Colts Shock Browns Defense in Eye-Opening Loss: Crunching Numbers

The Indianapolis Colts lost a high-scoring thriller, 39-38, to the Cleveland Browns, and there are plenty of statistical highlights to observe.

The Indianapolis Colts (3-4) and Cleveland Browns (5-2) put together a nominee for the NFL's game of the year on Sunday in a 39-38 thriller.

The Browns were the favorites for a low-scoring game coming in, but the teams (and the Colts) far exceeded expectations despite a controversial finish.

The following achievements were provided postgame by Colts Communications.

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Passing: QB Gardner Minshew | 305 yards

Rushing: RB Jonathan Taylor | 75 yards

Receiving: WR Josh Downs | 125 yards

Tackles: LB Zaire Franklin | 11

Sacks: CB Kenny Moore II | 1.5

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

Kicking: K Matt Gay | 1-of-2 field goals (50%), 5-of-5 extra points (100.0%)

Punting: P Rigoberto Sanchez | 5 punts, 52.0-yard average, 1 inside-20

Returns: Isaiah McKenzie | 2 kickoff returns, 19.0-yard avg.; Isaiah McKenzie | 4 punt returns, 9.5-yard avg.

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OFFENSE

© Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

• The Colts compiled single-game season highs in total net offensive yards (456) and points scored (38).
• The Colts' total net yards, points scored, passing yards (288), rushing yards (168), third-down conversions (7), third-down conversion percentage (46.7%), and time of possession (32:31) are all the most given up by the Browns defense in any game this season.
• Colts wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. (75) and Josh Downs (59) both had touchdown receptions of over 55 yards. It marks the first time two Colts receivers did so since Chester Rogers (61) and Donte Moncrief (60) in Week 10 of 2017.

Quarterback Gardner Minshew was 15-of-23 passing (65.2%) for 305 yards (13.3 YPA), 2 touchdowns, 1 interception, and a 119.4 passer rating. He also ran the ball 3 times for 29 yards (9.7 avg.) and 2 touchdowns.

• He is the first player in franchise history to register at least 2 passing touchdowns and 2 rushing touchdowns in the same game and is the second NFL player to do so this season (Lamar Jackson in Week 4).
• Minshew's 17-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter was the longest of his career and his first rushing touchdown since Week 16 of 2022.
• His 2 rushing touchdowns are tied for the most by a quarterback in a single game this season (Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, and Anthony Richardson).

Running back Jonathan Taylor had 18 carries for 75 yards (4.2 avg.) and 1 touchdown as well as 3 catches for 45 yards (15.0 avg.).

• Taylor passed Joseph Addai (4,756) for the third-most yards from scrimmage by a player in their first four seasons in franchise history.

Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. caught 2-of-5 targets for 83 yards (41.5 avg.), and 1 touchdown.

• He passed Nyheim Hines (52) for the seventh-longest streak with at least 1 reception in franchise history.
• Pittman's 75-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter was the longest of his career. 

Wide receiver Josh Downs caught 5-of-6 targets for 125 yards (25.0 avg.) and 1 touchdown.

• Downs' 59-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter was the longest reception by a Colts rookie since Donte Moncrief (79) in 2014.
• Downs is the first Colts rookie receiver to have a receiving touchdown in consecutive games since T.Y. Hilton (Weeks 11 and 12 of 2012).

DEFENSE

Mandatory Credit: Bob Scheer-USA TODAY Sports

Linebacker Zaire Franklin had 11 tackles and 1 QB hit.

• He leads the NFL in 10-plus tackle games this season with 6.

Cornerback Kenny Moore II had 10 tackles (3 for loss), 1.5 sacks, and 2 QB hits.

•  Since 2018, he leads all NFL cornerbacks in sacks (9.5). 

Safety Julian Blackmon had 5 tackles (2 for loss), 1 interception, and 2 pass breakups.

•  He tied his single-season career high in interceptions (2). 

SPECIAL TEAMS

Mandatory Credit: Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports

Punter Rigoberto Sanchez had 5 punts for a net average of 52.0 yards per punt, 1 inside the opponent's 20, and a long of 57 yards.

• He passed Chris Gardocki and David Lee (9) for the fourth-most games with a 50.0-plus punting average in franchise history.

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