Colts uses blowouts to prove that he is ready for the playoffs in Buffalo

Indianapolis-Indianapolis Colts sent a loud and clear message to the NFL on Sunday.

They have been tested and are ready for the playoffs.

After starting 1-4, Colts returned to the post-season conversation by winning 5 out of 6. And on a windy and rainy day in Buffalo, Indianapolis emphasized critics who questioned the ability to defeat legitimate candidates by routing last year’s AFC runner-up 41-15. Provided.

Now the playoffs are no longer just talkative.

After recording five touchdowns in the franchise, Jonathan Taylor said, “You have to get the game done in the fourth quarter to get where you want to go at the end of the year.” “We need to raise points. We have to make great defenses.”

Colts (6-5) have fought their way home by making both successful.

Taylor quickly emerged as a top candidate to defend NFL rush champion Derrick Henry twice, who hasn’t even appeared after foot surgery. Colts’ second-year back was over 100 yards from the scrimmage and recorded a touchdown in the NFL record. It was 8 games in a row. Taylor defeated Bills’ top-class defense at 185 yards with a 34-carry before the natural early end.

While Taylor provided an aggressive punch, Indy’s improved defense took care of the rest.

By forcing four turnovers, limiting Buffalo’s powerful attacks to 221 yards, and making one touchdown in three-quarters, the Bills ground game didn’t start. A script coach that Frank Reich, one of the league’s top comeback artists, truly believes in.

It worked when Indy rebounded from the start of 1-5 and made a playoff in 2018, and when he led Buffalo to the biggest comeback in NFL history with Houston in the January 1993 playoffs. I confirmed that I would do it.

And Reich feels that when the team suddenly clicks on all the cylinders, it’s working again.

“I could just feel from everyone, I could feel the energy, I could feel the focus, so this didn’t surprise me,” he said. .. You still have to be able to play in pass games, and we made an important couple today, but that’s how football moves.

What’s working

Indy’s aggressive line. Taylor leads the NFL with an average of 5.8 yards per carry, 1,122 yards of rush, 13 TD runs and a total of 15 touchdowns. He couldn’t produce these numbers without a strong line of attack, traditionally playing at a high standard after an injury rash early in the season.

Things in need of help

Tight end contribution. After a completely dominant game, it can be a daunting point, but Colts leans very much towards Taylor and receiver Michael Pittman Jr. These days, the tight end seems to be a forgotten element of pass games. Expect Reich to focus on it in the last six games.

Stock up

Indy’s defense. Game-changing sales actually came in kick-off returns, but it diminishes as a defensive takeaway. Colts took over the league lead with a turnover margin (plus 15) and takeout (25), and at this pace of 2.27 per game, their stated goal of 40 turnovers is achievable.

Reduce inventory

Rodrigo Blankenship. After being injured in overtime in Baltimore, the kicker was put on the injured list due to a lower back injury. Indy then signed Michael Badgeley, who hasn’t missed a kick in these six games. Reich announced last week that he wouldn’t rush back to Blankenship and will use Badgeley for now.

injury

For the second straight week, Colts got out of the game relatively healthy. The biggest concern was the three-time all-pro guard Quentinsonson, who left in the fourth quarter after exacerbating ankle injuries. Reich said Nelson is being considered every day.

Key number

30-Indy has scored at least 30 points in 5 of the last 6 games. This includes 41 against the league’s second-place defense. Reich also put 41 points on the scoreboard in his historic comeback against the Houston Oilers.

Next step

After defeating one of the last four teams last season, Colts will face Tom Brady and another team, with world champion Tampa Bay coming to town. Brady has had a lot of success in Indianapolis during his career, and Indy needs to recreate Sunday’s performance to prove that Buffalo’s victory wasn’t a fluke.

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Colts uses blowouts to prove that he is ready for the playoffs in Buffalo

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