 4 tackles and a pass defensed. It is very clear that the coaching staff is high on Ya-Sin and is prepared to give him the reps he needs to improve at the NFL level. He has been inconsistent to start, which is pretty standard for rookie corners, but there is no meaningful time-share with <span>Quincy Wilson</span>, as there was in training camp.</p>
<p id="7nOVHN"><span>Ben Banogu</span> was on the field for 14 of 67 defensive snaps, or 21%. He used those limited snaps to make two tackles. It’s somewhat unfortunate that Indy’s young defensive linemen are not getting more of an opportunity. It’s a discouraging look for the future.</p>
<p id="8VF4qV"><span>Khari Willis</span> saw the field for every defensive snap. He finished second on the team with 9 tackles and added a tackle for a loss and pass defensed. He displayed good vision, speed, and pursuit ankles. He was a sure-tackler and clearly the best defensive player on the field for the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a>. </p>
<p id="UhrZaH">It will be fun to watch Willis continue to develop. The prospect of a Hooker and Willis pairing looks awfully good.</p>
<p id="e06mqz"><span>E.J. Speed</span> saw a big jump in his usage, taking the field for 28 of 67 snaps, or 42%. He finished fifth on the team with 5 tackles and added a tackle for a loss. The biggest thing that stands out with Speed is just how much range he has when he is on the field. He tends to arrive early on plays and is able to track down the ball laterally.</p>
<p id="0xWwLu">There is no doubt that he still has some learning to do on the mental aspects of the game and his position but his physical tools are both rare and elite.</p>
<h3 id="KObmve"><strong>SECOND YEAR</strong></h3>
<p id="BESd2V">Honestly, no second-year defensive player is deserving of a closer look in this contest.</p>
<h3 id="1iqzS0"><strong>THIRD YEAR</strong></h3>
<p id="JxBUGF"><span>Anthony Walker</span> took the field for every defensive snap. He led the team in tackles with 10 and added a sack. Strangely, while Walker continues to look good on paper, there is something that stands out without Darius Leonard. Walker at times takes bad angles and doesn’t always wrap up ball carriers. He also appears out of position in coverage at times.</p>
<p id="5Mu7vy">Don’t misunderstand. I don’t want to imagine what the Colts would look like with Walker missing time and Leonard out. He is a veteran who produces. Still, I’d be curious to see how young players like Okereke or Speed could develop and perhaps move Walker to SAM.</p>
<p id="2q51rK"></p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2019/10/1/20893055/indianapolis-colts-rookie-report-week-4-vs-raidersBrett Mock2019-09-30T13:57:40-04:002019-09-30T13:57:40-04:00Vontaze Burfict gets the hook for the season after hit on Jack Doyle in Week 4
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<img alt="Oakland Raiders v&nbsp;Indianapolis Colts" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0QVCBUc91k0Etce-jl871d79tN4=/0x0:3256x2171/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65357158/1177917597.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="o5tzH9">One of the major story lines that came from the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> Week 4 loss to the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> was the hit that sent <span>Vontaze Burfict</span> to the locker room early for his hit on <span>Jack Doyle</span>.</p>
<p id="pduP6R">The Colts’ tight end was in a precarious position after making a catch that took him down to his knees. As <span>Doyle</span> began to rise and attempt to gain more yardage before being touched, <span>Burfict</span> clearly targeted Doyle’s head by lowering his helmet. </p>
<p id="3Sf2a1">The play resulted in a personal foul being called on the field, but soon after the play was under review, and it was quite obvious that New York made that call as soon as they witnessed the play. </p>
<p id="qpBHNI">Not only was this a defender targeting a defenseless receiver — who was on his knees — but it was also <span>Burfict</span>, and the league has very little patience with the linebacker who has been an issue since entering the league. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Vontaze Burfict was ejected for this hit on Jack Doyle <a href="https://t.co/vFply5QOKN">pic.twitter.com/vFply5QOKN</a></p>— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL_Stats/status/1178370468853760000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">New York just called. "Get Burfict out of that game!"</p>— Matt Danely (@MDanelySB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MDanelySB/status/1178368130617430017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="MNtXpr">Burfict was an undrafted free agent despite clearly being one of the most talented linebackers in the 2012 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> largely due to his spotty track record from college. Burfict has always been a very good player, but since entering the league his illegal and vicious hits on opponents. </p>
<p id="HSbL5r">Now, as a direct result of his hit on Doyle, Burfict has been suspended for the remainder of the 2019 season according to Ian Rapoport. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here is the official announcement on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Raiders?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Raiders</a> LB Vontaze Burfict, who is suspended without pay for the rest of 2019. Jon Runyan wrote: “There were no mitigating circumstances on this play.” <a href="https://t.co/DdoXyTb5ax">pic.twitter.com/DdoXyTb5ax</a></p>— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1178697493015605248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2019</a>
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<p id="JmWxjD">Something that is also interesting is that these two following tweets from Ian and Gregg Rosenthal seem to differ a bit regardless of them being employed by the NFL. Not that the slight variations matter much between them, what matters is that the league was swift in getting a known, serial offender of the player protection rules out of the game for the year.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Colts fans can take solace that Burfict flew from Indy to London, got through customs to team hotel, then got word he’s headed back to Oakland.</p>— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/greggrosenthal/status/1178711251272077312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Raiders?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Raiders</a> LB Vontaze Burfict is currently in London with the team. While the appeal is pending, he’s not permitted to practice or participate in any football activity.</p>— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1178723968209080321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2019</a>
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<p id="Sn4Qnm">I don’t know anyone who cares if they ever see Burfict on the field again, but it will be interesting to see how quickly the NFL declines Burfict’s appeal in the matter. </p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2019/9/30/20891793/vontaze-burfict-gets-the-hook-for-the-season-after-hit-on-jack-doyle-in-week-4Matt Danely2019-09-30T11:00:00-04:002019-09-30T11:00:00-04:00Colts vs Raiders Week 4 Snap Counts
