Rapid Reactions: Indianapolis Colts Nab Big Win in Oakland

Mo Alie-Cox made a ridiculous one-handed grab to give the Colts their first score of the game.The Indianapolis Colts beat the Oakland Raiders 42-28 on Sunday, improving their record to 3-5.

Andrew Luck threw for 239 yards and 3 touchdowns as the offense was on fire in Oakland. Luck’s three touchdowns were to three different tight ends, including Jack Doyle in his first game back since week two. Luck’s favorite wide receiver was Dontrelle Inman, who had six catches for 52 yards on eight targets.

Marlon Mack had another huge game on the ground as he rushed 25 times for 153 yards, which is good for over five yards a carry. Mack also found the end zone twice. Nyheim Hines was effective on the ground as well, gaining 78 yards on 11 carries. As a team, the Colts rushed for 222 yards.

The defense did not have a great outing, but they came up with turnovers when the team needed them. Darius Leonard had another great game, racking up 9 tackles and a forced fumble late in the fourth quarter that essentially ended the game for all intents and purposes.

At points, Derek Carr seemed to be surgically picking apart the Colts’ secondary, who was without Malik Hooker. Mike Mitchell also left the game with an apparent calf injury, which left the defensive backfield depleted.  Raiders back Doug Martin was also gashing the Indianapolis front seven at times, but the defense did a great job of adjusting and shutting down the run game in the second half.

The bottom line

The Indianapolis Colts picked up a big road win before their much needed bye week. The offense at full strength put up 461 yards and 42 points, which is a fantastic sign. The offensive line did a great job of opening up huge holes for Mack and company to run through, and for the most part kept Luck protected.

The defense was not perfect, but it did not need to be. They came up with big plays and helped the team pick up a much needed win. It will be nice to have Hooker back after the bye.

The Colts get a break next weekend, but it is back to business when the Jacksonville Jaguars come to town for a huge division game in two weeks. The Colts play four division foes in their next five games.

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Extra notes

Adam Vinatieri shattered Morten Anderson‘s long-standing all time record for most points scored in NFL history, when he drilled a 25-yard field goal late in the second quarter. That is a pretty huge deal.

Mo Alie-Cox made a ridiculous one-handed grab to give the Colts their first score of the game. Check it out:

The Indianapolis Colts are now two games back behind the division leaders, the Houston Texans, who are 5-3, and have won 5 straight.