After reviewing tapes of the Colts win over the Jacksonville Jaguars a week ago, the NFL fined rookie guard Quenton Nelson $26,739 for leading with his helmet on a block against Jag safety Barry Church. There was no penalty called on the field after the play but the league office review announced the fine after it’s review of a tape that went viral over the Internet. Nelson is understandably upset and is appealing the decision.
Quenton Nelson is enjoying a tremendous rookie season at left guard for the Horseshoe and is considered one of the big reasons for the offensive line’s dramatic improvement over the second half of the 2018 season. He was the INF’s Rookie of the month for October which was the first time an offensive guard was awarded the honor. Picked at number #6 by the Colts, Nelson was the first offensive lineman selected in the 2018 Draft.
The Big Blue Rolls Over the Titans
Andrew Luck and the Colts handed the Tennessee Titans a 38-10 smackdown last Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. Once again the offensive line kept #12 clean and upright and as a result Mr. Luck was able to connect with big play wideout T.Y. Hilton 9 times, 2 of which were long bombs for touchdowns. It was arguably Hilton’s best game of the season. Marlon Mack led the running backs and scored his 4th rushing touchdown, while rookie runner Jordan Wilkins scored his first career touchdown on an 18 yard scamper. Free agent wide receiver pickup Dontrelle Inman grabbed his first touchdown pass as a Colt.
Defensively, the pass rush was back, giving Marcus Mariota fits all day. Mariota finally had to leave with an injured wrist. Rookie Colts linebacker Darius Leonard was once again a force to be reckoned with. The second round steal continued his quest to be defensive rookie of the year. He made his first career interception, collected his 5th sack of the year, added his 4th forced fumble, and added seven total tackles.
Andrew Luck threw 3 or more touchdowns for the 7th time in a row. Only Tom Brady and Peyton have 3 or more consecutive games. Adam Vinatieri became the player who has been a member of teams winning more regular season games than any other player in NFL history. Tight end Jack Doyle was named the league’s top run blocking tight end by Pro Football Focus. Perhaps the biggest moment of the day came at halftime when legendary Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne was inducted into the Colts Ring of Honor, the 14th Colt player to be so inducted. Battery mate Peyton Manning was there to congratulate him. Owner Jim Irsay gave Reggie his blue jacket signifying membership.
Next Sunday it’s the Dolphins at Miami!
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