Sunday’s Indianapolis Colts vs. Tennessee Titans game was not a game for the faint of heart. The Cardiac Colts left Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN, with a 28-25 overtime victory, completing the season sweep of Titans. The Colts also extended their winning streak to 4 games. This is the Colts longest winning streak since the 2018 season which, ironically, was the last season they won a playoff game.
Minshew Mania Returns?
Well, not quite. Colts QB Gardner Minshew II completed 26 of 42 passes for 312 yards and 2 touchdowns and one lost fumble. Minshew also had a pass intercepted on a 2-point conversion try that was returned to the end zone giving 2 points to the Titans. But Minshew made the big plays when the Colts needed them.
Special Teams Were Special…
With 23 seconds remaining in the third quarter, the Titans lined up to punt. Safety Nick Cross blocked Punter Ryan Stonehouse’s punt sending the ball backwards and Linebacker Grant Stuart, flowing hair and all, scooped up the ball and ran it in for a Colts touchdown.The Colts finally had their first lead of the game. The Colts attempted a 2-point conversion, but safety Amani Hooker intercepted Minshew’s pass and ran it all the way to the end zone for a pick-2.
But the Colts special teams weren’t done. Cornerback Tony Brown ran untouched and “blocked” another Stonehouse punt injuring Stonehouse. Linebacker Segun Olubi recovered the ball on the Titans 7 yard line. Technically, Brown didn’t block the punt. He got there so quickly that he knocked the ball out of Storehouse’s hands before he could even punt the ball. The Colts settled for a field goal but the damage was done. With Stonehouse out of the game, the Titans no longer had a their punter and placekicker Nick Folk no longer had his holder.
Folk, who hadn’t punted in a game since his college days did fine on his two punts, but with backup quarterback Ryan Tannehill as serving as his holder, Folk missed his first PAT of the year, leave the score tied at 25.
Pittman, Jr and Pierce lead the way….
Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman, Jr. had yet another monster game, hauling in 11 of his 16 targets for 105 yards and a walk-off touchdown in overtime.
Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce had possibly the best game of his young career, hauling in 3 of his 6 targets for 100 yards and 1 touchdown. Pierce’s 55-yard catch in overtime set up Pittman’s game-winning touchdown.
What’s Next?
The Colts (7-5) are currently the 6th seed in the AFC Playoff picture with 5 games remaining. The Colts will travel to Cincinnati next Sunday to take on the Joe Burrow-less Bengals (5-6).