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<img alt="Oakland Raiders v Indianapolis Colts" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DtFGJ1iHIC1mGNItJFXxkPkoJdg=/293x0:2977x1789/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65355319/1172199583.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="6RfuIf">Week 4 of the NFL season is in the books, and an ugly performance was turned in by a banged up <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> team. In the wake of a rough outing, we’re back again to take a look at the snap counts from the game and see what interesting tidbits we can glean from them. Let’s get to it!</p>
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<h2 id="sGuRTj">Notes</h2>
<ul>
<li id="2r6SyY">I expected a heavier use of the tight ends in a contest where the linebackers were not great for the opposition. Perhaps Ebron’s drops limited his action, but he wasn’t the factor I expected. </li>
<li id="uWizUQ">
<span>Nyheim Hines</span> saw his snaps go way up with Mack sitting the second half. He was one of a handful of good things about the offense in the second half.</li>
<li id="KkISav">
<span>Deon Cain</span> was in the game for 57 snaps. That’s 20 more than last week. He was targeted 5 times for no catches. That’s all I will say about that here.</li>
<li id="2jZSln">
<span>Zach Pascal</span> and <span>Chester Rogers</span> both doubled their snaps from prior weeks and made them count. Both looked far better than the youngsters <span>Cain</span> and Campbell.</li>
</ul>
<div id="MvBMuY"><div data-anthem-component="table:8871668"></div></div>
<h2 id="SGy0gD">Notes</h2>
<ul>
<li id="l5vN5y">
<span>Rock Ya-Sin</span> took 100% of the defensive snaps at corner. <span>Pierre Desir</span> played but was clearly limited by his hamstring injury. The surprise was that <span>Quincy Wilson</span> saw just 9 defensive snaps with the rookie Ya-Sin seeming to have established himself as the guy. </li>
<li id="2100xF">
<span>E.J. Speed</span> saw his most defensive snaps by far in this game. He wasn’t a major factor in the game, but notched 5 tackles and certainly couldn’t have been much worse than Walker and Okereke against the run.</li>
<li id="flvPap">
<span>Khari Willis</span> also took every snap at safety in this game alongside Clayton Geathers. He was perhaps the best part of the Colts defense on Sunday.</li>
<li id="gzIj5p">
<span>Jabaal Sheard</span> was back in action, but with just 34 snaps he is clearly being worked back in carefully. Even in limited snaps his impact was noticeable, if not enough to cover over the lackluster effort from the rest of the defense.</li>
<li id="eiVjnx">Despite missing <span>Tyquan Lewis</span>, <span>Margus Hunt</span> saw his fewest snaps this season. He lost out on time to <span>Grover Stewart</span>, who was hardly more of an answer to the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> rushing attack.</li>
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https://www.stampedeblue.com/2019/9/30/20891254/colts-vs-raiders-week-4-snap-countsChris Blystone2019-09-30T10:04:35-04:002019-09-30T10:04:35-04:00Colts Cast: Colts show up late to the party in 31-24 loss to Raiders in Week 4
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<p id="D0Z4EJ">The <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> limped into their Week 4 matchup against the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> as <span>T.Y. Hilton</span>, <span>Darius Leonard</span> and <span>Tyquan Lewis</span> were unable to suit up. But there was far more wrong with the team than injuries in this one.</p>
<p id="ZIzvrM">The Colts got behind early and neither side of the ball was doing their respective jobs with any success. The Colts committed penalties with really poor timing, negating positive plays away from the penalty, were manhandled up front on both sides of the ball, and the team simply can’t make a play right now.</p>
<p id="TKyXzT">Offensively, the Colts’ couldn’t hang on to the ball, couldn’t stop the Raiders from getting pressure in the backfield, and it probably wasn’t Frank Reich’s best day as a play-caller either.</p>
<p id="zkHUmK">Defensively, the issues are abundant. Is some of it spotty work out of Matt Eberflus? It’s hard to not think he’s struggling to find his groove with this group, but the players themselves are shouldering a lot of the blame -- and most of it. They aren’t making plays, they’re not forcing turnovers, they’re not getting pressure on the quarterback, they’re not stopping the run... and the list goes on from there.</p>
<p id="SjKgSr">The Colts leave Week 4 sitting at 2-2, with others from the AFC South feeling better with their situations than the Colts should be. Jacksonville is thriving with a rookie late-round quarterback, and the <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> blew out the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> yesterday as well. The Colts will go in to Week 5 against the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> with absolutely no momentum, and we still don’t know who will be healthy for that one. </p>
<p id="3DzXFK">The Colts need to have a great week just to get competitive against a team that grooved them in the playoffs a year ago. The team we saw yesterday won’t win many football games this year if health and overall play and execution aren’t vastly improved over the next couple weeks.</p>
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<h3 id="4cqkHI"><strong>Stampede Blue Podcast Links: </strong></h3>
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https://www.stampedeblue.com/2019/9/30/20891226/colts-cast-colts-show-up-late-to-the-party-in-31-24-loss-to-raiders-in-week-4Matt Danely2019-09-30T10:00:00-04:002019-09-30T10:00:00-04:00Colts vs Raiders Week 4 Winners and Losers
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<img alt="Oakland Raiders v Indianapolis Colts" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aK7WlRPOwSXAwlwXRb2Ni67VbMM=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65354813/1172266652.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="WzDa09">The <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> welcomed the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> this Sunday, and the Raiders came into their house, clogged the toilet, drank milk out of the carton, knocked over the trash can, and took most of the valuables before stumbling out the door like a half drunken pirate and sailing back home on a strong current of the Colts’ tears. </p>
<p id="X2tjzq">It was an ugly affair, and one that the Colts would do well to remember. The Raiders aren’t a good team, and they shouldn’t have been a major problem. They were barren at linebacker and lost their best run stopper, <span>Vontaze Burfict</span>, due to him being a dirty piece of garbage during the game when he tried to take <span>Jack Doyle</span>’s head off. </p>
<p id="gxCny2">They had a patchwork offensive line, and lost their starting right tackle to a hand injury mid-game. This was a team that was less talented and more undermanned than the Colts, though the product on the field certainly didn’t show it. So let’s get right to this week’s winners and losers.</p>
<h2 id="oholUs">Winners</h2>
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<img alt="Oakland Raiders v Indianapolis Colts" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jNkq3g7vNXw0OQDM7do1jM-x_os=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19245674/1172228335.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images</cite>
