3 Colts who helped save season in massive win over Buffalo

The Indianapolis Colts had a massive win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 11 thanks to some huge performances.

The Indianapolis Colts entered Week 11 at 5-5 and many predicted that they would lose to the dominant Buffalo Bills. However, it was the Colts who were dominant on Sunday, beating the Bills by a score of 41-15.

Indianapolis jumped out to an early lead and dominated this game from start to finish. They couldn’t be stopped offensively and the defense did what they always do: force turnovers.

Indianapolis is now above .500 for the first time this season at 6-5, and their playoff hopes are right in front of them. With such a dominant team performance like the one on Sunday, there were plenty of people responsible, but some really had their handprints all over this game. Let’s take a look at the three people who helped save the Colts’ season in the win over Buffalo:

3. Colts head coach Frank Reich

Frank Reich wasn’t between the lines on Sunday, but he had a huge influence on what transpired within them. Specifically, his offensive game plan proved to be the key to victory.

That game plan was none other than Jonathan Taylor. While it’s clear that Taylor is special, and has been all season, he has never carried the load for Indianapolis like he did today. The reason he didn’t is because Reich never asked him to.

Prior to last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Taylor didn’t have over 20 touches in a single game this season. This left many Colts fans begging for Taylor to be fed more.

Today, he was, and everyone got to see what he can do with a full plate. His 35 touches propelled Indianapolis to a dominant upset victory. It all started with Reich committing to the run.

2. Colts safety George Odum

In the first quarter, when Indianapolis was leading just 7-0, the Bills were looking to tie the game up on their first possession. Josh Allen threw the ball deep, but instead of a teammate, he found Colts safety George Odum.

Odum jumped the receiver, intercepted the pass, returned it 22 yards, and created a momentum shift on the Colts’ sideline that they held onto until the end of the game.

The interception set up Indianapolis for their second touchdown drive of the first quarter. Buffalo hasn’t given up a single touchdown in the first quarter over the last 16 games, including playoffs. So when they found themselves down 14-0, they were shell-shocked.

Odum’s aggressive play set the tone for the Indianapolis defense that would hold the Bills to just 15 points, while also forcing three turnovers.

So what the he saw his second momentum-grabbing interception overturned? One turned out to be enough. Odum was all over the field on Sunday, making a massive difference in rainy conditions in Buffalo.

Sorry, Josh Allen’s MVP case. Maybe our guy can step in and swipe it?

1. Colts RB Jonathan Taylor

Jonathan Taylor is obviously a no brainer for the No. 1 spot on this list. His historic afternoon is the primary reason Indianapolis was able to dominate the Bills. He dominated on the ground, through the air, and cemented his status as a star in the NFL.

Coming in to Sunday, Taylor was tied with Derrick Henry as the NFL rushing leader, but after his performance today, he probably secured the crown. Taylor finished with 32 carries, 185 yards, four touchdowns and three catches for 19 yards and another touchdown through the air.

What Taylor did on Sunday was truly special. He and the offensive line were able to dominate the third-ranked rushing defense for four quarters on the road. This extends the theme of the Colts being undefeated in games that Taylor goes over 100 rushing yards.

In case it wasn’t plainly obvious before this game started, Taylor blasted through the finish line in this season-changing victory.

If Indianapolis is to keep building, they’ve found their formula. Today’s performance puts him into the MVP conversation, and the win puts the Colts squarely into the playoff race.

Colts expecting major defensive piece to return from IR in Week 12

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