Defense leads the charge for Colts in thrilling victory

Things weren’t looking great for the Indianapolis Colts before halftime against the Miami Dolphins. They were fortunate to find themselves down only ten points because the offense couldn’t move the ball, and the defense had its own issues on the ground. A beautiful ball to Michael Pittman Jr. before the half allowed Matt Gay to kick a 52-yard field goal to finally get them on the board. Once the second half started, however, the defense decided to shut the door.

After another three and out by the offense, the Colts were in danger of falling behind three scores. After punting back to Miami, it didn’t take long for a game defining play from Segun Olubi who forced and recovered a fumble. As he scooped up the loose ball, he was able to advance it another 18-yards to the Dolphins 28. That must have awoken the offense because they were able to cross the goal line five plays later, tying the game at 10-10.

Later in the third, another strip sack was recovered deep in Colts territory as the Dolphins were threatening to score a touchdown. Zaire Franklin was able to dislodge the ball, and the Colts were able to fall on it. In a low scoring game, being able to take certain points off the board was crucial.

While the fumbles were huge, there was one more pivotal defensive moment, this time late in the fourth. The Colts had taken their first lead of the game 13-10, but the Dolphins were driving midway through the fourth. The Colts were able to stuff a third and one from their own 36-yard line. That forced the Dolphins to settle for a 54-yard attempt which ended up bouncing off the upright. That stop was ultimately the difference in the game as the Dolphins were in field goal range within the waning seconds but needed a touchdown instead of a field goal.

The defense has been much maligned this year, and while they weren’t perfect, they were solid and made big plays. With the offense struggling, the Colts needed to lean on the defense to set up short fields and avoid too large a deficit. They will need to tighten some things up heading to Houston as they face a much more capable offense, but if they can force turnovers and big stops like they did this week, they have more than a fighter’s chance.

The defense has been much maligned this year, and while they weren’t perfect, they were solid and made big plays. With the offense struggling, the Colts needed to lean on the defense to set up short fields and avoid too large a deficit. They will need to tighten some things up heading to Houston as they face a much more capable offense, but if they can force turnovers and big stops like they did this week, they have more than a fighter’s chance.