Colts rout the Bears in a much-needed 21-16 win

The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Chicago Bears at home today, [ ], in a victory they sorely needed in order to keep their playoff hopes alive. And surprisingly, despite what we saw in the previous two games, the defense performed incredibly, keeping pressure on Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, and running back Jonathan Taylor likewise had an incredible game, running for 110 yards, two touchdowns, and one 25-yard reception.

The first quarter started off rough for both teams, with the Bears in particular suffering a missed 56-yard field goal attempt from Cairo Santos. Neither team had an average of more than three yards per carry in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Michael Pittman, Jr. and Alec Pierce both stood out, at Pittman, Jr. broke multiple tackles to get a first down, and Pierce caught a 44-yard pass from Anthony Richardson. Unfortunately, this drive was then marred by an interception in the end zone from Richardson. The Bears, however, wasted this opportunity with an interception of their own from Jaylon Jones, who was a standout player today. This time, the Colts didn't miss the opportunity; Richardson threw a good pass to Granson, and then a touchdown to Jonathan Taylor.

The run defense proved how hard they've been working this past week, too; less than 50 rushing yards were allowed in the first half, compared to 237 last week. They also kept the Bears from scoring at all; Williams threw a fourth-down Hail Mary to end the half, and it was caught, but only at the one yard line, leaving them short.

Unfortunately, Richardson continued to struggle in the second half, opening with another interception - making six in three games. This time, the Bears managed to get on the board with a field goal.

Throughout the second half, the Colts kept the pressure on Williams, who was sacked four times today. Laiatu Latu, who missed practice all week, showed why he has such hype surrounding him with a forced fumble, which the Colts recovered, leading to another touchdown for Jonathan Taylor. Jones also had another interception, with help from Nick Cross.

Richardson ended the day at 10-of-20 for 167 yards and two interceptions. Pittman, Jr. had four catches for 36 yards, and Josh Downs had three for 22.

In the last touchdown of the game, Taylor ran the ball in, with help from Richardson, who literally pushed him in. “It’s a lot (of momentum), especially being here (at home). All we needed is one,” Taylor told ESPN. “It was a great opportunity to get going and now we’ve got to continue to build on this.”

The Colts will play the Pittsburgh Steelers next week, again at home in Indianapolis.