Colts’ Monday Morning Awards: Week 5 vs. Raiders

4-1, that is how good groups bounce again from a troublesome loss, and the way elite groups play towards mediocre opposition. When was the final time you noticed the Colts persistently dominate taking part in towards opponents that have been significantly worse? As we put together for 2 robust opponents developing, the wind is unquestionably behind the Colts’ sails.

MVP of the Sport: Jonathan Taylor

Three touchdowns for the MVP-candidate Jonathan Taylor, on a recreation the place he failed to interrupt out any lengthy runs and was pretty contained by the Raiders’ entrance, however his crimson zone effectivity helped the Colts overcome their current struggles in that space, and have been the primary cause why the group managed to win on Sunday. That is the most effective I’ve seen Taylor play, not solely primarily based on the numbers, that are spectacular, but additionally the best way he hits holes, makes tacklers miss with seemingly no effort, and likewise his enhancements in pass-protection and pass-catching. He’s the largest cause why the offense is working like it’s.

Dud of the Sport (The Grigsy): Vacant

There’s a constructive current pattern of leaving this award vacant, which I’m loving. Colts gained 40-6, there isn’t any significant participant that had a foul recreation. I might have gone with Joe Bachie, the linebacker, who had a holding penalty on particular groups negate a landing return, and had an general unhealthy day, highlighting the necessity for a linebacker to play alongside Franklin.

Finest play of the Sport: Daniel Jones’ TD go to MPJ in crimson zone

This play had a number of good issues going, which is why I went with it. Initially the context, with simply 20 seconds remaining, no timeouts, and the kicker injured, the Colts managed to attain the landing. Had the Raiders stopped them in that play then the Colts are in all probability compelled to kick a area objective with Rigoberto Sanchez and who is aware of who because the holder. Then taking a look at Daniel Jones, the best way he manages to flee the strain and ship a cross-body DOT to Pittman within the endzone, after which after all MPJ, who makes a extremely good catch, and thru simply 5 video games is 2 touchdowns away from matching his profession excessive.

Worst play of the Sport: Geno Smith changing a third and a couple of on a QB sneak, first drive

Just like the Dud of the Sport award, there weren’t many performs to select from right here. I solely have the primary Raiders’ drive, the place they drove the size of the sector on 16 performs earlier than having to accept a area objective. On that drive, going through third and a couple of, Raiders’ quarterback Geno Smith simply transformed on a sneak going through little opposition.

Finest place group: Secondary

Geno Smith completed the sport 25/36, for simply 228 yards and two interceptions. Charvarius Ward is a pleasure to observe, he simply appears to have a magnet that retains him caught to whoever he was overlaying, and he additionally had some good hits on run protection. Mekhi Blackmon fell right down to the bottom as soon as once more permitting an enormous reception, however had an interception. Chris Lammons and Johnathan Edwards made some good performs breaking apart passes. Nick Cross and Camryn Bynum proceed to type among the finest security duos within the NFL. Exterior cornerback alongside Ward remains to be an enormous want, Jaylon Jones returning can be an enormous enhance for this unit.

Unsung hero: Matt Goncalves

After Will Fries left for the Vikings, I used to be pretty fearful about the suitable guard spot, the reminiscences of the 2022 Matt Pryor/Danny Pinter season nonetheless contemporary on my thoughts, however the Colts appear to have discovered yet one more diamond within the tough in Matt Goncalves. He missed final recreation with a toe harm, however returned to the lineup yesterday and posted a group excessive grade in pass-blocking.

ROTW (Tyler Warren Award): Tyler Warren

This might simply be set by default for the rest of the season. Tyler Warren caught his first landing go yesterday, and completed the sport with 4 catches for 44 yards and a rating. Thus far this season on simply 5 video games he already has the most effective particular person season by a Colts’ tight finish prior to now 3 years. I nonetheless don’t perceive how on earth he was out there at #14.