The Indianapolis Colts are off to a surprising start, beginning their season 2-0 for the first time since 2009. This is a monumental feat, especially considering the franchise’s struggles in recent years. Andrew Luck, a former star quarterback for the team, never managed to accomplish this during his tenure. Now, with Daniel Jones under center, the Colts have ushered in a new era of unexpected victories, leaving fans hopeful—albeit a bit cautious. It’s a sentiment echoed by many: after just two games, optimism starts creeping back, but so does the fear of potential heartbreak.
MVP of the Game: Spencer Shrader / Jonathan Taylor
If you tuned into the game, you likely heard the commentators jokingly trying to jinx Spencer Shrader, who continues to showcase remarkable consistency. His perfect record in the NFL remains intact, and though he missed a challenging 60-yarder, circumstances provided him a second chance when the Broncos were flagged for leverage. From 45 yards, he nailed that kick, proving he doesn’t crumble under pressure. By the end of the game, he had converted all five of his field goals and two extra points. The Colts’ offense has been prolific, but their struggles to convert yardage into touchdowns have left Shrader with ample opportunities to shine.
However, it’s hard to overlook Jonathan Taylor’s impactful performance that complemented Shrader’s heroics. Taylor delivered a nostalgic display of his talent, amassing over 200 all-purpose yards and scoring a touchdown—a redemption after a prior drop last season. The duo made a compelling case as MVPs of the game.
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Dud of the Game (The Grigsy): Xavien Howard
Defensive back Xavien Howard faced an uphill battle, being out of play for over a year only to be thrown into the starting lineup due to injuries plaguing his teammates, Charvarius Ward and Jaylon Jones. The Broncos quickly exploited this, targeting him repeatedly and drawing several flags. As the game progressed, Howard did manage to regain his composure—a natural outcome after such a lengthy absence. With Ward projected to return next week, the competition for the second cornerback spot will heat up between Howard and Blackmon, leaving many intrigued about the upcoming matchups.
Best Play of the Game: Camryn Bynum’s Interception (and Celebration)
Two games, two interceptions—that’s the impressive tally for new Colts safety Camryn Bynum, who has made an instant impact in the secondary. His latest pick couldn’t have come at a better moment, serving as a major turning point in a tightly contested match. The exuberant celebration that followed his interception only added to the excitement, showcasing his passion and enthusiasm. The turnover not only shifted momentum but also denied the Broncos a chance to attempt a field goal, emphasizing the importance of defensive plays in such close games.
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Worst Play of the Game: Two Inside Zone Runs on the Brink of Field Goal Range
Fans were left scratching their heads, and some even screaming at their televisions when the Colts opted for consecutive inside zone runs while on the brink of field goal range. On a crucial 1st and 10 at the Broncos’ 43-yard line, the Colts decided to run three consecutive inside zones, gaining minimal yards with each attempt. Considering Spencer Shrader’s limited history with successful kicks beyond 50 yards, the decision to rely on him for a long field goal to win the game felt questionable at best. Thankfully, a lucky penalty gave Shrader another opportunity, and he delivered—but one can’t help but wonder about the play-calling strategy in such critical moments.
Best Position Group: Special Teams
When looking for standout performances, it was tough to pinpoint a single position group, yet special teams emerged as the unsung heroes. Believe it or not, the Colts have not had to punt in their first two games—a bizarre and incredible stat for this franchise. If someone had predicted that this would happen prior to Week 1, most might think it was due to a slew of turnovers. Yet here we are, witnessing an effective special teams unit that has managed to impact every game positively.
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Rookie of the Week: Tyler Warren
Amidst the rookie roster, Tyler Warren stands out, especially after J.T. Tuimoloau’s limited snaps left the door open for him to shine. Warren led the Colts in receiving yards this game, including a remarkable 41-yard catch that showcased his potential. While the coaching staff is clearly easing Tuimoloau into action, Warren’s performance secures him this week’s spotlight and cements his place in the conversation.
Unsung Hero: Josh Downs / Alec Pierce
Even though Josh Downs and Alec Pierce experienced limited targets in the first week, they rebounded energetically this time, becoming key components of the passing game. The target share balanced itself out, featuring both receivers prominently. Pierce showcased his deep-threat capability with a 44-yard reception, which could have easily resulted in a touchdown had Daniel Jones’s throw been a bit more on point. Meanwhile, Downs quietly accumulated six catches for 51 yards, demonstrating his reliability when the Colts need crucial first downs. Their versatility and contributions can’t go unnoticed, and they are definitely players to keep an eye on moving forward.