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<h4 id="E6ofYJ"><span>Khari Willis</span></h4>
<p id="cKROcA">The rookie safety has looked like a real talent at the safety position through four weeks. He is a rookie, and mistakes are to be expected, but Willis consistently has the instinct to get upfield and make hits for short or no gains. He sniffs out swing passes and screens well, and has great technique to wrap and tackle. The Colts may have found a gem in this class at a position where they need it.</p>
<h4 id="pzbfAp"><span>Zach Pascal</span></h4>
<p id="KijkeC">No one made more meaningful, or tough, catches Sunday than <span>Zach Pascal</span>. Where many of us, myself included, have written him off as a non-factor, Pascal just keeps making plays. Both the blocks and less glorified kinds on special teams, and the ones where he keeps drives alive. He looked like the best receiver on the field in <span>T.Y. Hilton</span>’s absence, even if that wasn’t saying much. </p>
<h4 id="r1pVBq"><span>Chester Rogers</span></h4>
<p id="gG4VP7">Apart from a muffed punt, <span>Rogers</span> also made big catches When the Colts needed it. He proved a reliable option for Brissett and apart from an early drop and a muffed punt that was nearly a disaster, he had a solid game. (It should tell you something about the quality of play that someone with those mistakes makes the list as a winner)</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Oakland Raiders v Indianapolis Colts" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/61C05itWNiTz2WnX8DyKmyVATc8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19245675/1172199587.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images</cite>
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<h4 id="07NuDj">
<span>Jordan Wilkins</span> and <span>Nyheim Hines</span>
</h4>
<p id="Kkxjp4">With Marlon Mack suffering an ankle injury in the first half, the coaching staff elected to sit him and get <span>Hines</span> and <span>Wilkins</span> some time. The two were key parts of the offensive success in the fourth quarter, not in the running game, but as options underneath in the passing attack. They totaled 5 catches for 47 yards in the 4th quarter and on the drive that ended in the touchdown to <span>Eric Ebron</span>, Hines was essentially the only one able to move the ball.</p>
<h2 id="iJPTro">Losers</h2>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NFL: SEP 29 Raiders at Colts" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CsmIwnQptDs7ItfUGIkj5ZSK8aM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19245682/1172362847.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Even while facemasking Jacobs this line couldn’t stop him.</figcaption>
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<h4 id="kSRoEN">Defensive line</h4>
<p id="6E7s6h"><span>Denico Autry</span>, <span>Margus Hunt</span>, and <span>Grover Stewart</span> got manhandled in the interior and couldn’t keep the linebackers clean in the running game. This allowed <span>Josh Jacobs</span> to get consistent yards running straight downhill and the Raiders as a whole ran for 188 yards.</p>
<p id="oyyrl2">Perhaps worse, the Colts were unable to get consistent pressure and penetration to get to Derek Carr. For a second week the Colts were unable to get a sack, despite the stat line giving them credit for Carr running out of bounds slightly behind the line of scrimmage. That issue starts up front with the defensive tackles, and <span>Autry</span> has to be more consistent if they want to improve there. </p>
<p id="ValOA3">On the outsides, <span>Jabaal Sheard</span>, <span>Justin Houston</span>, <span>Ben Banogu</span>, and <span>Kemoko Turay</span> were unremarkable. <span>Sheard</span> hardly belongs as a loser, but Banogu was responsible for <span>Trevor Davis</span>’ big 60-yard touchdown run because he didn’t hold the edge. </p>
<p id="rhOs5s">It would be frustrating if these guys were getting great pass pressure but couldn’t handle the run. To fail in both areas is simply unacceptable.</p>
<h4 id="K9E1Em">Linebackers</h4>
<p id="Xx8mhX">Speaking of unacceptable, don’t let the stat sheet fool you. <span>Anthony Walker</span> didn’t have a great game. This position group is harder to judge without yet seeing the All-22 film, but Walker and <span>Bobby Okereke</span> looked like they consistently took the wrong angles, and whiffed on tackles. One of Josh Jacobs’ runs went right by Walker and he simply didn’t do anything more than make a half-hearted arm tackle. Both players are tough evaluations every week, because they do make good plays, but often those are used to mask some of the off plays they’re missing. Without <span>Darius Leonard</span>, this linebacker corps is rough, and they were abused by the Raiders in the run game Sunday.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NFL: Oakland Raiders at Indianapolis Colts" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/W6XA24v6s-fWHjlLuOuZXbUyDFs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19245685/usa_today_13436789.jpg">
<cite>Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
<h4 id="JnA11a">Cornerbacks</h4>
<p id="xg0S9O">There are lowlights for everyone in this game, and even though <span>Quincy Wilson</span> and <span>Rock Ya-Sin</span> were in position to make plays at key points in the game, both gave up touchdowns. Young corners have to find ways to get their heads around and locate the ball. That’s been an issue for <span>Wilson</span> since arriving in the league, and it isn’t unexpected for someone like Ya-Sin, but when they’re right there with the receiver, you need them to make plays. </p>
<p id="bhnrNP"><span>Kenny Moore</span> even got beat at the edge when he took an awful angle to stop a pass to the flat to one of the Raiders’ tight ends. It was a sloppy affair all around, and these corners haven’t shown the ability to do much more than what we saw in this game so far this season. They can’t play like this and win many games. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NFL: SEP 29 Raiders at Colts" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BCz4akxxit-AMn_aHK8U2mtfHOc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19245704/1172362954.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
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<h4 id="HjsYKe">
<span>Deon Cain</span> and <span>Parris Campbell</span>
</h4>
<p id="fzpPW6">What a disappointment these two have been so far in 2018. The hopes were so high for both, and maybe that is unfair, but they’ve been a major letdown. <span>Cain</span> wasn’t a factor at all in this game, and hasn’t been all season. His most significant contribution in 2019 so far has been to draw a pass interference call. </p>
<p id="nAlQCI">Parris Campbell was only marginally better. The guy they brought in to be a yards after the catch monster managed 25 yards on 5 catches and on his best play of the game he coughed up a fumble. </p>
<h4 id="OnzV9l"><span>Eric Ebron</span></h4>
<p id="8FzHZ3">On a day when the Colts desperately needed him to have a big game, Ebron did not. He came out flat and missed four catches. Two of them would have been admittedly very tough to make, with one in double coverage that was very well defended. Two others should have been catches. After watching the game a second time, I still think Brissett could have delivered a ball with better touch and getting it there earlier would have been better, but ultimately they were catchable and they hit Ebron’s hands. Those drops were killers and they can’t happen.</p>
<p id="wDim4z">He did haul in a good catch for a touchdown that kept them in the game late, but by that time it was a long shot to win. If those early mistakes hadn’t happened, maybe this is a different ball game.</p>
<h4 id="OZrLyB">Matt Eberflus</h4>
<p id="hEnH6h">When your defense is missing key players at multiple levels, it is expected that you’ll struggle a bit. But as a defensive coordinator you simply cannot allow a performance like this on defense, and it isn’t the first time this Colts defense has come out and played ineffectively this season. </p>
<p id="vxKkZd">For the second week now, the Colts have been unable to get a sack against offensive lines that are missing starters, or playing with poor talent. Injuries or not, you have to find ways to get pressure in those situations. Even top quarterbacks struggle under pressure, and not finding ways to create it up front puts even more heat on your secondary. </p>
<p id="pFcisJ">It can be forgiven if you have a defense that eats quarterbacks for lunch but struggles against the run. The reverse is also more acceptable--being a run stuffing team that can’t consistently get to the passer would be better than nothing. It simply is not okay to be neither of those things. Right now Eberflus is engineering a defense that can’t stop the run, can’t hit the quarterback, and can’t consistently take the ball away. He is going to have to get more creative with this group, and fast, because the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a> are up next, and they aren’t going easy on him.</p>
<h2 id="2wyHve">Conclusion</h2>
<p id="bfio2g">This game was awful. I’ve watched it twice now, and it wasn’t more fun the second time through. As much as their wins this season have been team efforts, this was a team loss. There were mistakes made by just about everyone, and some great performances by Raiders players like <span>Lamarcus Joyner</span>, Eric Harris, and <span>Gareon Conley</span>, <span>Maxx Crosby</span>, Josh Jacobs, and Darren Waller. They do deserve credit for a good game and Jon Gruden put together a solid plan to beat the Colts which was well executed.</p>
<p id="QRb2Y2">Despite all that went wrong, the Colts were driving with a chance to tie the game late. The reality for this team is that they are not talented enough to have this many players take the night off. They need better performances across the whole defense, they really need <span>Darius Leonard</span> back on the field, and they need to catch the ball. This loss stings, but this isn’t the norm. Maybe we shouldn’t expect the defense we had in 2018 to make an appearance this season. Perhaps there was a fluky nature to it and teams have figured it out a bit. However, they aren’t as bad as they played today either. </p>
<p id="EYDSo5">There are a lot of things to get figured out going forward, but hopefully this is the gut check game this team needs to get them worked out.</p>
<p id="ZktIhb"></p>
<p id="Uy1r1C"></p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2019/9/30/20891149/colts-vs-raiders-week-4-winners-and-losersChris Blystone2019-09-29T19:00:57-04:002019-09-29T19:00:57-04:00Highlights from Colts vs. Raiders
<figure>
<img alt="Oakland Raiders v Indianapolis Colts" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nBHjYaeXHwZLb7aBTVOEW2KoA5I=/0x0:3274x2183/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65352096/1172199661.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="ERe2FO">I wish I could tell you that I didn’t see this coming. I thought the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> would still be able to pull this game out but the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> were a serious match-up issue coming into this game and I thought there was a chance this one could be ugly and it was. </p>
<p id="cyy6xG">If you were completely shocked by this game and the outcome, I’m just saying, maybe you should read better content leading up to the game.*</p>
<p id="hZq9ND"><small><em>*shameless self promotion. Please ignore all of the times I’ve been really wrong. </em></small></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="tvP70g">
<h1 id="PiIo8O"><strong>1st Quarter</strong></h1>
<p id="zDr7tH">It isn’t easy to find much to be excited about in the first but <span>Jabaal Sheard</span> is back</p>
<div id="ddbd7A">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good to see Sheard back <a href="https://t.co/20YxuXLZ09">pic.twitter.com/20YxuXLZ09</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178356270782398472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="5d9NvC">Sheard made several plays near the line of scrimmage and he was a welcome addition to a struggling defensive front seven. </p>
<p id="OLXNBy"><strong>We should all Tweet at </strong><span><strong>Derek Carr</strong></span><strong> and thank him</strong></p>
<div id="VuqoY9">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The first positive play of the game was literally given to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Colts?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Colts</a> <a href="https://t.co/uQkuZz4ukt">pic.twitter.com/uQkuZz4ukt</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178362194548928512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="BUkTs2">I don’t really have analysis for this. <span>Justin Houston</span> fell on the ball. You know, the way you should when there’s a ball on the ground. </p>
<p id="PJgLAd"><strong>Frank Reich up to his old tricks</strong></p>
<div id="6GGOsD">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great design <a href="https://t.co/pOWn9kqhPK">pic.twitter.com/pOWn9kqhPK</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178362680786264064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="7cjWX3">This play looked like a split zone run. The Raiders thought it was a split zone run and instead Brissett pulled the ball out and tossed the ball to a sprinting <span>Jack Doyle</span> who got in for an easy six points. </p>
<p id="HJqaJI"><span><strong>Khari Willis</strong></span><strong>:</strong></p>
<div id="uOUnQv">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chris Ballard finds good players <a href="https://t.co/M98uGOaFkh">pic.twitter.com/M98uGOaFkh</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178363801852354562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="waQUA9">Between the plays Willis made tackling and his near interception later in the game, it seems obvious to me that Willis should be starting next to <span>Malik Hooker</span> when he returns. </p>
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<h1 id="EHw8bV"><strong>2nd Quarter </strong></h1>
<p id="2B3EK6"><strong>No idea if this happened in the 1st or 2nd quarter</strong></p>
<div id="b7VgeR">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"He's extremely athletic" things guys that don't know what they're talking about, say. <a href="https://t.co/Ccyxe2Sdnn">pic.twitter.com/Ccyxe2Sdnn</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178367646640885760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="pPat6p">You can criticize <span>Jacoby Brissett</span> for a lot of things, and I’m sure there will be plenty who do. But it’s impossible to deny his ability escape pressure and pick up smart yards on the ground. </p>
