NFL Week 9 Game Recap: Indianapolis Colts 45, New York Jets 30

The Indianapolis Colts‘ rushing attack dominated the New York Jets Thursday night, leading to a 45-30 Colts victory. The game wasn't as close as the final score indicates, as the Jets were down more than four touchdowns midway through the third quarter.

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Indianapolis Colts

Quarterback

It’s taken the Colts a couple of months, but they have seemingly found an identity. More importantly, it seems that they’ve found an identity that doesn’t require Carson Wentz to be the one leading the charge. Play-action passes on early downs were the key to his efficiency and kept him away from the decisions that led to last week’s meltdown.

Running Back

There isn’t much analysis to add for Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines that isn’t apparent in the box score. Between the tackles or on the perimeter, untouched or through contact, shotgun or under center, the pair tore through one of the worst defenses in the NFL.

Wide Receiver/Tight End

Michael Pittman Jr. channels his father's best characteristics as a running back —namely, his ability to get tough yards over the middle of the field and underneath. Pittman may not be the most explosive receiver, but his ability to make contested catches makes him extremely valuable in late-down and late-game situations.

Offensive Line

The underlying truth of Thursday night’s game is that New York couldn't affect the quarterback. Eric Fisher and Quenton Nelson were able to dominate inside and on the edge. Their dominance was easy to see, as multiple runs reached the second- or third-level before contact.

Defensive Line

Kwity Paye impressed Thursday night, recording seven pressures (two QB hits) and nine wins as a pass rusher. Interior lineman Taylor Stallworth cleaned up his teammates’ pressures on stunts and twists, finishing with a couple of sacks and three total pressures.

Linebacker

Darius Leonard had my favorite defensive play of the night, using a ‘peanut punch’ to force a fumble in the first half when it seemed like the Jets were going to contend with the Colts. He added four defensive stops and played up to his recent contract extension.

Secondary

The lack of respect for New York’s downfield passing ability was apparent tonight. For a team more committed than most to playing soft zone coverage, cornerbacks Rock Ya-Sin and Kenny Moore aligned in press coverage more often than normal. Both cornerbacks gave up less than a yard per coverage snap.

New York Jets

Quarterback

Mike White appeared one his way to another surprisingly efficient passing night. After what was reported to be a forearm injury in the first half, White was pulled from the game, and journeyman Josh Johnson entered. Johnson, like White a week before, had a surprisingly strong outing given that Indianapolis attacked the pocket throughout the game.

Running Back

The hallmark of the Shanahan coaching tree is the ability to create explosive plays off of the threat of playing downhill football. At this point, Mike LaFleur has to be exploring other options in order to move the ball because this offense can’t generate enough long gains on the ground to earn the opposing defense's respect. Michael Carter is a fun running back to watch, but he’s fighting for every yard on each attempt.

Wide Receiver/Tight End

Denzel Mims made another brief appearance after being buried on the depth chart early in the year. Without Corey Davis, this position group needs as much help as it can get to generate offense, and rookie Elijah Moore gave all he could to the backup QBs, posting three receptions of 15 yards or more and two touchdowns.

Offensive Line

Falling behind the way the Jets did is an offensive lineman's nightmare, and the trench players wearing Gang Green paid a price, allowing pressures all game long. Each offensive lineman allowed at least three pressures — center Connor McGovern allowed five — as Johnson spent much of the fourth quarter escaping an onslaught from all directions.

Defensive Line

John Franklin-Myers was the only Jet upfront who affected Wentz, as the rest simply lacked the skill and motor necessary to win consistently against the Colts' offensive linemen. No defensive lineman outside of Myers had a pressure rate greater than 5% Thursday night.

Linebacker

Jarrad Davis and C.J. Mosley tried to corral a run game that’s been red hot the last couple of weeks for Indianapolis. Mosley took a stiff arm to the facemask and missed two tackles against the run, and the two combined for just two run stops.

Secondary

With the way Indianapolis ran the ball, there wasn’t much the Jets secondary could do to affect the game. Marcus Maye struggled against Indianpolis' play-action attack, giving up more than 50 yards and three first downs Thursday night.