Thumbs up/down: Colts defenders step up, Andre Johnson struggles continue
- Colts at Texans, 8:25 p.m. Thursday, CBS, NFL
Here is the best and worst of the Indianapolis Colts’ 16-13 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday:
THUMBS UP
>> Inside linebackers
When starting inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman left the game with a groin injury in the first quarter, it threw a wrench into the defensive lineup. But the inside linebackers still managed to have a major impact on Sunday’s outcome, specifically D’Qwell Jackson and Josh McNary.
Jackson had a staggering 17 tackles, including solo stops. And his role changed some in the wake of Freeman’s injury, with Jackson required to play more pass coverage than he has this season. And Jackson proved up to the task, ably covering backs and tight ends in one of his better performances as a Colt.
Doyel: No style, no problem. Colts simply win
McNary rejoined the team last month after his acquittal in a rape case, being promoted from the practice squad in Week 2. On Sunday, he saw his most extensive action yet, proving a physical force against the run with six tackles, including one for a loss.
>> DE Kendall Langford
He was never brought to Indianapolis to be a pass rusher, but Langford notched his first sack in blue and white Sunday when he burst off the line unimpeded to take down Jacksonville quarterback Blake Bortles. Langford was active in other ways, too, recording a tackle for loss and pass deflection.
>> K Adam Vinatieri
After starting the season 0-of-2 through two games, Vinatieri had a strong rally on Sunday, converting three huge field goals – all of which the Colts needed to record this victory.
Vinatieri converted the game-winner from 27 yards in overtime, which was the biggest of all. But his 54-yard strike in the first quarter was huge in retrospect given the Colts’ inability to find the end zone more than once on Sunday. Vinatieri, put simply, kept them in the game.
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THUMBS DOWN
>> Running backs
What’s with the fumbling? Frank Gore, a veteran who was never known to have an issue with ball security, has two critical fumbles in three games. He said he has been dealing with a finger injury that makes it difficult to grip the ball with his left hand. Rookie Josh Robinson lost a fumble as well, something he showed signs of in the preseason and season opener.
Kudos to Gore for breaking that 22-yard run in overtime to set up Vinatieri’s big kick, but the fumbling issue needs to be put to rest immediately.
>> WR Andre Johnson
For the second consecutive week, Johnson was practically invisible. He now has gone two games without a catch. His opportunities aren’t exactly abundant – he was targeted twice Sunday and one was not very catchable – but Johnson is almost a nonfactor.
On Sunday, he had what could be construed as a drop of an accurate pass from Matt Hasselbeck, something he’s now done with Andrew Luck and his backup.
Colts at Texans, 8:25 p.m. Thursday, CBS, NFL
Insider: Colts need every break they get in win