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NFL Indianapolis Colts

5 Takeaways From Indianapolis Colts’ Week 9 Win

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5 Takeaways From Indianapolis Colts' Week 9 Win

Andrew Luck Indianapolis Colts
Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

A week ago, the Indianapolis Colts’ defense was manhandled by the Steelers’ offense in a performance that raised questions in Indianapolis. It was a different story against the New York Giants as the Colts’ defense shut down Eli Manning, while Andrew Luck continued to roll along with the offense. Here’s five takeaways from the Colts’ 40-24 landslide victory.

5. The New York Giants’ season is all but over

New York Giants
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

5. The New York Giants’ season is all but over

New York Giants
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Colts’ defense recovered from the failed effort against the Steelers, but the Giants’ receivers didn’t help their own cause by dropping passes all night long. There will be no miraculous run for the Giants this season.

4. Pressuring Andrew Luck is a risky move

Andrew Luck Indianapolis Colts
Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports

4. Pressuring Andrew Luck is a risky move

Andrew Luck Indianapolis Colts
Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports

You have to bring pressure to stop a potent passing attack, and it was clear that this was the Giants’ defensive game plan. The Giants continuously pressured Luck and were effective early, but eventually Luck made them pay by firing four touchdowns.

3. The Colts’ short passing game is their running game

Indianapolis Colts
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

3. The Colts’ short passing game is their running game

Indianapolis Colts
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants managed to shut down the Colts’ running game, but then again, the Colts rarely attempted to run in the first three quarters of the game. Luck distributed passes equally between receivers and running backs effectively, eliminating the need to rush the ball.

2. Adam Vinatieri is a first-ballot Hall-Of-Famer

Adam Vinatieri
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2. Adam Vinatieri is a first-ballot Hall-Of-Famer

Adam Vinatieri
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

At age 41, Vinatieri is in his 19th season and is perfect through nine games, having made 16-of-16 field goal attempts -- including 4-of-4 vs. the Giants.

1. Andrew Luck is the front-runner for NFL MVP

Andrew Luck Indianapolis Colts
Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports

1. Andrew Luck is the front-runner for NFL MVP

Andrew Luck Indianapolis Colts
Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports

Luck threw for 350 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions vs. Giants. Despite a slow start that can be attributed to a heavy pass rush by the Giants’ defense, there was no stopping Luck one he got rolling.

Paul Kakert is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @edpvideo, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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