THE Indianapolis Colts lost his second consecutive match against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football, losing 21-13. While the deficit isn’t ugly, the Indianapolis offense was. After benching Anthony Richardson For Joe Flacco at quarterback to give the team the “best chance to win,” this is a tougher loss than it probably should have been with such a confusing decision.

Now, with more questions than answers, here are the rises and falls of the 4-5 Colts after a dismal performance under the bright lights of prime time.

Riser | Linebackers

While the Colts offense was disgusting, the defense played fantastic. Attention for this entry goes to the linebackers EJ speed And Zaire Franklineach of whom performed well. Starting with Speed, the veteran made a total of 12 tackles (2 for loss) and was a constant support to the run. As for Franklin, he had 8 tackles, a pass defended and a huge red zone interception from Vikings QB Sam Darnold.

The Colts had their ups and downs with their linebacker duo, but Franklin and Speed ​​played like true defensive generals against a tough Vikings offense. They will seek to continue this momentum against the Buffalo Bills in week 10.

Faller | Matt Gay

Colts kicker Matt Gay struggled to get 50+ yards on the ground in 2024, and those haunted him again when Indianapolis desperately needed points. While Gay’s overall performance was 2/3 FG (long of 54) and 1/1 XP for a total of 7 points, the issues with longer baskets become a concern for game situations.

While Gay scored one of the 50+ yards (54), Indianapolis could have been in a completely different situation later in the game had that field goal been made. Gay now sits at 2/5 (40%) on field goals of 50+ yards this year and 14/17 overall, with each miss going deep.

Riser | Grover Stewart

The Colts defensive front came to play against the Vikings on Sunday night. While DeForest Buckner made a good outing (6 tackles, 1 sack), counterpart Grover Stewart was a threat, intimidating the Vikings offensive linemen on his way to 4 tackles (1 for loss), 2 sacks and a forced fumble. Darnold’s fumble was recovered for a defensive touchdown by the cornerback Kenny Moore II.

Stewart’s presence was felt against the Vikings as more than just a defender. If Stewart can compile more performances like this, it will give other Colts players possible chances to shine in the defensive trenches with tough opponents up front.

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Faller | Michael Pittman Jr.

The Colts’ star passer Michael Pittman Jr. had another mediocre performance, this time in a loss to the Vikings. Pittman was targeted 4 times and had just one catch for 14 yards. During the season, the former USC Trojan only made 30 catches for 366 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. If this trend continues, Pittman will finish with around 57 catches for 691 receiving yards and 4 scores.

That’s not ideal after Indianapolis paid Pittman another three years, $70 million deal in the 2024 offseason. Instead, the 2023 third round Josh Downs has become Indianapolis’ leading passer this season. Pittman needs to turn things around because from here on out, he’s a shell of himself while Downs establishes himself as a better option at receiver.

Riser | Nick Cross

Security Nick Cross continues to impress in year three with Indianapolis, and he continued his momentum against the Vikings. Cross was second on the team with 10 tackles (7 solo), 1 pass defensed and an interception.

To say Cross has been successful on defense is an understatement, now with 86 tackles and 2 interceptions in 9 games this season. Cross demonstrated fantastic qualities in his development as an NFL professional and continued into the primetime lights. If the former Maryland Terrapin can finish the second half of 2024 the way he started, he will finish as one of the Colts’ best defensive players.

Faller | Joe Flacco

Richardson’s bench for Flacco got off to a rough start, with the veteran looking 39 years old against an aggressive Brian Flores defense. Flacco was sacked 3 times, forced into erratic decisions and very conservative with his passing. In total, the former Super Bowl MVP was 16/27 passing for 179 yards through the air and one interception. Flacco failed to generate many explosive plays or strong drives to maintain possession.

The Colts still have teams like the Bills and Detroit Lions ahead of their schedule. As long as Flacco remains in the center, the next defensive opponents will focus on Jonathan Taylor to stifle Indy’s passing attack. Things at the quarterback position seem more confusing than ever for the Colts, but need to improve if they hope to make the playoffs.

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