Week 3 of the NFL season is over and the Indianapolis Colts can finally celebrate with a win over the Kansas City Chiefs. After tying with the Texans and laying a goose egg against the Jaguars the football gods blessed Indy. Sunday’s game was tight and the Colts won 20-17. Frank Reich’s team needed the win to get their season back on track.
Rookies Shine
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Indy was desperate for a win and needed to play well on offense, defense, and special teams. Offensively the Colts did just enough to win. Rookie tight-end Jelani Woods shined when given the opportunity. Woods scored the first touchdown of the game and scored the game-winning touchdown. He finished the game with 2 catches and 13 receiving yards.
Alec Pierce was drafted to strengthen Indy’s young core of wide receivers. Pierce suited up after missing week 2 against the Jaguars. Pierce made some big plays to help the Colt’s offense. Most significantly Pierce caught a go-ball in tight coverage. Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Frank Reich said We drafted Pierce to make those plays. Pierce finished the game with 3 catches and 61 receiving yards.
Did someone say, special teams?
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The Colts pride themselves on special teams. Early in the game Chiefs rookie wide receiver Skyy Moore muffed a punt. Indy was able to score the first points of the game after the muffed point. Special teams are often overlooked, but Indianapolis made sure to execute.
Defense closes the game
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Indianapolis’s defense hasn’t played up to their standard early in the season. Gus Bradley had to get his defense up to play an elite quarterback in Patrick Mahomes. The Colts held Kansas City to 17 points which is the fewest number of points they have scored. Additionally, Indy only gave up one passing touchdown. Bradley’s defense needed to make a play to win the game. Kansas City was driving down the field and wanted to score a field goal to tie the game. Stephon Gilmore broke up a pass and Rodney Mcleod picked the ball.
The magnitude of the Colts’ win over the Chiefs cannot be understated. A big win over a Super Bowl contender changes the entire dynamic of the Colts’ September, and perhaps their entire season.