Indianapolis Colts (4-5) – Buffalo Bills (7-2): 20-30
How messy this match was, on both sides. 6 losses of balls in total, 13 penalties. And in this little game, the Bills were less bad than the Colts. Or rather Joe Flacco (26/35, 272 yards, 2 TDs, 3 interceptions, 1 loss of ball, 4 sacks) was so bad that it was difficult for Buffalo not to take the victory today. The four ball losses of his team are for him. And while there is never a good time to lose the leather, his came at the worst times for the Colts, cutting the team every time it found a little momentum.
On the Bills side, Josh Allen (22/37, 280 yards, 2 interceptions, 50 yards rushing, 1 touchdown) was not having a great day. Messy and imprecise, he nevertheless knew how to find his receivers including Khalil Shakir (58 yards) and Mack Hollins (86 yards) in particular. It must be said that he could not count on Keon Coleman and Amari Cooper, both injured. James Cook (19 carries, 80 yards 1 touchdown) was, however, a great support for his quarterback. The defense was also there. Taron Johnson (3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception) may be highlighted but the squad overall did a good job. Buffalo won by being average at best overall, and that's also the mark of great teams. Sean McDermott's men's season will undoubtedly be decided in the playoffs once again.
On the Colts side, the defense was not unworthy but complicated to stop the Buffalo attack by spending so much time on the field. Joe Flacco showed today that he is not the answer to Indianapolis' need. In coaching, Shane Steichen seemed disoriented, not relying enough on Jonathan Taylor (21 carries, 114 yards) who was nevertheless explosive on a few plays. With 4 wins for 5 losses and the choice to start Joe Flacco who may seem questionable regarding the long-term vision of the franchise, his seat must seriously start to heat up.
Joe Flacco is catastrophic
After a timid first possession with a punt, Buffalo put its first points on the scoreboard on the following action. Joe Flacco is intercepted by Taron Johnson (CB) who is happy to score the first touchdown of the game. The veteran is not having a good day. While the Colts' possession was going well up until that point, he threw his second interception of the game. This time, it's defensive tackle Austin Johnson who benefits. Fortunately for Indianapolis, the Bills are satisfied with three points. That's when Jonathan Taylor comes out of his box. His 59-yard run puts the Colts in scoring position. Unfortunately for him, he seems to be the only one who wants to play today. Josh Downs misses a touchdown and Flacco almost gets intercepted for the third time. Matt Gay nevertheless scored his team's first three points. Unlike the offense, the Indianapolis defense does its job quite well and Buffalo misses a fourth attempt.
The Colts offense rallied at the start of the second quarter. Taylor and Downs take responsibility and Flacco ends up finding Taylor Goodson (RB) in the end zone. 10-10, the cards are reshuffled. It was then Josh Allen's turn to throw an interception. The quarterback completely misses and sends a ball into the arms of EJ Speed (LB). Gay adds three points to the scoreboard before. Josh Allen finds Dawson Knox (TE) on a long pass. He then adds a touchdown on the ground like a big man and puts Buffalo on the right path in attack. The defense forces the opposing punt and Tyler Bass scores three more points. 20-13, the Bills are in control at the break.
Joe Flacco is still a disaster
Taron Johnson is having a good day, he sacks Flacco at the start of the second half and the Colts have to punt. Buffalo does the same before recovering the leather a few moments later after another blunder from the former Raven. His arm hits Greg Rousseau (DE) and Damar Hamlin (S) covers the ball. The ball loss festival continues since on the following action, Kenny Moore II (CB) intercepts a Josh Allen who was more than average today. Flacco almost gets intercepted again by Johnson then ends up getting sacked again.
After another punt, the Colts limit the damage but are still 10 points with 11 minutes remaining on the clock. Yes, but the nightmare continues for Joe Flacco. He is intercepted for the third time. The fault is rather on the side of Alec Pierce who deflects the ball towards Taylor Rapp (S). This time, the cup is full for the Colts defense which ends up giving in under the onslaught of Josh Allen and his colleagues. James Cook finds the end zone and the Bills definitely get the better of the Colts, sacking poor Flacco one last time who looked his age today. The last touchdown is anecdotal for Indianapolis which loses 30-20. The future seems very uncertain for Shane Steichen and his family.
