Indianapolis Colts Dominate Washington Redskins 49-27
Nov 30, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Daniel Herron (36) is tackled by Washington Redskins linebacker Trent Murphy (93) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
It was a game of offensive fireworks in Indianapolis as the Indianapolis Colts (8-4) handled the Washington Redskins (3-9) 49-27.
The quarterbacks combined for an astounding 762 passing yards on the day as big plays dominated both sides of the ball. Colt McCoy in his start over Robert Griffin III threw for 392 yards in the game while taking advantage of Indy’s inability to cover the tight end. Alfred Morris contributed 67 yards on the ground and kept the ‘Skins offense rolling.
However, Indy’s offense was equally as potent after a slow first quarter. Luck was able to find some long touchdowns in the second half to Coby Fleener and Donte Moncrief (twice) to put the game in the bag for the Redskins. The Colts’ defense contributed as well to ensure the offense had chances in the second half.
Similar to last week’s tilt against Jacksonville, the Indianapolis offensive line started extremely slowly. On his first snap in his return from a shoulder injury, Gosder Cherilus was blown up by Ryan Kerrigan, resulting in an Andrew Luck fumble. The defensive onslaught continued with an early interception off a Reggie Wayne tip and a Daniel Herron fumble recovery. However, despite losing the turnover battle 3-1, the Indy defense played strong, allowing just three points off turnovers.
Andrew Luck continued his incredibly strong 2014 campaign, finishing 19/27 for 370 yards, five touchdowns and two total turnovers while also contributing 20 yards on the ground. Luck had two leading receivers on the afternoon. Feeding rookie wideout Donte Moncrief was a priority in this game and it was accomplished as Luck found Moncrief three times for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Luck also was able to find Coby Fleener wide open several times, good for 127 yards and two scores on four catches. Fleener also dropped a wide open throw right in the numbers that surely would have resulted in six.
Boom Herron paced the Colts on the ground, grabbing 88 yards on eight carries, including a 49-yard touchdown dash. He also contributed two catches for eight yards. Trent Richardson was in the timeshare with Herron but was much less successful, amassing 12 yards on eight carries and essentially not playing in the second half.
The Colts’ pass rush combined for five sacks, led by Erik Walden’s two sacks and a forced fumble. D’Qwell Jackson also had a huge defensive play for the Colts, recovering a Colt McCoy fumble into the end zone for third quarter score.
The Colts will take on the Cleveland Browns on the road next Sunday.