The Colts didn’t have any major special teams issues in today’s win, which is a big change from the first two weeks of the season.
Special teams have been an area of concern for the Colts so far this year. They have missed several kicks, had a punt blocked, and lost a game because of the failures of the special teams. But today they didn’t have any of those issues. Here is how each unit played.
Adam Vinatieri was kicking for his job today, and he knew it. The Colts had brought in several other kickers during the week to workout for them. Ultimately, they decided to stick with Vinny for at least one more week. It paid off for them this time.
Vinatieri did not miss a single kick. He made both extra points and both field goals, although the first one was adventurous. He made the 49 yard field goal off the upright. But when he did make it, the crowd gave him a raucous cheer. They made him feel their love.
Rigoberto Sanchez only punted one time today, and it went 53 yards. It was a good punt that helped the Colts flip the field. It’s good when your punter only has to trot out one time in a game. But it was a good one when they needed it.
Parris Campbell is clearly the right choice to return kickoffs. He almost broke the only one of the day for a touchdown, only getting tripped up by the last guy who could catch him. He still returned it 31 yards and gave the Colts decent field position.
This is the first game this season where the special teams weren’t a problem and a major storyline. Hopefully that stays the same for the rest of the year.