Horseshoe Hero: Donald Gets it Done

Colts win! Colts win! Colts win! The 0-13 Colts erased the infamous “egg” on their record and earned their first victory of the season Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, 27-13. For the first time all year, the Colts played a complete game on both sides of the ball and fully deserved the win. Both the offense and defense recorded scores in front of a loyal and excited home crowd in a true team effort. On a day when the Green Bay Packers lost their first game of the season, the NFL was left without a team with a “perfect” record.

Several players deserve credit for Sunday’s win, but one player clearly led the way for the Blue and White the entirety of the game. Running back Donald Brown is this week’s Horseshoe Hero after rushing for 161 yards and clinching the victory with an 80-yard touchdown run. For the day, Brown had 16 carries and averaged over 10 yards per carry. His touchdown score, the longest of his career, was also the Colts’ longest since 1964; it even tied the franchise record.

In the past few seasons, the Colts have become notorious for their lack of a run game. Last year, the Colts ranked 29th in total rushing offense with a mere 1483 yards, and in 2009, they rushed for a league-worst 1294 yards. This season, however, the Colts have had to rely more heavily on their rushing attack without Peyton Manning under center. Brown has helped the team reverse its poor rushing misfortunes with his contributions of late.

UConn’s all-time leading rusher, Brown was the Colts’ first-round selection in the 2009 NFL Draft. Although he was not too productive in his first two years as a professional, he is definitely having a breakout year in 2011. Through 14 games, Brown has recorded 89 more yards than he did all of last season, and he’s also averaging 1.2 more yards a carry. With Joseph Addai again suffering from a multitude of injuries, Brown is now looking like he is ready to take the reins as the Colts’ leading rusher. His development couldn’t come at a better time.

Merry early Christmas and Happy early New Year, Colts fans! The Colts have won a football game, and Peyton Manning is throwing to receivers in pads after practice. Will Manning participate in practice before the season’s end? Will the Colts pull off another victory? Anything’s possible, especially with a Horseshoe Hero leading the way!