<p id="oYS4Pt"><span><strong>Vontaze Burfict</strong></span><strong>, same guy, different uniform</strong></p>
<div id="JCSflx">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you Mr. Burfict <a href="https://t.co/niT3cLtdDG">pic.twitter.com/niT3cLtdDG</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178368275941601282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="wbFEbG">He was ejected for this hit. He will be fined and it’s possible given his history he’ll be suspended. <span>Vontaze Burfict</span> deserves every bad thing that happens to him on a football field and I don’t wish ill of anyone else. Just <span>Vontaze Burfict</span>. </p>
<p id="qHGKDK"><strong>I took a shot at </strong><span><strong>Eric Ebron</strong></span></p>
<div id="JiRhZJ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">If you're getting blocked by Eric Ebron you didn't want to tackle anyway <a href="https://t.co/fPpFwkhUC3">pic.twitter.com/fPpFwkhUC3</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178369651094573057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="AGzZJ5">But this really was a good block. Also it’s pretty cool to see the fact that the three impact blocks on this play came from three Colts tight ends. Mo Alie-Cox gave up some ground to a defensive end, but he stayed in front of his man and gave Marlon Mack a chance to pickup yards. You can’t ask for much more from your tight end room on this play. </p>
<p id="Z7Rgyi"><strong>I’ll be excited to stop recording field goal attempts</strong></p>
<div id="xajTk0">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good to see <a href="https://t.co/NDBbpX4EZL">pic.twitter.com/NDBbpX4EZL</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178370856503914497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="KBdlmE">Even though it was short, it appears Adam Vinateri has fixed the issues he was facing early in the season. </p>
<p id="G9k8we"><strong>Didn’t get pressure nearly often enough</strong></p>
<div id="L7fS0D">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Get pressure, force bad throws. The formula is simple. <a href="https://t.co/WJFJ2KQF68">pic.twitter.com/WJFJ2KQF68</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178372204662333440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="o4Jui9">I took some heat for calling the Colts pass rush “inconsistent but ultimately productive” earlier in the season. Again, sometimes being right isn’t much fun. </p>
<div id="F1O345">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nice play <a href="https://t.co/fRkyiD30z2">pic.twitter.com/fRkyiD30z2</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178372649749303297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="F7iDkB">The Colts come out and call a flood concept to attack all three levels of the Raiders zone defense. Brissett read the play well and hit the open man for a nice gain. </p>
<p id="LciRrR"><strong>This play should look familiar </strong></p>
<div id="45rger">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Why not call it again? <a href="https://t.co/XSRhyAOyft">pic.twitter.com/XSRhyAOyft</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178373112787869698?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="vnPMQI">Same concept, slightly different result, still a nice gain. </p>
<p id="ZTTurc"><strong>Could have done without this</strong></p>
<div id="B8bzF9">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr">Ugh <a href="https://t.co/j5kaHj8dFx">pic.twitter.com/j5kaHj8dFx</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178374141608677379?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="kZ1iGS"><span>Parris Campbell</span> has been about what you expect from a second round rookie WR. Wide Receivers usually take time to develop into effective players and Campbell is proving that to be true. He has made some catches, made some plays, the fumble isn’t indicative of anything other than he needs to improve his ball security. Eventually this guy is going to break out, we might have to wait a while, but he has all of the tools and given what we’ve heard about his work ethic, I wholeheartedly believe it is coming for Campbell. </p>
<p id="srh357"><strong> </strong><span><strong>Zach Pascal</strong></span><strong> </strong></p>
<div id="ScQEl5">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Amazing. The fortitude of Frank Reich. <a href="https://t.co/xwSlv1lLmQ">pic.twitter.com/xwSlv1lLmQ</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178376818371518465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="w4njdT"><span>Pascal</span> had a big game. Unfortunately it came in a loss but the second year pro has had a big impact in the box score the past couple weeks. </p>
<p id="PYrEPd"><strong>People were upset about this miss</strong></p>
<div id="W7F1JR">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">You can't even be upset with this miss. 57 yards is insane. <a href="https://t.co/yYOdgjiX4k">pic.twitter.com/yYOdgjiX4k</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178377985575051267?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="s0gEv9">Our 46 year old kicker who had the two worst games of his nearly 2.5 decade career earlier this season missed a kick from 57 yards. Imagine missing a 57 yard field goal. Somewhere a 72 year old Tom Dempsey is rolling his eyes. </p>
<p id="9mHL1H"><strong>The officials let the DB’s play in this one </strong></p>
<div id="W3tatr">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nice play by Ya-Sin. No flag. Got the incompletion. <a href="https://t.co/N11aK4P1T5">pic.twitter.com/N11aK4P1T5</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178378491882037248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="DioWCn">For most of the day there weren’t many flags thrown in the defensive backfield. Ya-Sin had good position and didn’t let himself get beat. He needs to do a better job not letting his man get that step on him but otherwise this rep ended in an incompletion. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="yV8OLp">
<h1 id="xCUdB0"><strong>3rd Quarter</strong></h1>
<p id="mY97jz"><strong>Our lone play in the 3rd quarter</strong></p>
<div id="6AVUUT">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great back shoulder throw and catch <a href="https://t.co/PD14htVgvn">pic.twitter.com/PD14htVgvn</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178382740854657024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="Vv28Cl">Brissett threw this ball up so that <span>Chester Rogers</span> could turn around and make this catch before the defender knew anything had happened. It was an accurate pass that put the ball in a place where only his receiver could get it and <span>Rogers</span> made a great play to go up and get the ball. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Dwp1xf">
<h1 id="noRqEJ"><strong>4th Quarter</strong></h1>
<p id="R6OkG2"><strong>Nine minutes left, on your own 18</strong></p>
<div id="z6zqkg">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I really hate this call but I can't really start questioning Reich now. <a href="https://t.co/mLecW7rTHO">pic.twitter.com/mLecW7rTHO</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178393054698491912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="IYoEve">It worked out and I can’t really start questioning Frank Reich now, but eventually this will hurt the team. Though given the flow of the game, if you punt this ball away, the Raiders may not have given the Colts another chance in the fourth quarter. </p>
