Pierce, Pittman Shine in Win Over Raiders: Crunching Numbers

The Indianapolis Colts got a big win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, which was highlighted by some standout performances by the wide receivers, and more.

The Indianapolis Colts took a crucial step toward securing a playoff spot on Sunday with their 23-20 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

It took a total team effort for the Colts (9-7) to last 60 minutes and take out the Raiders (7-9), which was highlighted by some standout performances.

Along with the quarterbacks, the following achievements were provided postgame by 

Colts Communications.

STATISTICAL LEADERS

© Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Passing: QB Gardner Minshew | 224 yards

Rushing: RB Jonathan Taylor | 96 yards

Receiving: WR Alec Pierce | 58 yards

Tackles: LB E.J. Speed | 12

Sacks: DT DeForest Buckner, DE Tyquan Lewis | 1.0

Takeaways: None

Kicking: K Matt Gay | 3-of-3 field goals (100%), 2-of-2 extra points (100.0%)

Punting: P Rigoberto Sanchez | 3 punts, 49.7-yard average

Returns: None

What happens next for the Colts? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Colts news delivered to your inbox daily!

OFFENSE

Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

• The Colts scored on the opening drive for the second consecutive week, which is the first time they have done so since Weeks 8-9 of 2021.

Running back Jonathan Taylor had 21 carries for 96 yards (4.6 avg.) and 1 touchdown. He also had 1 reception for 8 yards.

• His rushing yards were a single-game season-high.
• He passed Edgerrin James (252) and Lenny Moore (252) for the fifth-most points by a Colts player in their first four seasons.

Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. caught 5-of-7 targets for 46 yards (9.2 avg.).

• He eclipsed 100 receptions for the season and established a new single-season career-high. He also became the fourth player in franchise history to catch 100 passes in a season, joining Dallas Clark, Marvin Harrison, and Reggie Wayne.
• Pittman Jr. set a new single-season career-high in receiving yards (1,108).
• He is the first Colts player to tally 100 receptions in a season since Wayne in 2012 (106).

Wide receiver Alec Pierce caught 1-of-1 target for 58 yards and 1 touchdown.

• His 58-yard reception was the longest of his career.

Wide receiver Josh Downs caught 2-of-2 targets for 53 yards (26.5 avg.).

• He passed Harrison (64 in 1996) and tied Bill Brooks (65 in 1986) for the most receptions by a Colts rookie. 

DEFENSE

Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Linebacker Zaire Franklin had 10 tackles and 1 pass breakup.

• He passed Mike Peterson (21) for the third-most 10-plus-tackle games in franchise history.
• Franklin surpassed his own franchise record (10 in 2022) for the most 10-plus-tackle games in a single season.
• Franklin also surpassed his own record (166 in 2022) for the most tackles in a single season in franchise history.

Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner had 4 tackles (1 for loss), 1.0 sack, and 3 QB hits

• He became one of three NFL players to register at least 7.0 sacks in each of the past six seasons (2018-23), joining Myles Garrett and Chris Jones.
• Buckner reached 60.0 career sacks.

Cornerback JuJu Brents had 6 tackles and 3 pass breakups

• His pass breakups were a new single-game career-high and are the most by a Colts player in a single game since Stephon Gilmore in Week 15 of 2022.

The Colts will now officially play for a spot in the postseason next Saturday, punching their ticket if they're able to take care of business against the visiting Houston Texans (9-7).

---

Follow Horseshoe Huddle on Facebook and Twitter.