3 things the Colts must do to avoid a repeat in Jacksonville

Sep 11, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan (2) sits on the ground and Houston Texans defensive end Jerry Hughes (55) celebrates after an interception during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan (2) sits on the ground and Houston Texans defensive end Jerry Hughes (55) celebrates after an interception during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
2 of 3
Colts
Houston Texans cornerback Isaac Yiadom (20) leaps after Indianapolis Colts place kicker Rodrigo Blankenship (3) misses a field goal attempt during overtime. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

2. Clean up the Special Teams mistakes

The Colts are usually one of the best special teams units in the league as they are well coached by Bubba Ventrone. Sunday, there were far too many mistakes. In a game that you are supposed to win easily, special teams are not a thing you should have to worry about. But like a couple of times last year, a couple of areas in the special teams changed the game.

The main person that is taking most of the blame is kicker, Rodrigo Blankenship. This is understandable, right? I mean, after all, he has one job. Kick the ball. Yes, he did miss the game-winning kick, but not all of the blame needs to be placed on his shoulders. Blankenship went 2-of-3 Sunday on his FG Attempts. Missing the game-winning kick is a thing that we have seen from Hot Rod in the past. I think we could’ve chalked it up to first-game jitters and hoped to see a better performance this week, but the Indy has already released Blankenship and moved on with two new kickers.

Next, one of the most frustrating things in football is running into the punter. You think you have a chance to block the punt and change the momentum of the game and boom, you run into the punter and give them an automatic first down. Well, that happened as well on Sunday. Indy did a phenomenal job at blocking punts last season, so I understand the reasoning for going for it. At key times in the game, however, I think it is best to air on the safe side and give your offense a chance to go to work.

But, once again, these are also things that can be fixed. This is a well-coached group that will clean up the mistakes. If not, changes will be made.

Schedule