Indianapolis Colts Game Recap: Week 8 at Bengals

The Colts finally put together a complete game against the Cincinnati Bengals, however, Indianapolis fell just one point short of victory to fall to 2-6 on the season.

The Colts lost to the Bengals 24-23.

The game turned midway through the fourth quarter when the Colts, leading 23-17, were facing 2nd down and 6 from their own 20 yard line. Jacoby Brissett looked for a quick out pattern to T.Y. Hilton when the ball was batted into the air and intercepted by Carlos Dunlap at the 16-yard line.

Dunlap then scampered into the end zone to tie the game 23-23. Randy Bullock would tack on the extra point to allow the Bengals to gain the lead and eventually emerge victorious.

The Colts’ defense did their job as they kept the Bengals running game in check. Joe Mixon gained only 18 yards on 11 carries. Jeremy Hill had only 4 carries for 10 yards, and the Bengals as a team averaged only 2.8 yards per rush.

More from Horseshoe Heroes

• Colts explored hiring former quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky
• When is the NFL Combine 2023? NFL Combine schedule, events, how to stream
• Latest NFL mock draft has Colts trading up to No. 1 for star QB
• Eagles offensive free agents that could follow Shane Steichen to Colts
• Here’s why Colts linebacker Shaq Leonard is going to love Shane Steichen

The biggest play allowed by the Colts was a 67-yard screen pass from Andy Dalton to Mixon. A few plays later, the Bengals scored a touchdown on an 8-yard pass from Dalton to A.J. Green.

Other than the touchdown, the Colts prevented Green and Dalton from hitting the big play. Green was held to only 3 catches for 27 yards on 8 targets.

The Colts’ running game was dominant today racking up 115 yards on 28 carries.

Frank Gore showed flashes from his Pro Bowl days in San Francisco with 82 yards on the ground. Marlon Mack chipped in with 27 yards and showed off his quickness in avoiding linebacker Nick Vigil on his 24-yard TD reception.

For all his frustration shown after last week’s loss to Jacksonville, T.Y. Hilton didn’t show up again. Hilton has 5 catches on 19 targets through the past 3 games for only 61 yards.

Next: Is Frank Gore a Possible Trade Target?

Picking up the slack for Hilton in the passing game was tight end Jack Doyle. The tight end had a monster game with 12 catches for 121 yards and a touchdown.

The Colts’ offensive line showed a marked improvement, but still allowed 4 sacks, and the QB pressure by the Bengals’ Chris Smith on 4th down at the end of the game sealed the win for Cincinnati.

Next: Unfortunately It’s Time for the Colts to Trade Vontae Davis

This game was back and forth all day long. Several gaffes by both teams (blocked punt, blocked field goal, muffed punt, fumble and a pick six) made for an entertaining afternoon of football. However, the pick-six made all the difference and the Colts found themselves on the wrong end of another close game.