Colts Get Ugly Win Against Patriots in Germany: Crunching Numbers

The Indianapolis Colts escaped Week 10 with a narrow victory over the New England Patriots along with some interesting metrics.

The Indianapolis Colts notched their fifth victory of the year against the New England Patriots to get to 5-5 going into their bye week. While it was a less-than-stellar offensive performance, the Colts' defense stood tall and brought the pressure to Mac Jones, helping get Shane Steichen back to a .500 record.

With this in mind, let’s get into some interesting numbers from the game provided postgame by Colts Communications.

STATISTICAL LEADERS

© Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Passing: QB Gardner Minshew | 194 yards

Rushing: RB Jonathan Taylor | 69 yards

Receiving: WR Michael Pittman Jr. | 84 yards

Tackles: LB Zaire Franklin | 15

Sacks: DE Dayo Odeyingbo | 3

Takeaways: S Julian Blackmon, S Rodney Thomas II | 1 interception

Kicking: K Matt Gay | 1-of-2 field goals (50%), 1-of-1 extra points (100.0%)

Punting: P Rigoberto Sanchez | 5 punts, 44.8-yard average, 4 inside-20

Returns: Isaiah McKenzie | 1 kickoff return, 42 yards; Isaiah McKenzie | 1 punt return for 11 yards.

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

© Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback Gardner Minshew II completed 18-of-28 passes (64.3%) for 194 yards with 1 interception.

Running back Jonathan Taylor led the team in rushing with a single-game season-high 23 carries for 69 yards (3.0 avg) and 1 touchdown as well as 1 reception for 6 yards (6.0 avg)

• Taylor passed Joseph Addai (34) for the second-most rushing touchdowns by a Colts player in their first four seasons.

Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. led the team in receptions (8) and receiving yards (84). 

• He passed Reggie Wayne (3,109) for the fourth-most receiving yards by a Colts player in their first four seasons.
• It marked his seventh game this season with at least 8 receptions, which ties Marvin Harrison (7 in 2001) for the second-most such games in single-season history.

DEFENSE

© Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis held New England to only 6 points, which is a single-game season-best by the Colts defense and their fewest points allowed since Week 13 of 2021 at Houston (0).

The Colts registered 5.0 sacks in the first half, which is their most in the opening half since Week 13 of 2019 vs. Tennessee. It also marks the third time since 2000 that Indianapolis has accomplished that feat.

Defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo registered 4 solo tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. 

• He set a single-game career-high in sacks and is the second player to record at least 3.0 sacks in an international game (Josh Allen in Week 4 of 2023).
• Odeyingbo is the first Colts player to tally 3.0 sacks in the first half since Dwight Freeney in Week 3 of 2005 vs. Cleveland.
• He is the first Colts player to have 3.0 sacks in a game since DeForest Buckner in Week 15 of 2020 vs. Houston.

Linebacker Zaire Franklin led the team in tackles (15) and solo tackles (12) and also added a forced fumble. 

• He passed Jerrell Freeman (18) for the fourth-most 10-plus tackle games in team history.
• It marked his third game this season with at least 15 tackles, which is the most by an NFL player in 2023.

Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner tallied 8 tackles (4 solo) and 1.0 tackle for loss

SPECIAL TEAMS

© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Kicker Matt Gay converted 1-of-2 field goals and 1 extra point for 4 total points.

• He converted a 51-yard field goal in the fourth quarter and tied Adam Vinatieri (7 in 2016) for the second-most 50-plus-yard field goals made in single-season franchise history.

Punter Rigoberto Sanchez had 5 punts for 224 yards (44.8 avg./44.8 net avg.) with 4 pinned inside the 20-yard line.

• His 4 punts downed inside the 20-yard line are the most by a Colts player since he did it in Week 7 of 2017 vs. Jacksonville.

Wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie recorded 1 kickoff return for 42 yards as well as 1 punt return for 11 yards.

• His 42-yard kickoff return was the longest by the Colts this season.

---

Follow Horseshoe Huddle on Facebook and X, and subscribe on YouTube for multiple Colts live-stream podcasts per week.