Even with the Arizona Cardinals starting backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett in this one, the game would come down to the final minutes—as the Indianapolis Colts eked out a tough 31-27 home win.
The Colts
offense once again heavily rode the hot hand of Jonathan Taylor and the ground game. Taylor remains a legitimate MVP and Offensive Player of the Year candidate and had 21 carries for 123 total rushing yards and a rushing touchdown—including the game-winning touchdown run with 4:32 left in the 4th quarter.
I wouldn’t say this was Daniel Jones strongest performance as a Colt, but he he was largely sound in this one—and at the very least, good enough for Indianapolis to win with.
The veteran quarterback completed 22 of 30 pass attempts for 212 total passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, and an interception. He also had a 3-yard touchdown run with 7:51 left in the first half.
Rookie Tyler Warren led the Colts with 6 receptions and 63 total receiving yards, including an 8-yard touchdown reception early in the first quarter. Wideout Josh Downs also had a touchdown reception in this one on a 5-yard touchdown pass with 13:12 left in the 4th quarter.
New Colts veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt led the defense with 11 tackles (8 solo). Starting defensive end Kwity Paye had the Colts only 2 sacks on the afternoon. Starting cornerback Mekhi Blackmon had an interception off Brissett with 13:17 left in the 2nd quarter. It was important because it essentially wiped out Jones’ recent pick.
With 400 total offensive yards surrendered, Brissett and the Cardinals offense were surprisingly more effective than initially anticipated headed into this one. The unexpected loss of starting cornerback Charvarius Ward (concussion) in pregame warmups certainly played a factor.
