Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr. Fuel Colts Offense in Victory
Before their Week 11 bye week, the Indianapolis Colts offense had hit a rut.
In their 27-13 win over the Carolina Panthers, the Colts mustered just 198 yards of total offense. Luckily, Kenny Moore II outscored the Panthers by himself with a pair of pick-6s in the rout.
A week later, the Colts defense was stifling in a 10-6 victory over the New England Patriots. Dayo Odeyingbo's three-sack performance led the way as the defense bailed Indy out of another poor offensive showing.
Sure, the Colts had pulled off two consecutive victories to pull to .500. However, both came because of special defensive performances instead of balanced execution in all phases.
But on Sunday, the offense that had scored 20 points or more in every game but one this season made its return. With 394 yards of total offense and 27 points, the Colts recorded their third straight victory, a 27-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. When Indy needed to get back on track, they turned to their top playmakers, Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr., to do just that.
“I think the big emphasis was just, everybody do their job – everyone do their job at an excellent, high level and things will take care of themselves," Taylor said after the game. "I feel like the last few weeks guys have been trying to keep that mojo going and doing a little too much. But today I feel like offense, defense, and special teams – everyone executed to a tee.”
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) drives for a touchdown but falls short for a first down against Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis III (24) and safety Christian Izien (29) at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Taylor looked like his old self on Sunday afternoon. The former All-Pro running back used patience to find holes made by the Colts' offensive line as he burst through for substantial gains. He also powered his way to extra yardage when none seemed available.
Taylor finished with 91 yards on 15 carries (6.1 ypc) and two touchdowns. The first touchdown gave the Colts the lead in the first quarter. The second score came with 7:30 left in the fourth quarter, putting the game out of reach.
“It’s really nice, especially at home," Taylor admitted. "It’s definitely always nice to get two touchdowns anywhere but when you do it at home, especially when it’s been a real emphasis for us to defend home turf - that was a really good feeling today.”
Sunday was Taylor's third consecutive game with a touchdown, putting him at four for the season. He also passed former franchise-great running back Marshall Faulk for the most rushing touchdowns by a Colts player in their first four seasons. Any rust Taylor had from missing the first four games seems gone as Indy hits the stretch run.
But Taylor was not the only player who moved the Colts down the field against the Buccaneers. Pittman remained the go-to receiver in the passing game, with 13 targets from quarterback Gardner Minshew. Pittman turned those targets into ten catches for 107 yards, including six first downs.
"I think as we continue to grow and continue to build trust with each other – I trust (Pittman) to go make the plays and he's been doing it, so just continuing to build," Minshew said about Pittman. "Still some things we're figuring out. Man, he had a great day today and excited for him.”
Good things happen when the Colts find ways to get the ball in Pittman's hands. Head coach Shane Steichen made it a priority to get his top receiver involved early and often. Minshew looked his way to get crucial first downs and extend drives. And the Buccaneers did not have an answer for #11.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) catches a pass during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
The win over the Bucs brings the Colts to 6-5, moving them into the seventh and final playoff spot in the AFC. Many fans did not expect the Colts to be fighting for a playoff spot heading into December, especially after the season-ending injury to Anthony Richardson. Yet Steichen has kept his team together, stacking wins and continuing to get better.
But with six weeks remaining in the regular season, nothing is set in stone. The Colts cannot rest on their laurels if they hope to play in the postseason. They are in an advantageous spot now, but their focus must stay on their next opponent.
“It’s a lot of momentum, but it’s also a test," Taylor explained. "Can you stay focused? You kind of have to be even keeled. If things are low, be even keeled. When things are high, be even keeled because you have to stay focused - this is a week-to-week league.”
This week was the Buccaneers. Next week is the Tennessee Titans, a divisional opponent who will not make things easy. The Colts control their own destiny, and if they want to keep it that way, there is only one thing they have to do.
“Keep winning," Pittman stated. "We have a bunch of good teams coming up, and just have to keep on finding ways to grind out wins.”
The best chance for the Colts to keep winning and for the offense to stay on track is to ride on the backs of Taylor and Pittman the rest of the way.
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