Colts vs Jets: MNF Aftermath, Grades and Review

F-. <p>The Colts offense had one job to do, protect the ball. They did not. The Colts had five giveaways during the Monday Night Debacle. Of those five turnovers, three were interceptions – one a tipped ball and another where Luck’s arm was hit as he threw – the other two turnovers were fumbles. On the first possession, things looked great until the yellow hankies flew. On the first play for the offense, Luck handed the ball off to Frank Gore for a 12-yard gain – negated by a holding call. The next handoff to Gore went for 11 yards. What happened next? Holding, 10-yards repeat the down.</p> <p>Consider Andrew Luck’s Stats at halftime, 5-of-14 for 52 yards and two turnovers (interception and fumble). Much of the issues with those numbers are the same causes for their offensive stagnation. It simply comes down to three things: atrocious pass blocking, wide receivers who could not gain separation in man coverage and poor play selection by Pep Hamilton. Luck rallied the team in the third quarter with a skillful ten-minute drive, but that too was wiped away with a turnover – more on that later.</p> <p>Repeatedly the Colts shot themselves in the foot with holding penalties. One game is a fluke, but this is the second game where the early offensive series are completely crippled by penalties. For the game, Gore looked great except for one crucial play. In the redzone, first and goal at the 4-yard line,  Gore takes a handoff from Luck and has an unobstructed path to the endzone around the left side, as he turns the corner, he fumbles – untouched I might add – at the goal line wiping out a 10 minute third quarter drive.</p> <p>Luck looked rushed in the pocket because he was. The offensive line was getting collapsed on four-man rushes. In fact, the line looked as exposed as they were in the ESPN the Body Issue. Both guards, <strong><a href=. OFF. Indianapolis Colts. COLTS OFFENSE