Colts at Titans: Three Up, Three Down
By Evan Reller
Sep 27, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) runs for a first down during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. The Colts won 35-33. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Stat line: 14 carries, 86 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 reception, 8 yards
PFF Grade: +2.2
Gore is a real running back. He’s so much better than anything the Colts have had since Joseph Addai started falling apart in the late 2000s. He’s able to hit the edge AND get positive yards (unlike that Trent fellow who took a loss on every outside run).
Gore hasn’t been given much of an opportunity to shine through the first two weeks, largely due to the Colts needing to pass to get back into games. It also doesn’t help that the offensive line can’t get out of its own way and seems to get called for holding (unjustly or not) on most big plays.
The Colts don’t have to have a running game to be successful (just look at the past three…or seven years). What they really need is the threat of a run game, if only to allow them to effectively utilize the play action. Keeping the opposing defense honest is far more important, and if the Colts can establish Gore during any given game it will make the passing attack more dynamic.
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