Watching the Indianapolis Colts struggle against bad teams isn't much of a surprise at this point in the season. If anything, the mere fact that they were just minutes away from pulling off the win was a bit of a shocker.
This feelsl ike a wasted season for Shane Steichen's team, and it will most likely be his last in charge. That said, there's always a silver lining, and while some of the biggest names on the team didn't show up to play, other lesser-known guys turned some heads.
The Colts are now 2-7 after their 27-23 loss, and the playoffs are most definitely out of reach. Even so, these four players deserve plenty of credit for the strong performance they had in yet another ugly game.
4 Indianapolis Colts players who stood out in the loss to the Cowboys
Ashton Dulin
The Colts haven't had a vertical threat all year in Alec Pierce's absence. It took them nine weeks, but they finally tried to make the most of Ashton Dulin's craftiness, elusiveness, and speed, and it worked like a charm in this one.
Dulin only needed one catch to make a big impact, shaking off Cowboys defenders for a 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown. He should get more opportunities in the final eight games of the regular season.
Spencer Shrader
Spencer Shrader has been one of the best players on the team this season, which, well, pretty much sums up the state of the offense. He had a rare off day in Week 8, but as all great players do, he bounced back in no time, going 3-for-3 on field goals and 2-for-2 on PATs.
The Colts tied the game late with a 59-yarder that would've been good for 70+ with all the air Shrader put on that one. He then made another 50-yarder to put the Colts up by three points before the Cowboys' final score of the day.
Laiatu Latu
Laiatu Latu has probably been one of the most disappointing players in the league this season. That's why it was so refreshing to see him play like the difference-making headhunter the Colts thought he was poised to become this season.
Latu had a big strip sack of Dak Prescott, leading to a fumble recovered by Caden Curry. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), he posted a 15.6 percent pass-rush win rate, adding three hurries and one quarterback hit.
CJ Allen
CJ Allen is finally turning the corner after a slow and disappointing start to his career. As a matter of fact, watching him blossom in recent weeks might be the only true win of the season for the Indianapolis Colts.
The rookie second-round pick may have had his best game yet, even forcing a punt by stopping CeeDee Lamb on third down after Jonathan Taylor's fumble. He finished the game with 10 total tackles, four run stops, and looked much more comfortable out there.
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