3 takeaways from the Colts Week 4 loss to the Rams
The Indianapolis Colts nearly pulled off a miraculous comeback in Week 4 but fell just short vs. the Los Angeles Rams and now sit at 2-2 on the year. This Sunday's game was a tale of two halves for the Colts, but the game as a whole was eye-opening for multiple reasons. 3 Takeaways: Expect […]
The Indianapolis Colts nearly pulled off a miraculous comeback in Week 4 but fell just short vs. the Los Angeles Rams and now sit at 2-2 on the year.
This Sunday's game was a tale of two halves for the Colts, but the game as a whole was eye-opening for multiple reasons.
3 Takeaways:
Expect TE by committee:
Both of Anthony Richardson's passing touchdowns in Week 4 went to members of the Colts TE room. The first going to veteran Mo Alie-Cox, and the second to second-year TE Drew Ogletree. Three TEs in total have now caught touchdowns through the first four weeks of the season.
- Kylen Granson
- Mo Alie-Cox
- Drew Ogletree
All while projected starter Jelani Woods has been on the team's IR list to start the season. Woods has now missed the four games required by his IR designation, meaning the team can activate the TE whenever he is deemed ready to play. While Woods will be an added weapon to the Colts offense, I don't think the TE-by-committee approach is going anywhere. The team is fond of their TE room and believes it is among the deepest in the NFL.
The Colts dont seem to trust Shaquille Leonard at the moment:
It's been a long road of recovery for Colts LB Shaquille Leonard. And how the Colts handled their LBs in this one told us they don't view him as one of their top players at the position right now.
During the 4th quarter, Zaire Franklin left the game with a back injury, to replace Franklin, the Colts went with Segun Olubi. Olubi joined EJ Speed during that time until Franklin returned. And in overtime, the Colts elected to keep Shaquille Leonard on the sideline. Head Coach Shane Steichen was asked after the game if this was injury-related, and he answered, "No."
If Leonard wasn't sidelined due to an injury, it seems that the Colts believed that other LBs gave them a better chance to win the game at hand. It is unknown whether they believe he can get back to the player he once was. But at this moment, their actions are telling us all we need to know.
The Colts have their guy:
Evaluating young players requires more than skimming the box score. Richardson's lackluster 44% completion rate likely told some he had an awful day. That was not the case. As in the 2nd half, when the team needed big plays, he found ways to make them happen even when plays seemed dead in the water.
A few examples would be:
This laser to fellow rookie Josh Downs
TD off one foot to Mo Alie-Cox
Showing off his elusiveness for a wild two-point conversion
The Colts may have fallen short in this one, but Richardson did everything in his power to get the team back in this one after being down 23-0 halfway through the 3rd quarter. This season may have bumps in the road while Richardson develops, but the writing is on the wall, this kid is going to be special.
Indianapolis Colts Week 4 comeback falls just short
Breaking down the Indianapolis Colts 29-23 Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
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