The Indianapolis Colts should have felt good going into their Week 4 matchup with the Washington Commanders in London. Not only was Indy coming off its first victory of the season, but the team was facing a Commanders team without starting quarterback Jayden Daniels and star wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
Indianapolis should be feeling, well, fine about itself after the Colts' victory against Washington 30-13. The game was one where it was difficult for Indianapolis to learn much about itself defensively. For much of the matchup, the Commanders were playing with third-string quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis.
Despite Indy's offense beginning horridly, the game should never really have been in doubt after quarterback Marcus Mariota was hurt. Kaliakmanis is more of a practice squad player than one who should be on an active roster.
The Indianapolis Colts winners from Week 4 against the Washington Commanders
The Commanders' third-string QB can't be listed among the winners and losers here, of course. He did help shape one player ruled a loser for Indianapolis, oddly enough.
Running back Seth McGowan
The Colts clearly are learning to trust McGowan more as the season grows old. He took the RB2 job in training camp, and the plan was to use Jonathan Taylor's backup to give Taylor more rest. That was the case, even as early as the first half, for McGowan and Indy. He might have only had four carries in the first half, but he was getting those at meaningful times.
Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo
What a gift the Colts received in Week 4. Not only were they going to be facing Washington without quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin, but in the first quarter, backup QB Marcus Mariota was injured. This meant the rest of the game, Indianapolis was going up against a third-string quarterback who went undrafted this year. Indy had no choice but to succeed.
Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner
What a season Buckner is having so far (and should continue to do so). He was a menace all game, and would have been no matter who was playing quarterback for the Commanders. He isn't only playing at a Pro Bowl level, but an All-Pro one.
Whether this is Buckner's final season or not (he is a free agent next offseason and has struggled with injury in the last two seasons), he is playing like he is trying to earn a deserved extension. He is elite, and Indianapolis is lucky to have him.
Cornerback Justin Walley
After beginning the season with two duds, Walley has been much better in the last two. That is especially true of Week 4, when Walley was solid in pass coverage, excellent in run support, and even had a sack on a blitz. He finally looks like the kind of player worthy of replacing Kenny Moore.
Running back Jonathan Taylor
Heading into the game, the Commanders had been far better against the run than the pass. Still, there are only so many Jonathan Taylors in the world, and the Indianapolis running back reminded Washington of that. He didn't get the ball much early, but by the end, he was running over and through the Commanders.
Taylor finished with 20 carries and 95 yards, but let's not forget his two touchdowns. In the second half, he was at his most brilliant.
The unfortunate Indianapolis Colts losers
Wide receiver Darius Slayton
Slayton was a healthy inactive for the second straight game, and likely some are wondering whether the Colts should have gone in a different direction rather than signing a player that the New York Giants gave up on.
He is healthy, and Indianapolis will probably say that Slayton needs more time to get acclimated, but that seems like a stretch. He is a veteran player and should be able to acclimate quickly to different schemes, even ones as complex as Indy's. With Alec Pierce and Keenan Allen both out, keeping Slayton inactive seems to suggest that maybe he won't be able to help the team much.
Quarterback Daniel Jones
No matter what the Indianapolis Colts' starting quarterback was going to do or not do in the second half, Jones was atrocious in the first half. He had two more turnovers (one on terrible ball control while being pressured) and was inaccurate with almost every pass. He is being paid too much money to not be good, and he now has seven turnovers through four games. That isn't good enough.
Against a team with a healthier offense, Indianapolis could have been in trouble early solely because of Jones' play. He had a touchdown run in the second half but finished just 19 of 34 passing for 143 yards, a fumble, and an interception. At his current pace, he isn't worthy of coming back next year. Should the team release him, Indy would save $38 million next offseason.
Cornerback Sauce Gardner
Maybe what happened in the second half was just one-half awfulness, but Gardner getting beat on two long throws by a third-string quarterback is unacceptable. Those two passes alone accounted for almost 100 yards. He was also called for holding in the fourth quarter that gave Washington a first down.
The cornerback will be better, of course, because he is among the best in the league at his position. Colts fans should have no reason to worry.
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