3 Good, 3 Bad from Colts' 39-38 Loss to Browns

The Indianapolis Colts lost a 39-38 thriller to the Cleveland Browns. Here are three good and three bad takeaways from the game.

The Indianapolis Colts have fallen to 3-4 on the year after a narrow, 39-38 loss at home to the Cleveland Browns.

Let’s dive into three of the good and bad from the fantastic finish to the afternoon game for the Colts in Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Good – QB Gardner Minshew

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On the day, Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew played great. He accounted for 4 total touchdowns (2 passing and 2 rushing) and tacked on 305 passing yards on 15-of-23 completions, along with an interception and 3 lost fumbles.

Minshew hit six different receivers in a game plan that featured more rushing plays for Indy (40) than passing (23) by almost double. Still, Minshew found ways to get the ball to multiple pass-catchers against a Browns defense that was the top in several categories walking into the contest.

The Bad – Gardner Minshew’s Turnovers

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Even though Minshew had the aforementioned passing numbers and scores, he also contributed to a brutal 4 turnovers.

This is coming off of Minshew’s awful showing against his former team last week. In the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Minshew contributed the same amount of turnovers (4), but in reverse (3 interceptions, 1 fumble lost).

In the last two contests, Minshew has 8 total turnovers that have helped lead to losing efforts for the Colts. This cannot continue if Indianapolis wants to win.

Look for the Colts to address the high quantity of turnovers as they prepare to face the New Orleans Saints next Sunday afternoon.

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The Good – Zack Moss and Jonathan Taylor

Mandatory Credit: Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports

The Colts had their running back duo operating on all cylinders. Moss and Taylor each contributed heavily to the Colts’ offensive game plan.

Below are the numbers from each on the day:

• Jonathan Taylor: 18 carries; 75 rushing yards (4.2 avg); 1 TD
• Zack Moss: 18 carries; 57 rushing yards (3.2 avg); Long gain of 21 yards

This is an indication that the Colts are moving toward the dual approach for the ground attack.

Moss' 3.2 yards per carry average may not be a great indicator, but he was as physical against the Browns' defenders, often powering through contact for additional gains.

Moss also had a catch for 5 yards, and Taylor added 3 receptions for 45 yards on the day.

The Bad – Containing DE Myles Garrett

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It is always simple for offenses facing Cleveland, the number one priority is to find number 95. Well, the Colts often found Garrett making plays in the Colts' offensive backfield.

On the day, Garrett compiled a ridiculous stat line. He had 9 tackles (1 for loss), 2 sacks, 2 QB hits, 2 forced fumbles, 1 pass defensed, and 1 blocked field gol.

As the metrics show, Garrett was a monster to handle for the Colts.

This was the top priority for Steichen to address coming into the game. That Garrett still played this well shows how dominant he can be against any offense in the NFL.

The Good – The Colts WRs

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Wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce showed their promise and talent against the Browns’ secondary.

Below are the receiving marks from the Colts top trifecta of pass-catchers:

• Josh Downs: 5 receptions; 125 receiving yards (25.0 avg); 1 TD
• Alec Pierce: 3 receptions; 53 receiving yards (17.7 avg); Long gain of 32 yards
• Michael Pittman Jr: 2 receptions; 83 receiving yards (41.5 avg); 1 TD

Altogether for the afternoon, the trio would account for 10 of Minshew’s 15 completions. 

The Bad – Stopping the Browns Rushing Attack

Mandatory Credit: Bob Scheer-USA TODAY Sports

While neither running back erupted for the Browns, they pushed the Colts' defense by hitting them with a two-headed approach. Both Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt contributed to the Browns' offensive approach.

Below are the ground numbers from the one-two punch for Cleveland:

• Jerome Ford: 11 carries; 74 rushing yards (6.7 avg); 1 TD
• Kareem Hunt: 10 carries; 31 rushing yards (3.1 avg); 2 TD

Cleveland didn't throw a single touchdown on the day. Instead, they tallied a total of 150 rushing yards and 3 scores. The Colts missed defensive tackle Grover Stewart a lot in this one. Some of the biggest ground plays Browns came through the hole vacated by Stewart. 

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