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Colts' defense shuts down Dolphins stars in 16-10 win: Key takeaways

20 October 2024Last Update :
Colts' defense shuts down Dolphins stars in 16-10 win: Key takeaways

NFL Week 7 live updates: Patriots-Jaguars from Wembley, Haason Reddick holdout ends, league schedule, predictions, odds

It wasn’t pretty, but the Indianapolis Colts notched their fourth win of the season Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, 16-10, to improve their record to 4-3. Miami, meanwhile, fell to 2-4 as all eyes turn toward the potential return of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in Week 8.

It took a Dolphins’ 54-yard field goal attempt doinking off the left upright with just over five minutes to play, but the Colts’ defense mounted a second-half shutout to secure the come-from-behind victory. Miami outgained Indy in total yards, 337 to 284, but over half of the damage came via the ground game.

Most importantly, the Colts held the Dolphins’ dynamic receiving duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to two catches for 19 yards on four targets. Only three Miami wide receivers caught a pass Sunday.

Anthony Richardson’s return

The return wasn’t pretty.

Richardson, back from a two-game absence due to a right oblique injury, struggled Sunday against the Dolphins. The Colts’ second-year QB started the game with four straight incompletions, including errant throws to tight end Drew Ogletree and wide receiver Alec Pierce. He finished 10-of-24 passing for 129 yards and lost a fumble.

Trailing 10-3 in the third quarter, it wasn’t until Colts linebacker Segun Olubi forced and recovered a fumble that Indianapolis’ offense showed a bit of life. Taking over at Miami’s 28-yard line, the Colts needed just four plays to punch into the end zone.

Richardson got the drive started with a 12-yard run, and backup running back Tyler Goodson capped the possession with a 7-yard TD run, which marked the first touchdown of his career.

Colts kicker Matt Gay drilled a 22-yard field goal in the fourth quarter that put the Colts ahead for good.

Richardson is now 5-4 as a starter in the NFL. It’s also worth noting that he finished Sunday’s game under his own power considering that he was unable to complete four of his first eight starts due to injury. — James Boyd, Colts beat writer

Colts defense makes key plays

After Olubi jumpstarted the Colts in the third quarter, his teammates followed suit. Rookie defensive end Laiatu Latu sacked Dolphins QB Tyler Huntley later in the period, marking the team’s first team’s first sack since Week 4. Linebacker Zaire Franklin chipped in by forcing another forced fumble at the Colts’ 13-yard line that teammate Taven Bryan recovered to deny the Dolphins any points in the red zone.

Hill, whom Franklin recently called the best player in the NFL, finished with a single catch for eight yards and just two targets. — Boyd

Dolphins QB Tyler Huntley leaves with injury

At quarterback, the Dolphins were still without Tagovailoa, whom The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported could return from his concussion next week. Huntley started in place of Tagovailoa for the second straight game, and he threw his first TD pass of the season to tight end Jonnu Smith on a 10-yard reception in the first quarter.

However, Huntley left the game in the third quarter due to a right shoulder injury and was unable to return. He was 7-of-13 passing for 87 yards. Tim Boyle replaced Huntley under center and completed eight of his 13 passes for 74 yards. The Dolphins’ third-stringer was unable to lead the Dolphins on a game-winning drive, with his final throw sailing out of bounds.

Miami’s speedy running back De’Von Achane returned from a concussion and totaled 15 carries for 77 yards (5.1 yards per carry). Raheem Mostert added 11 carries for 50 yards. — Boyd

Honoring Dallas Clark

Former Colts tight end Dallas Clark joined the franchise’s Ring of Honor at halftime Sunday. Indianapolis drafted Clark with the No. 24 pick in 2003, and he spent nine seasons with the team. Clark helped the Colts win the Super Bowl during the 2006 season, and he was named a first-team All-Pro in 2009.

One of Peyton Manning’s favorite targets, Clark is just one of four players in Colts history to record 100 catches and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season. The other three are Marvin Harrison Sr., Reggie Wayne and Michael Pittman Jr. — Boyd

Required reading

  • Tua Tagovailoa expected to practice Wednesday, targeting Week 8 return: Source
  • Anthony Richardson can’t be Colts’ future until he’s consistently present
  • Maligned Colts defense nearly broke vs. Titans, but bounced back with resilient finish

(Photo: Justin Casterline / Getty Images)

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