And the Colts have done it. In a GOTY nominee, the Colts snuck out with the victory over the Bengals in overtime 27-24. Even in an ugly game by the Colts, they showed why they are a true championship contender. The Colts hosted the 16-0 Bengals at home in a game where they tried to spoil the Bengals’ perfect season. The odds were against them and many people predicted that the Colts were not on the same level as the Bengals. With a history of struggling on offense, it is reasonable to think that they were not going to be able to put up enough points against the best offense in the league.
But tonight, even in the madness, the Colts stayed together and pushed through for the win. Jonathan Taylor killed it on the ground. The defense kind of struggled all night but came up with two huge stops. Anthony Richardson made some pretty bad reads late in the game. Reads, that if they were intercepted, like they should have been, we would be having a different story. But this is football. Things will not always go your way, but it is about how you respond. Anthony Richardson responded by leading the Colts’ offense in Overtime to help them get three points. And with 39 seconds left to go, the Colts’ defense were able to get a stop for the win.
The Head Coach of the Colts had this to say after the game, “First and foremost, shout out to that Bengals group over there. Man, they are the real deal. You know, sometimes you kind of underestimate a team until you actually have to play them. We are hoping to see them in the Divisional Round if we can take care of business in the Wildcard Round against the Chiefs. But I’m proud of my guys tonight. Even when it was looking rough, we do what we do. I’m also proud of our defense. To hold a team that averaged 30+ points a game to 24 is a win although I know my guys are not satisfied. Jonathan Taylor carried us on offense tonight, showing why he is the best running back in the league. And Anthony Richardson, he is our franchise guy. He will be better, but I am proud of how he was leading the team even when things were not going his way. First to pick up his teammates. Always telling his guys to keep going. That’s what you want in a player. A player who has a great attitude even when he is not playing his best. Come playoff time, I know he will be even better on the field. As far as the guys that picked against us, stay on that side. We are on a mission. And we won’t stop until we get that trophy.”
The Colts will go against the Chiefs in the WIldcard round. They were able to win the first matchup, but they snuck out with that victory too. That game too will depend on the Colts’ offense. The entire playoffs will depend on the Colts’ offense. Will this be the season they can finally win it all? I believe so! Go Colts!
©Any Given Sunday News