by Cody Felger
The Indianapolis Colts (6-5) won their third straight game Sunday, defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7) at home.
The Colts jumped out to a 17-3 lead before Tampa Bay came storming back in the second half. The Colts ultimately closed the game out with a strip-sack under two minutes to secure the victory.
Here are the studs and duds from the Colts’ win in Week 12:
STUD: Running Game
The Colts had an effective day running the football as their running back duo rushed for 146 yards on 23 carries and two rushing touchdowns.
Jonathan Taylor led the way with 91 rushing yards on 15 carries and two rushing touchdowns. Zack Moss added 55 yards on the ground on eight carries.
The Colts began to rely on the duo in the second half and ultimately found success offensively as they balanced it out.
DUD: Run Defense
To put it simply, the Colts desperately miss Grover Stewart in the middle of their defense.
The Colts had another tough day on defense against the run, allowing Rashaad White and the 31st-ranked Tampa Bay rushing offense to eclipse the 100-yard mark on the day. White finished with 100 yards on 15 carries, averaging 6.7 yards per carry.
Fortunately for the Colts, Stewart only has one more game left of his six-game suspension and will be a very welcomed addition to the heart of the Indianapolis defense.
DUD: CB Jaylon Jones
Overall, it was a pretty forgettable day for rookie cornerback, Jaylon Jones, as he faced off against All-Pro wide receiver Mike Evans.
Evans finished the game with six catches for 70 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Whether it was simply getting outmuscled or miscommunication, it wasn’t the best day for the young defender.
Fortunately for Jones, he is still a rookie and has plenty of good play this season to warrant a bounce-back next week and undoubtedly gained valuable experience playing against one of the most consistent and best receivers in the NFL.
STUD: DE Samson Ebukam
Who is the most underrated defender on the Colts?
My answer: Samson Ebukam.
Ebukam came into the game as the team’s highest-graded defender with a PFF grade of 78.6 and was a force for Indianapolis against the Buccaneers.
Ebukam recorded four tackles, a tackle for loss and two sacks including the game-winning forced fumble for the Colts.
Ebukam is tied for second on the team with 6.0 sacks on the season and has consistently been one of the best defenders on the Indianapolis defense all season.
STUD: WR Michael Pittman Jr.
Pittman had a strong performance on Sunday, hauling in 107 yards on 10 catches.
The Colts targeted Pittman early and often in this game and he routinely delivered.
Pittman continues to be a model of consistency for the Indianapolis offense and is on pace for 117 catches and 1,211 receiving yards in 2023.
As consistent as he’s been, it’s beginning to become clear how much of a priority it is for Indianapolis to extend him in the offseason.
Originally posted on coltswire.usatoday.com