<p id="9kNQU7"><strong>More Pascal</strong></p>
<div id="WnmI7v">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/teampascal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#teampascal</a> <a href="https://t.co/wuO0Y6OkY5">pic.twitter.com/wuO0Y6OkY5</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178393669742796801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="FsBLi2">This guy has been contributing on special teams and in the run game, giving 100% effort all the time. Seeing him make catches and watching his team first hard work pay off is really cool. </p>
<p id="SGXToK"><strong>Brissett with another escape and smart play for positive yardage</strong></p>
<div id="EluS9Q">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jacoby Brissett is tough to sack. <a href="https://t.co/BtHHIOYvbN">pic.twitter.com/BtHHIOYvbN</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178394244270178306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="6OuD8x">Having a quarterback who can do this a few times a game is huge in today’s NFL. </p>
<p id="4C1jQc"><strong>It wasn’t a special route</strong></p>
<div id="YI9J45">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chester might have redeemed himself... maybe. <a href="https://t.co/BMXUhEhYlg">pic.twitter.com/BMXUhEhYlg</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178395532361961472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="urXSc8">But it was effective. Brissett threw the pass low and away and made sure to protect this ball while Rogers adjusted to the pass and hauled in a touchdown the Colts had to have. </p>
<p id="zMnctQ"><strong>The Colts defense was bad</strong></p>
<div id="eAXVId">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Had to have this stop <a href="https://t.co/zhLaHgqwii">pic.twitter.com/zhLaHgqwii</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178398361029922817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="MWp0vY">But <span>Jabaal Sheard</span> came up big on this 3rd down stop that gave his team a real chance to go down and tie the game with just under three minutes remaining in the contest. </p>
<p id="A8f2wm"><strong>Brissett’s pick six</strong></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ballgame. <a href="https://t.co/KjjhtSoLDc">pic.twitter.com/KjjhtSoLDc</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178399324998373376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="iw4Gd7">A lot of people are going to point to this throw and tear Brissett down. I understand the desire to do that but it’s shortsighted. </p>
<p id="umn83n"><strong>Here’s why</strong></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another angle of the Brissett INT. <a href="https://t.co/5KcrlO12ST">pic.twitter.com/5KcrlO12ST</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178399800028475392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="OSC0IU">Rich Gannon, though terrible for most of the day, offered solid analysis on this play. Brissett is still an inexperienced passer in the league. It’s tough to remember that but he really is. This is a great play by that defender and there are a lot of quarterbacks that throw this interception on this play. Sometimes the defense calls a perfect play. Sometimes the defense executes perfectly. And sometimes your promising young quarterback throws an interception that seals the game for their opponent. </p>
<p id="H8FQ5g">Don’t overreact. It’s one game. Brissett didn’t play great but this was the lone mistake he made in a game the Colts had no business being in that late in the fourth quarter. </p>
<p id="r0iwRK"><strong>I said it wasn’t over</strong></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It's not over yet <a href="https://t.co/w8mU5hrQG9">pic.twitter.com/w8mU5hrQG9</a></p>— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1178401946039963650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p id="IrDiHY">I was wrong. It was over but this play was still nice to see. </p>
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<h1 id="dA1aoL"><strong>Final Thoughts</strong></h1>
<p id="QomdfA">This is what I said in <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/2019/9/26/20884551/2019-opponent-scouting-report-raiders-special-teams-final-thoughts-and-predictions">my final look at the Raiders last week</a>:</p>
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<p id="DbPYE3">So far this season the back end of Matt Eberflus’ defense has looked much different than what we saw in 2018. <span><strong>Malik Hooker</strong></span> has been tasked with playing more single high coverage, something he excels in while the team is playing significantly more man coverage. The Colts’ issues on defense haven’t been with the pass as much as they have struggled to stop the run, ranking 13th in passing yards allowed and 20th in rushing.</p>
<p id="txAXc1">With <span><strong>Hooker</strong></span> set to miss extended time, Eberflus is going to have to go away from the single high looks that Gruden had yet to see and revert back to more cover 2, man cover 2 and quarters coverage, like we saw in 2018. When you couple that with the fact that the Raiders offensive line is their strongest position group on that side of the ball and their stud rookie running back, all of a sudden this game doesn’t seem like such a walk in the park.</p>
<p id="ZGThX0">After all of that I still have more concerns. <span><strong>T.Y. Hilton</strong></span> has drawn more targets (25) than the next two players (<span><strong>Eric Ebron</strong></span> 11, <span><strong>Nyheim Hines</strong></span> 10) combined. If <span>Hilton</span> is unable to play <span><strong>Jacoby Brissett</strong></span> is going to have to find a new favorite target and fast. The other concern I have is that despite the feeling all Colts fans are riding after their week three performance against the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons"><strong>Atlanta Falcons</strong></a>, not many are taking into account just how many times the Falcons bailed the Colts out with penalties. The Falcons had 16 penalties that gave the Colts 128 additional yards compared to the 39 yards the Colts gave up on their four called penalties. Seven times the Falcons committed penalties that resulted in a first down for the Colts. They negated one first down of their own on an offensive pass interference call late in the third quarter. The Colts were bailed out by penalties eight times that resulted in either a first down on offense or a negated first down for the defense.</p>
<p id="T6gJGu">Pretending that didn’t have an impact on the game is foolish. Pretending we can count on such a lopsided number of flags going against every opponent this season is foolish. This Raiders game is trouble.</p>
<p id="EFnZGV">Now I’ve said all of that to say this; this Colts team, even without Hilton, Hooker and <span><strong>Darius Leonard</strong></span> (if he doesn’t clear concussion protocol) is a far more talented team than the Oakland Raiders. They’ve played better football on offense and defense. Frank Reich has coached offensive circles around Jon Gruden in 2019. I think in the end the Colts pull this game out, but it has a chance to be very ugly.</p>
