Tyler Warren, Jonathan Taylor, and Michael Pittman all scored touchdowns in the first half as the Indianapolis Colts built up and 20-3 halftime lead over the Las Vegas Raiders. Laiatu Latu had an interception, and DeForest Buckner had a sack. Those were all big plays made by big-time players.
But one of the reasons Indy has been so good this year, and one of the reasons there is great hope for the future, is that Shane Steichen is also getting big plays from his no-names. The guys on the bench. Some of whom were not at all sure they’d even be playing football this year.
Guys with names like Rodney Thomas II and Segun Olubi, and Drew Ogletree have been making major contributions.
Indianapolis Colts proving they are a deep and complete team in Week 5
Ogletree was a 6th-round pick back in the 2022 draft. Despite some brief flashes, he has never really built up momentum as a reliable tight end. Now, with Tyler Warren in the fold, there is not going to be much call for any of the other tight ends to catch many balls.
Ogletree entered the Raiders game with a very poor run blocking grade from Pro Football Focus (subscription required). But on Taylor’s touchdown run, he was out in front, leading the way. He did the same thing on another Taylor sweep later in the second quarter.
With Alec Pierce out and AD Mitchell working his way back from the doghouse, Ogletree has gotten a few more snaps and has made the most of them.
Then there’s Olubi, a special team standout who has played well whenever he has had the chance at linebacker. With Joe Bachie struggling, he may get a chance in the near future. But for now, he is still a special teams difference maker. He has made a special teams tackle in every game this season. Against the Raiders, he made an even bigger play.
His clean block on AJ Cole’s punt set up the Colts’ second touchdown and a 14-3 lead that seriously took something out of the Raiders.
Finally, Rodney Thomas II, who has been lingering at the edge of the roster for the past few years, found himself one-on-one with the Raiders' dynamic receiver Tre Tucker. Tucker had beaten Mekhi Blackmon and seemingly had an easy touchdown, which would have cut the score to 14-10. But Thomas made a sure tackle in the open field.
A few plays later, Grover Stewart deflected a Geno Smith pass, Latu plucked it out of the air, and Indianapolis was headed for a 20-3 halftime lead.
The Colts need their stars to shine if they want to keep up this great start. But they will also need these depth players to step up when called upon. Against the Raiders, they are proving they are ready.