The Colts lost a heartbreaker against Philly 20-16. Despite going toe-to-toe with the reigning champs, the Colts could not hang on and ultimately dropped to 1-2 on the season.
Colts’ Stud #1 of the Game: Darius Leonard, linebacker
For the second week in a row, The Maniac is the Colts’ Stud of the game. Leonard topped last week’s performance and ended the game with 13 total tackles, 2 sacks and 5 tackles for loss.
Leonard continues to cement himself as a potential DROTY, out playing blue chip prospects like Roquan Smith or Van Der Esch, who were chosen in the first round.
Darius is currently leading the entire NFL in tackles, and is tied for third in sacks. Not so bad for someone that was considered one of the worst reaches in the Draft.
Colts’ Dud #1 of the Game: The running backs.
Going up against the Eagles defensive front surely is no easy task, but a combined 11 carries for 37 yards between Hines and Wilkins just will not cut it.
The Colts offense as a whole was ineffective, but the running backs have to be the culprit for a terrible redone offense, that botched great field position in two consecutive drives and could not put the ball in the end zone in the final drive.
Marlon Mack should be back next week so perhaps improvement can be expected from this group.
Colts’ Stud #2 of the Game: Margus Hunt, defensive line.
Hunt continues to deliver on his breakout season. Racking up a sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and 3 tackles for loss.
Margus is one of the main reasons the defense is playing like it is this season and has clearly benefited from Eberflus’ 4-3 scheme. The Colts’ defense as a whole had a great game on Sunday, but Hunt and Leonard were the best.
Colts’ Dud #2 of the Game: Andrew Luck, quarterback
Don’t get me wrong, Luck did not play bad, he was mediocre. The problem here is that if Luck had been just good, then the Colts would have escaped Lincoln Memorial with a dub.
His main problem was finishing drives with a touchdown, and that problem came back to bite him. The Colts’ final 3 red zone drives resulted in a measly 6 points. In fact, the Colts’ second half offense amassed less than 150 yards of offense.
Luck botched premium field position in two drives after forced turnovers by the defense, and also failed to put the ball in the end zone in the final drive, ultimately resulting in a turnover on downs.