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<p id="ANq0Vc">It’s always disappointing when the Colts lose but I can’t say I didn’t see this as a possibility. I also predicted the score would be 31-27 with the Colts on top. I thought the Colts would get it done, I was wrong about that but I was a missed 57 yard field goal away from getting the score right, just in reverse. </p>
<p id="K1zTLo">There were a lot of big plays for our Colts but there were more for the Raiders. Don’t panic Colts fans, we’re going to lose to the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a> next week and get healthy over the bye. If you gamble, watch for Jared Malott’s advice these next few weeks. I feel like Vegas is going to overreact to this and the Chiefs loss and Colts fans will have a chance to make some smart bets in the middle part of the season. </p>
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https://www.stampedeblue.com/2019/9/29/20890066/highlights-from-colts-vs-raidersChris Shepherd2019-09-29T16:42:44-04:002019-09-29T16:42:44-04:00Quick Reaction: Colts unable to overcome mistakes, injuries in 31 - 24 home loss to Raiders
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<img alt="NFL: Oakland Raiders at Indianapolis Colts" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/S2DRjfnreKTduZCeLv36x8mpqLs=/0x291:2494x1954/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65351605/usa_today_13436456.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="yPUohJ">The <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> fell at home to the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a>, breaking a 7-game home winning streak. What makes the loss hard to swallow is that it was arguably the easiest non-division game of the season. The Raiders have been a mess on both sides of the football and have undergone a ridiculous amount of drama heading into this season.</p>
<p id="fbUfoS">The Colts have been inconsistent but have flashed a lot of talent at most positions. The team is still very young and the defense in particular started rookies <span>Khari Willis</span>, <span>Bobby Okereke</span> and <span>Rock Ya-Sin</span>. Other rookie defenders, including <span>Ben Banogu</span> and <span>E.J. Speed</span> were also a part of the defensive rotation. On offense, with the team’s top two receivers sitting out of the game (<span>T.Y. Hilton</span> and <span>Devin Funchess</span>) rookie <span>Parris Campbell</span> was asked to carry a bigger load and the rest of the receiving room lacks considerable experience.</p>
<p id="kS0Hvd">At the end of the day, the Colts defense has been unable to figure out two key features of modern NFL offenses. First, the defense has been unable to consistently slow down the running game. While the league is pass-heavy, a team like the Oakland Raiders plays old school smash-mouth football and if they figure out they can simply run three times and get a first down, the rest of the day will be difficult. </p>
<p id="3cQ7GV">Second, the Colts have been unable to figure out an effective way to address opposing tight ends. This spans defensive coordinators and a number of years. At a time when tight ends are perhaps more utilized than they have ever been, this is a weakness the Colts cannot afford to leave unresolved. Athletic tight ends are a significant part of the league’s best passing attacks and often find their way into the playoffs.</p>
<p id="nmp6ib">While we’ll go into much greater detail in our analysis the rest of this week, here are a few observations.</p>
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<h3 id="2ELwDi"><strong>INJURIES ARE KILLING CONTINUITY</strong></h3>
<p id="D7uXmz">Consider that the Colts lost their number two receiver, <span>Devin Funchess</span>, to a collarbone injury that will cost him half of the season. Top receiver <span>T.Y. Hilton</span> has been nursing a quad injury that left him on the sidelines in the second half a week ago and inactive at home today against the Raiders. Behind him is a rookie, a former undrafted veteran who has never been anything more than the team’s third receiver, a blue collar do-it-all player who is often overlooked, and another undrafted rookie who was active for the first time in his career.</p>
<p id="PlxwZZ">Consider that All-Pro linebacker <span>Darius Leonard</span> missed his second consecutive game with a concussion. In his absense, starting Mike linebacker <span>Anthony Walker</span> was asked to start at Will again. Rookie linebacker Bobby Okereke was asked to start for the second time at Mike. Behind them, rookie E.J. Speed was also a part of the rotation.</p>
<p id="vmkOkH">Consider that the team’s top cornerback <span>Pierre Desir</span> has been playing through injury and giving up snaps to another rookie, Rock Ya-Sin. No matter how good Ya-Sin may become, the reality for most young NFL defensive backs is that you will get picked on early. To make matters worse, third year cornerback <span>Quincy Wilson</span> had a rough game and looked foolish in coverage on a <span>Tyrell Williams</span> touchdown. The only veteran, healthy cornerback on the team is <span>Kenny Moore</span> and he’s best suited in the slot.</p>
<p id="Yjtkve">Consider that the team’s best safety, <span>Malik Hooker</span>, will be out for weeks after tearing his meniscus a week ago. In his place, rookie Khari Willis had a strong performance. He has looked very promising early in his career and the calls to see a <span>Hooker</span> and Willis pairing on the backend are growing. </p>
<p id="CLnKox">That said, <span>Clayton Geathers</span> is definitely more of a box safety or third/fourth linebacker than he is a defensive back. Behind these players is second-year, former undrafted <span>George Odum</span> and third-year, former undrafted <span>Rolan Milligan</span>.</p>
<p id="KWwmcO">Consider that this was <span>Jabaal Sheard</span>’s first game of the season.</p>
<p id="TQrhU7">The point is, the defense is missing a lot of pieces. It has undergone a lot of change multiple times throughout the off-season process. There is no sense of continuity to be found on either side of the ball. If matters aren’t bad enough, <span>Marlon Mack</span> even missed time in this game.</p>
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<h3 id="gdCi0w"><strong>DROPS WILL KILL ANY TEAM</strong></h3>
<p id="I1kWC4">There were so many drops today that prematurely ended Colts offensive drives. <span>Eric Ebron</span> was responsible for three of them, <span>Chester Rogers</span> was responsible for at least one, Parris Campbell dropped a deep pass that hit him in his arms and fumbled away a possession deep in Raiders territory. <span>Deon Cain</span> was targeted 5 times and didn’t catch a single pass.</p>
<p id="DhDduH">The team needed to rely heavily on its very talented trio of tight ends but was only able to complete five passes to the group. </p>
<p id="QBcVWa"><span>Jacoby Brissett</span> will need the help of his teammates to be successful. If his teammates allow him to be put in really difficult situations, his odds of success will drop considerably. It’s not surprise that he threw an interception on a two-minute drive to try to tie the game. The Raiders knew that he would likely target his receivers on short-intermediate routes and try to get the ball out of bounds as often as possible to preserve time. When <span>Brissett</span> tried to do just that, Oakland snuck up a safety who returned the interception for a touchdown. Game over.</p>
