The good and bad from an important Colts win over Raiders

The good from Colts win over Raiders (continued)

Gardner Minshew’s game management

To quote Shane Steichen in his opening press conference, “Throw to score and run to win”. That’s exactly what they were able to do on Sunday and Gardner Minshew was able to execute the gameplan. On 53 total plays, the Colts threw it 23 times and rushed it 29 times. Minshew did a great job at extending plays and making solid veteran decisions. When Steichen opened the vertical pass game this week (which we haven’t seen much) he was able to deliver some solid throws.

Josh Downs was able to contribute a 50-yard reception on the opening drive and we saw Minshew hit Alec Pierce for a 58-yard TD, his only catch of the day. Minshew also kept the distribution of targets in a good range this week as that has been dominated by Michael Pittman Jr. for much of the season. Finally, and most importantly, Minshew committed zero turnovers in the game.

Capitalizing on Raiders’ mistakes

Las Vegas had seven penalties on the day for 54 yards but two of them really stood out that were made by cornerback Jack Jones that affected the final score. Jones first penalty was pass interference that set up a fresh set of downs and then he was called offsides on a missed FG by Colts kicker Matt Gay. He was able to kick it five yards closer and made the ensuing kick to give the Colts a 10-point lead late in the 4th quarter. Capitalizing on opponents mistakes will be crucial next week for the Colts as well.

It doesn’t get any easier this week as the Colts will host division rival Houston Texans in a win-or-go home situation for both teams.