The Indianapolis Colts dropped their first game of the season, losing 27-20 to the LA Rams.
The Colts are now 3-1 on the season.
With the clocking having just hit zero, here are our instant takeaways from the Colts’ performance.
– The Colts’ offensive line faced its toughest test of the season. They were without Matt Goncalves, and the Rams’ defensive front has been one of the more disruptive units in the NFL. As a result, Jones seemed to be under more pressure than he had been in the first three games.
– Tyler Warren can do it all. He is such a matchup problem over the middle of the field, but his versatility and run-blocking open up the playbook for Shane Steichen. This offense is different when he’s on the field.
– AD Mitchell totaled 96 yards, but that is obviously going to be overshadowed by his two huge mistakes that took two touchdowns off the board for the Colts.
– Laiatu Latu needs help at defensive end. Latu was able to drum up pressure, but as a unit, it’s not consistent enough from the Colts.
– Along those lines, the Colts’ run defense had its own issues in this game. Outside of last week’s game against Tennessee, the Colts have struggled to stop the run this season.
– Stafford and the Rams’ passing game were going after Xavien Howard. That second outside cornerback position opposite of Charvarius Ward has had its ups and downs this season for the Colts.
– Well, it happened. Daniel Jones threw his first interception of the season on the opening possession. It looked to be his fault as well, with the ball a bit late and behind AD Mitchell, who had a step.
– Anthony Gould provided some juice as a kick returner today.
– A huge day for the Rams’ Puka Nacua, who caught 13 of 14 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown. Tutu Atwell also added an 88-yard catch and score after Mekhi Blackmon fell down in coverage.
– The big plays that the Colts were able to make in the first three weeks were either negated on Sunday or tough to come by.
– Not helping matters were the 11 penalties that the team was called for, totaling 88 yards. Then there were the three turnovers as well.
– As he does, Jonathan Taylor found success on the ground, even if there weren’t opportunities regularly available for him to do so.
– The newly signed Mike Hilton was thrown into the mix right away, starting at the nickel in place of Kenny Moore, and he made a big play in the second half, forcing a turnover.
(Please note that this article will be updated.)
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Instant analysis of Colts’ Week 4 performance vs. LA Rams
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
