5 takeaways from Colts’ 23-20 win over Raiders

With Josh Jacobs out of the lineup, it was clear that the Colts couldn’t allow Davante Adams to take over this matchup. While Adams didn’t dominate this contest, he certainly did everything he could to help lead his team to victory.

Gus Bradley’s defense did a nice job of keeping him in check in the first half. Through the first two quarters, Adams had five receptions for 43 yards on eight targets. Based just on the targets and the eye test, he was Aidan O’Connell’s just-throw-the-ball-to-him guy when everything breaks down.

Knowing this, you would think Bradley would have his secondary key on Adams but with the defensive front struggling to get pressure on the quarterback in the second half, Adams started to eat and create chunk plays for the offense.

He had four catches for 10+ yards throughout the final two quarters, of which two came on the second touchdown drive that made it a 23-20 game. His two touchdowns came on money downs.

The first one was on a third-and-goal from the four-yard line.

The second one was on fourth-and-goal at the one-yard line to give his team a chance at the onside kick.

Adams finished the game with 13 receptions for 126 yards and two touchdowns on 21!!! targets.

With all that being said, JuJu Brents had some nice reps against Adams with sticky coverage. He set a new career-high in pass defenses (three), with one against Adams on third down to force a field goal in the second half.

For Gus Bradley’s secondary, he has Nico Collins next week as C.J. Stroud’s go-to guy. He isn’t as talented as Adams but he’s emerged as a threat in Houston’s passing attack and finished with 146 receiving yards and a touchdown in the first meeting earlier this season.