Oct. 21, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) drops back to pass as running back Delone Carter (34) blocks during their game against the Cleveland Browns in the second half. The Colts went on to win, 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-US PRESSWIRE.

Horseshoe Hero

Colts 17 - Browns 13

There was much to celebrate on Sunday afternoon in Indianapolis. In defeating the Cleveland Browns, the Colts earned their third win of the season, topping their win record from all of last year (2-14) just six games into the season. Moreover, with a .500 record of 3-3, the Colts now rank second in the AFC South behind only the 6-1 Texans. Perhaps most importantly, the team put on another display of #Chuckstrong magic for their ailing leader Chuck Pagano, who is still absent from the sidelines while receiving treatment for leukemia. There was success on all sides of the ball, and, consequently, there were numerous Horseshoe Heroes.

Offense

Who says the Colts don’t have a running game? The team’s only two touchdown scores were both earned on the ground, but they came from a somewhat surprising source: rookie quarterback Andrew Luck. Luck showed he, like fellow first-round choice Robert Griffin III of the Washington Redskins, has some wheels on him, outrunning defenseman like a regular running back. In fact, Luck currently has the same number of rushing touchdowns (3) as star running back Adrian Peterson. He has more than Chris Johnson (2), Maurice Jones-Drew (1), and Matt Forte (1). Wow! And although Luck didn’t record a touchdown pass on the day, on his first scoring drive he was a perfect 4-4 for 67 yards. Now that’s what I call a duel-threat.

Luck wasn’t the only rookie Colt who impressed on the ground, however. With starting back Donald Brown still out with an injury, 5th-round draft choice Vick Ballard has had to rise to the occasion to take over his load, sharing time on the ground with 2011 draftee Delone Carter. On Sunday, Ballard showed that he is improving. He doubled his production from last week, rushing for 84 yards on 20 carries, including an impressive 26-yard run. Last week Ballard ran for just 42 yards on 10 carries.

On the receiving end, Reggie Wayne once again led the way. He led the team in both receptions (6) and yards (73). But what else is new? He also brought back his now famous orange gloves from the Colts’ memorable win against Green Bay. Are they perhaps a good luck charm? It’ll be interesting to see whether Wayne wears them next week at LP Field when the Colts travel to Tennessee.

Defense

He’s back! He’s back! The defense was immensely improved on Sunday with the addition of Pat Angerer. Angerer, who missed the first five games of the season while nursing a broken foot, was the star of the Colts last year, leading the team and ranking 4th in the entire league in tackles (146). His presence alone allows the Colts to have many more options at the linebacker position. Angerer recorded 2 solo tackles and 1 assist in his return, but those numbers should only go up as he gets more practice and game time.

Antoine Bethea led the team in tackles on Sunday, with 4 solo and 2 assists.

Special Teams

The Browns came within 1 point of the Colts in the third quarter, but Adam Vinatieri let them get no closer. He put the game away with his 38-yard field goal, his only attempt of the afternoon. He also successfully converted both of his extra point attempts, unlike the Browns, who botched their first extra point attempt in the second quarter.

The Colts will attempt to get their first win streak going of the season when they hit the road to take on division rival Tennessee next Sunday. Be sure to check back then for the results and my game review.

Stay CHUCKSTRONG, Colts fans!

In my preview article, (“Indianapolis Colts Prepare for Cleveland Browns”) I mentioned that this game could possibly be a high-scoring barn burner, or a sloppy mess. The Colts and Browns have both been hot and cold during this season so far. At the end of the day, this game was a little bit smooth, but a whole lot of sloppy.

Both teams came out swinging on offense in the first half, with the Colts leading the Browns 14-6. In the second half of the game, mistakes and needless penalties changed the focus and slowed the pace. Only 10 total points were scored by both teams after halftime. The Colts held tight in a sloppy second half, but may have been in trouble, if a few plays had gone the other way.

This game truly came down to the final seconds, with Cleveland having to make a last-ditch effort at the end to attempt a winning score. Neither team looked polished, but the Colts pushed on regardless. Indianapolis won the game 17-13, and in the end, the Browns were the Browns.

Cleveland muffed an extra point after their first touchdown, and suffered a 3rd-and-1 dropped pass on a deep play attempt that may have won the game. The decisions of both plays will be called into question over and over. If the calls are complete, then they are the work of genius. If the calls come short, then they are considered foolish. Either way, the Colts held on to defeat a team who was quite similar and evenly matched to them. Both teams will have a lot to work on, but they can still put on a show.

Two rookie quarterbacks will be the main focal point of this game. Although the browns spent the third overall pick in the draft of running back Trent Richardson, the main spotlight will be on rookie quarterback, Brandon Weeden. Wedden and Colts’ rookie quarterback, Andrew Luck, will both have to show their skills and poise, in a game that could very well be pretty sloppy on both sides of the ball. Both quarterbacks will get their opportunities against suspect defenses. Execution and concentration will be key in this match-up of two inexperienced offenses.

Richardson has injured ribs, but is expected to play while wearing a flack jacket under his pads for protection. If the rookie running back can play through the pain, he could possibly have one of his biggest games of the season, against a Colts team that is giving up over 150 rushing yards a game. The Colts run defense is currently ranked 29th in the league.

It’s tough to say whether this game is going to be a slug-fest, or a sloppy mess. The truth is, it’s hard to expect what we will see from either team. These two teams are more similar than just their records indicate. One way or another, the game could be there for the taking, and might end up being decided by which team has the ball last. Both the Browns and the Colts desperately need a win, and desperation is usually good motivation.

Prediction – Colts 30, Browns 27 OT