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5 reasons Week 1 was an absolute win for the Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts lost to the divisional opponent Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday but it was a huge win in the name of progress for the organization.

By Justin Bauerle

Jacksonville Jaguars v Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars v Indianapolis Colts / Andy Lyons/GettyImages
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4. Gus Bradley's defense steps up

There was a lot of concern heading into the season that the Colts were going to be very light in the secondary, and they still are. Even with Calvin Ridley catching seven passes in the first half with a touchdown, the Colts were able to slow him down in the second. Ridley finished with eight catches on 11 targets for 101 yards and a touchdown.

Overall, the Colts defense was able to disrupt the run and Trevor Lawrence, who threw an interception and had a fumble returned for a touchdown on a confusing play.

3. Development is Key on a Young Team

The Colts have the third youngest team in the NFL, which typically means they may have one of the worst teams when it comes to experience levels. The Colts were able to stick with the Jaguars throughout the game, which gave many of their young core real reps to learn from. The team had a great development day and have some good and bad things to work on for the upcoming matchup with the Houston Texans.

Other than the quarterback development, the key position groups that need the most work in developing into a solid unit are the wide receivers and cornerbacks. The Colts entered the day with starting corners Dallis Flowers and Darrell Baker Jr. with Kenny Moore II as the nickle corner.

Kenny ended up covering Ridley most of the second half, which is likely why his production slowed down. If the Colts want to get better, Flowers and Baker Jr. will need to make a larger impact in the secondary.

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