Ten games, ten losses. The Colts kept their streak going on Sunday, falling to division rival Jacksonville at Lucas Oil Stadium, 17-3. In what was considered by many to be the most winnable game on the Colts’ schedule, the still Peyton-less team just couldn’t get it done. The defense played fairly well, but the offense couldn’t generate points, failing to record a touchdown for the second straight week. Curtis Painter, after throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble, was benched again, and although his replacement, Dan Orlovsky, led a drive all the way down to the Jacksonville 12-yard line late in the game, even he couldn’t convert on fourth down. Thankfully, the Colts will get a chance to rest and recuperate this week during their bye.
After losing both Dallas Clark and Brody Eldridge to injuries last week, the Colts were left incredibly thin at the tight end position. However, 26-year-old Jacob Tamme was up to the task. Tamme, in his first start of the season, led the team with 6 receptions for 75 yards against the Jaguars, making him this week’s Horseshoe Hero.
Jacob Tamme has played a similar role before. Last season, when Clark was lost to the IR with a wrist injury, Tamme stepped in and played well above expectations. The former UK Wildcat finished the season second on the team in receptions, snagging 67 for 631 yards and 4 touchdowns, hardly playing like a backup.
Tamme is an incredibly likable player and all-around person. A devout Christian, a father, and a husband, he held a golf tournament in July that benefitted “Homes for Troops,” an organization that builds specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans. He definitely embodies the qualities of a true Colt.
With Clark’s return again in doubt, Tamme looks poised to reclaim the leadership position he attained last year. Perhaps he can help the Colts squeak out a victory in Week 12 against dynamic rookie Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers.