Colts Notebook: Three Outstanding Players That Push Indy To Victory In Week 12.
The Colts Week 12 is a game where the team should dominate their opponent soundly. The players are responding well to the coaching changes and are making Jeff Saturday look good. The most significant change, in my opinion, is all attitudes. The team seems to be playing harder and with much more confidence. Buying into what your coaching staff is selling shows on and off the field.
After a tough loss against the Eagles, Indianapolis looks to bounce back and earn a victory at home versus Pittsburgh. The team played well, but mistakes made the difference in last week’s loss. As players build from adversity, the goal is still to make the playoffs. Here we will highlight players that stood out in week 11. These three should be geared to put the team in a prime position to earn win number five of the year.
Colts Matt Ryan Staying Consistent
Last week we saw the return of Matt Ryan, and he turned in a decent game. Although he didn’t have a touchdown attached to his name, he didn’t turn the ball over. He was playing against one of the league’s best defenses; that’s a plus. Ryan made the correct reads going against an aggressive front. Some miscues, but he looked poised and the most confident he has all season. As the offensive line starts to gel, his reads will be quicker and should end up in big plays. Gaining more trust in his receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce, Matt Ryan should bode well against the league’s worst pass defense.
This pass from Matt Ryan, wow.🔥 pic.twitter.com/K106xS2e4S — Colts Militia (@coltsmilitia_) November 20, 2022
Zaire Franklin Colts Not So Secret Weapon
Zaire Franklin has stepped up immensely in the absence of All-Pro Shaq Leonard. Leading the league in combined tackles, Franklin has made a name for himself not only in the locker room but across the NFL. Playing fast and physical has been his calling card this year, and in Gus Bradley’s defense, he is Pro Bowl-worthy. With the Steeler’s Najee Harris averaging less than four yards a carry, Franklin and the defense should come up big. Last week Franklin played wonderfully, but his one mistake was one of the biggest in the game, if not the biggest. Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.
TYVM. 📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/w8z9nidxty — Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 20, 2022
Colts Taylor Trending Up
There’s no doubt that Jonathan Taylor is one of the NFL’s top talents. This season has not been as elaborate as some thought, but he still produces when on the field. In the last two games, Taylor has racked up 231 yards on the ground and two touchdowns. Along with the offensive line getting better, Taylor is also seemingly healthier. The offense is starting to come together as new head coach Jeff Saturday has breathed new life into the team. Going up against the 24th-ranked rush defense, Indy should pound the rock and set up the pass against the weaker Steelers.
Colts feeding Jonathan Taylor EARLY 😤pic.twitter.com/hKoCwFza0v — PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) November 20, 2022
Conclusion
Yes, this season has been less than spectacular, but you can see the fight in the players. With Coach Saturday shaking things up, the Colts seem to be on the right track. Going against the Steelers should be a game that boosts not only confidence, but it should be a statement game. Matt Ryan and Jonathan Taylor should do better this week as they are getting back into the groove. Zaire Franklin should stamp his All-Pro Ticket this week as he leads the team in tackles and big plays on defense. Can the Colts become a better version of themselves? The answer will come if the team responds well in the upcoming weeks.