The Indianapolis Colts (2-2-1) got here away with a 12-9 street win over the Denver Broncos (2-3) on Thursday night time, remaining undefeated towards the AFC West by the early season.
It wasn’t a enjoyable sport to look at from an offensive perspective. The Colts offensive line continues to battle whereas quarterback Matt Ryan additionally made some expensive choices. The protection confirmed up in an enormous approach, although, from the cross rush to the run protection en path to an extra time win.
Between efficiency and utilization, we are able to collect numerous details about a participant’s inventory. Whereas we all know the inventory for the big-name gamers like Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr., it’s the opposite items on the roster whose inventory is more likely to change probably the most all through the season.
It’s necessary to do not forget that the inventory report is fluid. A participant whose inventory fell in a single week can rise the next week, and vice versa. It’s extra about recognizing traits and potential for the long run primarily based on what we noticed within the sport that week.
Right here’s the inventory report for the Colts after the Week 5 win:
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The rookie security continues to impress because the fill-in starter for Julian Blackmon. The seventh-round pick of Yale had a pleasant cross breakup on a deep ball, a simple interception on an errant throw from Russell Wilson and practically had one other interception on a deep ball had the again decide not been in the way in which as Thomas was making a play on the ball. The emergence of the rookie has assist the again finish of the protection enormously, and he continues to be a pleasing shock by 5 video games.
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We must always give Raimann some slack on condition that it was his first profession begin and the truth that they had been coming off of a brief week of preperation. Nevertheless, we are able to’t absolutely absolve the rookie of his poor play. Raimann allowed 5 complete pressures, based on Professional Soccer Focus, and was charged with three penalties. One of many penalties was questionable however one other was declined so it evens out. This isn’t to rag on the rookie however extra to mood expectations of him coming in and offering an above-average possibility immediately. He wants numerous time to develop right into a reliable possibility each week, however he could solely get there by going by some rising pains.
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As you’ll be able to see, the rookies bought numerous taking part in time on this one. Pierce was a monster when the Colts wanted him to step up. He continues to ascend because the No. 2 possibility within the passing sport and must be formally dealing with that type of workload transferring ahead. Pierce led the Colts offense in targets (9), receptions (eight) and receiving yards (81) regardless of rating third in extensive receiver snaps. Pierce was one of many few dependable targets for Matt Ryan when he did get the ball out, and he shouldn’t be removed from dealing with a No. 2 extensive receiver workload.
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By means of 5 video games, it doesn’t look fairly for the veteran quarterback. Sure, his offensive line has been one of many worst models in soccer. However a bit of the pressures allowed and sacks taken fall on Ryan’s shoulders between failing to establish the place the strain is coming from whereas holding the ball too lengthy. Ryan threw two interceptions and fumbled the ball twice once more. He now has 11 fumbles on the season, which is one shy of his career-high. It’s robust to gauge Ryan’s play given how poorly the offensive line has performed, however this needs to be one of many worst begins of his profession.
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There was no less than one optimistic improvement on the offensive line. As Smith moved from proper deal with to proper guard, he had considered one of his greatest video games but this season. Based on Professional Soccer Focus, Smith allowed only one strain on 53 pass-blocking snaps. It was encouraging to see him thrive on the place he was initially drafted at, and it is going to be attention-grabbing to see if this shall be a everlasting change.
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After a tough begin to the season, Moore lastly regarded like himself in prime time. Based on Professional Soccer Focus, Moore was focused six instances however allowed simply two receptions for 13 yards, and he had a wonderful cross breakup close to the top zone on Broncos tight finish Andrew Beck. The Colts want this Moore to point out up on a constant foundation if the protection goes to proceed thriving.