With a little help from the Buffalo Bills, the Colts grabbed the seventh and last seed in the AFC Playoff race. Riding the legs of rookie running back Jonathan Taylor, the Horseshoe finished 11-5 for the season which gave them second place in the AFC South. So now it’s on to Buffalo this weekend for round one of the playoffs.
As to the Jacksonville game, Taylor made it clear that he was shooting for 1,000 yards for the season. He had 916 so he needed 84 yards. Well Taylor ran like a whirlwind. Before he was finished he had gained 253 on 30 carries — a Colt team record. He added two rushing touchdowns. His season totals were 1,169 yards on 232 carries for a 5.0 average and 11 rushing touchdowns — all highs for rookie running backs this year. After a slow start he finished the year in a major way with the Jaguars.
So it’s off to meet the Bills in Buffalo in the first round of the playoffs. The biggest problem for the Colts is to find someone to play left offensive tackle. Anthony Castanzo is out for the season with an ankle injury. His replacements have not been up to par. Philip Rivers had a rough time against the Jacksonville pass rush. The team may move Quentin Nelson over from left guard to fill the spot. Right now however it’s a serious trouble spot.
The Colts will have to go with what they’ve got. A big game from Jonathan Taylor would help but we wish them luck.
snicewanger@gmail.com