The Indianapolis Colts got their first win of the season yesterday, with a 26-22 victory over the San Diego Chargers. They were able to shut down the Chargers potent running game, holding them to only 37 yards rushing. Furthermore, the Colts put up 410 total yards compared to the Chargers 356. It was a big victory for the Colts, after heartbreaking losses in the first two weeks. Another thing Colts fan should be happy about is the improving health of the team. Cornerback Vontae Davis was active and playing for the first time this season. We also got to see an almost healthy Clayton Geathers and Trent Cole, on Sunday. One of the biggest keys to the Colts rebounding from their two losses to start the season was getting healthy. Let’s take a look at what we learned from the Indianapolis Colts win over the San Diego Chargers on Sunday.
Indianapolis Colts Week Three Takeaways
Andrew Luck is Still Clutch
Colts quarterback Andrew Luck played well on Sunday. He was able to throw for 331 yards and one touchdown. That one touchdown came at a very important time for the Colts. Luck hit receiver T.Y. Hilton for a 63-yard touchdown inside the final two minutes of the fourth quarter. That touchdown would end up being the game winning score. According to Pro Football Reference, Luck now has 11 fourth quarter comebacks and 15 game winning drives in his career. The game winning drive, led by Luck, has given Colts fans some hope again. After the Colts 0-2 start, this performance was much needed.
Playmakers Finally Stepped Up
There were big performances from multiple Colts players on Sunday. Hilton was not the only player to step up. Running back Frank Gore notched 82 yards and a touchdown rushing. Hilton himself had 174 yards and a receiving touchdown. Tight end Jack Doyle also caught everything thrown his way with six receptions for 65 yards. The defense also recovered three fumbles that helped the Colts win the turnover battle. Furthermore, the Colts also held the Chargers playmakers in check. Running back Melvin Gordon only got 35 yards on 16 carries. Quarterback Philip Rivers was held out of the end zone as well. The Colts are going to need more consistency like this out of their playmakers to have a successful season.
The Colts can get Back to a Winning Record Soon
The first two weeks for the Colts did not go smoothly. Losses to the Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions put the Colts at 0-2 entering week three of the NFL season. While the Lions are 1-2 right now after a near comeback against the Green Bay Packers yesterday, the Broncos are still undefeated. Playing the Chargers was the easiest game the Colts have had so far this season. Their upcoming schedule should give fans hope that the Colts can have a winning record before too long. The next two games features division rival Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Chicago Bears. Both teams do not have a win yet. And even though their week six game against the Houston Texans could present a challenge, they get the 1-2 Tennessee Titans in week seven. There is good reason to believe the Colts can get back in the playoff race in the AFC within the next few weeks.
