Week 12 of the NFL season featured some terrific home run defensive players as well, swinging over into showing the explosive ability on offense. The Indianapolis Colts have quickly proven themselves as an elite, nasty, defensive juggernaut. Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward were instrumental in their eye-opening game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Colts played man coverage on more than 40% of their defensive snaps, even stealing a chapter from last year’s Patriots playbook and squashing the Chiefs offensive output. Playmakers such as Rashee Rice and George Pickens put on notable showings that made scouts perk up. Additionally, quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Dak Prescott put on a display of their own.
With the addition of Gardner and Ward, the Colts’ defense proved to be one of the most dominant defenses in the game against Kansas City. For one, they used man coverage on 40.8% of their snaps. This bend don’t break philosophy is particularly well suited to facing off against the high octane Chiefs attack led by Patrick Mahomes. This brilliant tactical decision threw Kansas City’s rhythm completely off. More than anything else, it allowed the Colts to take advantage of errors, sorely increasing their otherwise defensive prowess.
Colts’ Defensive Strategy
Whether the Colts’ defense has been as effective as it was due to Gardner’s and Ward’s strong performances is a different discussion. Their ability to shut down other opposing receivers, though, was the missing link that helped keep Mahomes, and his full buffet of weapons, in check. Gardner’s physicality and Ward’s agility made it difficult for the Chiefs to find open targets, resulting in a significant drop in offensive production.
Against man coverage, Mahomes was abysmal, completing just 8 of 17 attempts for 108 yards and a pick. This sharply contrasted with his performance against zone coverage. There, at the collegiate level, opposing defenses it was more often than not easier to counteract his pinpoint passing skills. The Colts’ decision to implement man coverage effectively forced Mahomes into uncomfortable situations, limiting his opportunities to connect with star receiver Tyreek Hill.
Beyond Gardner and Ward, though, Calen Bullock proved to be a difference maker for the Colts. He totaled three turnovers, two INT and a forced fumble, one of which was a game-ending, pick-six of sorts. Bullock’s impact in the secondary has been evident this season, allowing only a 38.5% completion percentage when targeted. His knack for creating game-changing plays helped establish the Colts’ defense as one of the league’s most fearsome units.
Offensive Highlights
Though we’re still raving about the Colts’ defense, Week 12 was a great one for quarterbacks. The Rams’ Matthew Stafford put on a show in the 49ers’ 22-7 defeat. He went 22-of-27 for 243 yards and three scores with a clean pocket. His precision passing was instrumental in securing a victory for the Rams, demonstrating his ability to read defenses and exploit weaknesses effectively.
In other scene-stealing quarterback news, Dak Prescott continued to impress with a dominant performance against the Chicago Bears. He rushed for a touchdown, in addition to completing 23 of 36 passes for 354 yards and throwing two touchdowns against one interception. Prescott’s ability to navigate through defensive pressure while maintaining accuracy underlines his growth as a quarterback this season, contributing to the Cowboys’ playoff aspirations.
Even with those issues revealing themselves against man coverage, rookie Rashee Rice stepped up as the most important target in a limited Kansas City offense. He excelled against zone coverage, reeling in seven of eight targets for 122 yards. He was just able to record one catch for 19 yards vs man coverage. His career-high total of 103 yards after catch (YAC) highlights his strength to create after making the catch. Notably, Rice gained over ten YAC on three separate plays during the second half, underscoring his potential as a dynamic playmaker.
Rising Stars
Outside of those proven Pro Bowlers, exciting newcomers such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba and George Pickens still made waves during their Week 12 action. Smith-Njigba has not only contributed to, but led his team’s receiving attack, racking up 1,313 receiving yards just twelve weeks into the season in college. If he continues on this unbelievable trajectory, he will join the 2,000 receiving yards club, making him the first wide receiver in NFL history to do so. This incredible accomplishment would surely cement his place as one of the league’s up and coming superstars.
George Pickens only made Tua sit up and take notice with a nine catch, 146 yard, touchdown performance on nine targets. His ability as a consistent threat to get open underneath and beyond defense has allowed him to thrive as a trustworthy safety blanket for his signal caller. Pickens has made tremendous gains in a short period of time. In the long term, he’s on track to be a key component of his team’s offensive game plan.
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