I’m trying to get creative and think of a snappy intro, but what else can I say? This is the best offense in football. While this offensive production is impressive and borderline historic, it’s important
to acknowledge that what everyone expected to happen in this matchup…pretty much happened.
So let’s breakdown some of the Colts best plays from this Sunday.
The Colts are always finding unique ways to get Alec Pierce individual matchups, particularly deep down the field. The Colts motion Pittman to create a 4×1 read.
For Daniel Jones, the job is simple. In any 3×1 formation vs. a split safety coverage, the read is that weak safety. Does he hunt up the vertical of the #3 receiver or does he try and double the X? As soon as the safety turns to cover Downs up the seam on the Thru route, it’s on.
Alec Pierce does a great job on this comeback route getting in the corners blindspot. Pierce is known for being the league’s best deep threat, but adding these layers to his game is why he’ll be making big time money this offseason.
Here it is! This is an auxiliary run designed to attack fronts with 9 techniques or wide edges. The TE will kick out the DE, Nelson is going to pull for Sam, and Bortolini is going to wrap for the Mike. So many impressive blocks, but watch Braden Smith seal off the backside linebacker from that alignment. Absolutely impressive. Also have to shoutout Mo Alie-Cox who has a crucial block here. He recovers nicely after the DE gets into his chest and creates the lane.
This is an incredible throw to add to Daniel Jones’ stellar resume vs. pressure. The Titans are rolling to what I think is a Duece Zone meaning 2 deep-4 under zone pressure. The RG oversets here and is a tick late to sort out the pressure which causes Daniel to make a difficult thow.
What’s impressive to me is that I don’t think the Thru route from Josh Downs is the hot answer, yet they hook it up anyway. Normally that Thru route or influence post is a clear out on this concept (which they call Stairwell),
When it comes to hot mechanics and QB reads, nobody outside the building is going to have a perfect answer. But what I can tell you is that it’s obvious from watching the film that everyone is on the same page.
The Colts staff is not shy about trying to find opportunities to get Tyler Warren the ball. Remember that FB Sail route Warren caught vs the Broncos? Well this is something off of that.
This is a FB Corner Pump. The ideal look is to get quarters coverage where that safety will nail down on the vertical route from#2 and then “pump” or run up out of it. That quarters safety stays high and the pump turns into nothing. (Think Out-N-Up but the corner never bites on the out portion of the route).
There’s a ton of space to work with on a back shoulder throw, but unfortunately they do not connect. Happens!
Even in blowouts, there’s always something to correct. This play was frustrating to watch. The Colts are hot up top, meaning the Titans are bringing more guys than the Colts can block. My guess is that the choice up top is the hot answer on the play, which is fine, but it takes too long and the QB takes a nasty hit.
The motion makes it difficult because Josh Downs is going third in the release pattern of the dirty bunch. This is definitely one to learn from and clean up. I’m just glad Daniel is ok. These hits are NO GOOD!
The Colts took care of business in a big way last week. You can sort of see them play into their record as the season goes along. As they stack wins, the confidence keeps growing.
This is truly one of the best coaching jobs I’ve seen in Indianapolis since 2018 when the Colts battled back from a 1-5 start. It’s funny that everybody wanted this staff fired, and here we are. Things can change rapidly in the national football league. If I’m Chris Ballard, I want to maximize this year because there’s no guarantee the Colts will ever be this good again.
As the trade deadline gets closer the Colts almost certainly will be in conversations to acquire some talent on the defensive side of the ball. I think it’s important to realize that most in-season trades aren’t what they are made out to be in the media. Often they are players on expiring deals, that don’t get a chance to make an impact in the initial season. That’s not a hard and fast rule by any means, but when you look at the in-season trade market that’s the reality. Ultimately, it’s a sellers market—but that shouldn’t stop the Colts from trying to make something happen either.
