The Indianapolis Colts earned a thrilling 31-25 overtime win against the Atlanta Falcons, secured by Jonathan Taylor's third touchdown run. This dramatic victory improved the Colts' record to 8-2.
The Colts have one of the NFL’s top offenses, averaging 32.1 points per game. Their running game has been lethal for the majority of the season. But along with that, the play-action and dropback passing game has been really good as well. All of that is keyed by the play of their offensive line, which has been incredibly solid this season —until the last two games. Against the Steelers and the Falcons, the Colts have allowed 12 sacks. To be fair, the offensive line has not been the issue. Jonathan Taylor missed a blitz pickup against the Falcons that resulted in a sack. But the offensive line has to be better.
Indianapolis is now showing vulnerability to edge pressure. Young edge rushers James Pearce Jr. And Jalon Walker gave the Colts' tackles fits. Braden Smith and Bernhard Raiman, strong early in the season, now struggle. If teams slow the run, as the Steelers did in their Week 9 win, this could become a target. Smith and Raiman must improve; persistent issues will invite exploitation. One obvious passing down had been great to start the season, but they are suddenly having problems with pressure. Ultimately, this could become an issue for teams to attack if they can slow down the Indianapolis run game, as the Pittsburgh Steelers did in Pittsburgh’s Week 9 27-20 win. Smith and Raiman have to be better in their sets because if these issues persist, the Colts will have problems, and other teams will try to exploit them on predictable down-and-distance plays.
Along with pressure off the edge, the Colts have had a few issues against the blitz in the last couple of games. Whether it comes from the interior or off the edge, it seems like the last couple of games they have had issues containing and picking up the blitz. Not understanding the communication from the center or quarterback regarding the protection or protection changes can cause the issue. But more than likely, the issue is not everyone doing their job on every play. That can cause leaks in the protection to happen at any time and anywhere along that offensive line.
The last two games have shown everyone that the Colts are not invincible. While that may be the case, they can clean up some mistakes they are making. And the most glaring issue to emerge is the offensive line. It will be interesting to see how the issues on the offensive line are resolved or get worse.