Colts vs. Chargers: Post-game offensive grades

The Colts lost to the Chargers today in their opener, falling in overtime 30-24. Here is how the offense played in that fight.

The Colts came into the opener with many questions about their offense in the wake of Andrew Luck‘s retirement. Jacoby Brissett played his first game since 2017. Not a lot was expected from the offense, but they actually played pretty well in this one.

Brissett played about as well as he possibly could have in this one. He was efficient and threw for two touchdowns and no interceptions. Having no turnovers was key for him. He also led the game-tying drive at the end of regulation. For his first game, he was very good.

Marlon Mack was outstanding in this game. He ran for a career high 174 yards on 25 carries and a touchdown. He was especially good in the second half. They gave him the ball to convert the critical two-point conversion to send it to overtime.

Nyheim Hines was the only other running back who got carries in this one. He only had four carries for 13 yards. He wasn’t needed though because of how fantastic Mack was. If Mack continues to play like this, the Colts are going to have a chance to win a lot of games.

The offensive line was a big key to the running game. They opened up some big holes late in the fourth quarter. They just wore down the Chargers’ defensive line and overpowered them. Early in the game, they did allow a couple of sacks, which they need to shore up. But a solid first showing after a poor preseason from this group.

Jack Doyle had a solid first game back. He had some great blocks, but also had a catch for 20 yards that converted a third down. Unfortunately, Eric Ebron had a moment that cost the Colts dearly. He dropped an easy touchdown pass, and the drive ended in a missed field goal. That was critical, and could have helped the Colts win the game.

Drops have been an issue for Ebron over the course of his career, and it reared its ugly head today. The only thing that took away from the drops last year were the touchdowns. If he drops touchdowns too, he’s not much good.

The receivers did a pretty good job today as well. T.Y. Hilton made a spectacular individual play at the end of regulation to get the tying touchdown. He had both receiving touchdowns and was solid today. The rest of the receivers were just okay. I expected more from rookie Parris Campbell, but didn’t get much.

Overall, the offense isn’t the reason the Colts lost today. This unit will only get better as the season goes on too.