<p id="vG57OM">Drops hurt will kill any team’s chance to win games. This team needs to play well and play together to have success. It’s not at the point where it can simply/easily overcome unforced errors.</p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2019/9/29/20890201/quick-reaction-colts-unable-to-overcome-mistakes-injuries-in-31-24-home-loss-to-raidersBrett Mock2019-09-29T11:30:00-04:002019-09-29T11:30:00-04:005 Bold Predictions versus Raiders
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<img alt="NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Oakland Raiders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/b11wWGYxP7GYUUUKh1qvNmlbNsE=/0x0:4383x2922/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65350338/usa_today_11546028.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="tYUf9x">Going into our Week 4 match-up versus the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a>, many people seem to be expecting different results. However, I wanted to throw out some game predictions that might just happen. The order of the five following guesses go from most sensible to almost crazy.</p>
<p id="XFD6lj">Let us begin.</p>
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<span><strong>Jacoby Brissett</strong></span><strong> will pass for 3 TDs and no INTs</strong>
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<p id="z3APMx">This prognostic is based on a simple factors: We are most likely going to carve the Raiders D. They’ve been all around pretty bad. Their run defense is suspect, their corners struggle to cover, they have no real star power and they aren’t super well coached.</p>
<p id="loBTRI">Stack on that the fact that <span>Brissett</span> is going to have all day to throw (Raiders have 5.0 sacks on the season), and that Reich is probably going to have a couple Aces up his sleeve, and there’s no reason why Brissett shouldn’t dominate in this game. Especially if they follow a game plan similar to that of last week and Reich keeps calling plays like these. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another week, another win for <a href="https://twitter.com/JBrissett12?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JBrissett12</a> and the <a href="https://twitter.com/Colts?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Colts</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATLvsIND?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATLvsIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/6mqiooBYDC">pic.twitter.com/6mqiooBYDC</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1175864968186609666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2019</a>
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<h2 id="4krIu8"><strong>Carr will pass for 280+ yards and have a completion rate of 80% plus</strong></h2>
<p id="c699y6">Carr is passing for an average of 233 yards this season with a completion percentage of 73.5%. Last week against the 10th rank <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> defense, Carr passed for 242 yards with at a 79.5% completion rate. </p>
<p id="viNLVH">Considering that the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> allow 244.3 YPG, a completion percentage of 76.0 and a QB Rating of 115.4 (compared to the Vikings allowing 225.7 YPG, 71.9% and 96.2), it can be expected that Carr would play slightly better.</p>
<p id="BlQVY5">The only counter I see to this argument is that Carr will be forced to move away from his high-completion low-upside throws if the Colts begin to pummel the Raiders. </p>
<p id="bqRo7c">For those visual learners out there, this is what Carr’s passing attempts looked like versus the Vikings last week.</p>
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<h2 id="bZSZ7e">
<span><strong>Marlon Mack</strong></span><strong> will rush for 120+ yards and </strong><span><strong>Josh Jacobs</strong></span><strong> for 100+ yards and a TD.</strong>
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<p id="LQCM9u">This game features two pretty bad running defenses. The Colts interior DL is the team’s weakest link (giving up 5.3 YPC!) and the Raiders, while not good by any scope of the imagination, is a tad bit better (4.1 YPC). </p>
<p id="rcp5Na">Both offenses feature two young and talented backs. <span>Mack</span> is averaging 99.6 YPG on 61 carries and 4.9 YPC while Josh Jacobs is averaging 76 YPG on 45 carries and 5.1 YPC.</p>
<p id="RqYQrC">I presume both RBs will put up great stats in this upcoming game, the only questions I have with regards to this projection is <strong>a)</strong> Jacobs has not rushed for more than 100 yards (85, 99, 44) and <strong>b)</strong> I don’t know to what extent the Raiders will move away from the running game if they fall behind.</p>
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<h2 id="Azdgbn"><strong>Both Ebron and Doyle hit paydirt</strong></h2>
<p id="N2goGz">Ebron already has a TD on the season (should be two considering that drop Week 1), and Doyle has yet to score 6 for the Colts. I see that changing this Sunday. With Hilton out, I can see Reich and Brissett turning towards their most experienced offensive weapons: the flashy touchdown machine and ol’ Reliable. </p>
<p id="pnj3ml">Look for Reich to game plan around these two pieces and for Brissett to look their way often. I would not be surprised to see them both go for more than 50 yards along with a TD for each. </p>
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<h2 id="oUgXhc"><strong>Turay and Houston combine for 3.0 sacks</strong></h2>
<p id="Ox50NH">This one, you might say, is just a bit of a hunch. I’ve really liked what I’ve seen from Turay so far. His speed, bend and explosiveness place him near the QB on almost every play.</p>
<p id="Hj3hbS">Through 3 games, both Turay and Houston have a combined 2.0 sacks. While some blame should rightfully be places on the DEs, it must be noted that the Colts zone scheme does the pass-rushers no favors.</p>
<p id="mZ7FSX">The Colts have only 8.0 sacks this season (with a few more being turned back due to penalties), and I think a pairing versus an average and injured OL is just what the doctor ordered.</p>
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<h3 id="T42FWk">
<strong>Bonus: </strong><span><strong>Parris Campbell</strong></span><strong> will have more than 100+ yards</strong>
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<p id="WlQH7Q">Hilton had 25 targets across the past 3 games (with Brissett throwing the ball just 92 times). That means that, assuming that T.Y. is out versus the Raiders, 27% of the targets are up for grabs. </p>
<p id="IEmvJV">Like I said above, I think a nice chunk of those will go to the tight ends, but keep an eye on Cain and Campbell. They will probably be on the field for a similar amount of time, but Campbell’s blazing speed allows him to capitalize more on those targets. </p>
<p id="TSGQFJ">This is my “crazy” prediction, as it seems completely irrational to expect a guy who has 5 catches for 37 yards across 3 weeks to achieve this feat. </p>
<p id="2aNF3X">But I mean, where’s the fun in sure-fire picks?</p>
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<h3 id="AwshCU"><strong>Alvaro’s Game Prediction:</strong></h3>
<p id="7iTvfh">Colts win: 30 (3 passing TD and 3 FG) to 17.</p>
<p id="VwYoYj"> </p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2019/9/29/20888832/5-bold-predictions-versus-raidersAlvaro F.