The Indianapolis Colts kicked off their season with a 31-21 loss to the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
Overall, it was a solid effort from the Colts, who hung tough for the majority of the game before a few mistakes in the fourth quarter led to the Jaguars sealing the win.
Buy Colts TicketsHere are some studs and duds from the game:
STUD: Defensive line
For the majority of the game, the Colts’ defensive line was bullying the Jaguars’ offensive line.
Kwity Paye and DeForest Buckner had sacks as well as strong contributions from Samson Ebukam and Grover Stewart.
The Colts should be encouraged with the play of their defensive line as they did their part to hold the Jacksonville offense in check for the majority of the game.
Next up, the Colts travel to Houston facing a Texans team that surrendered five sacks in Week 1.
DUD: Offensive line
To put it bluntly, the Colts offensive line was bad against the Jaguars.
Anthony Richardson was sacked four times and under constant duress for the majority of the game and the Colts ran for an abysmal 2.5 yards per carry and failed on multiple short-yardage situations.
The offensive line was consistently unable to get a push against Jacksonville and was a big reason why the offense sputtered in the second half.
Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly and Braden Smith all played poorly for their typical standards and were big let downs in this game.
GM Chris Ballard has continued to neglect upgrading this unit and the unit continues to be a major issue for the team.
The Colts will need to find answers as they travel to Houston and face No. 3 overall pick, Will Anderson.
STUD: LB Zaire Franklin
Zaire Franklin was the best player on the Colts’ defense on Sunday.
The team captain led the team with 18 total tackles as well as a forced fumble that led to a score.
Franklin and teammate, E.J. Speed, were routinely in the right position and all over the field making plays for the Indianapolis defense.
Franklin brings a consistent presence and has emerged as the leader of the defense. Sunday showed that Franklin continues to be the heart and soul of the unit.
DUD: RB Deon Jackson
With Zack Moss ruled out and Evan Hull leaving the game with an injury, Deon Jackson got the lion-share of the carries.
To say that Jackson struggled is putting it mildly. Jackson rushed for 14 yards on 13 carries and lost two fumbles.
Jackson was routinely outplayed by Evan Hull and Jake Funk and would be a worst-case scenario starter next week.
The Colts must upgrade over Jackson and relegate him to a backup role until Moss and Taylor return.
STUD: QB Anthony Richardson
In his NFL debut, Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson finished 24-of-37 passing for 223 passing yards and a passing touchdown as well as an interception. Richardson added 40 yards on the ground with a rushing touchdown as well.
While Richardson was far from perfect, he put up the best stat line of the rookie quarterbacks taken in the top five.
Richardson showed his poise in the pocket as well as his ability to use his legs.
Again, there are many improvements to be made, but all things considered, Anthony Richardson proved to be up to the task in his first NFL start.
