After a week filled with pontification, the Indianapolis Colts took the field for the first time on Sunday under new head coach Jeff Saturday.
It wasn't a disaster. Far from it. The Colts — playing under a first-time head coach and a 30-year-old offensive coordinator who'd never called an NFL play — posted one of their best offensive efforts in a 25-20 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. They did so after a surprise pregame quarterback switch.
Saturday's first order of business on his first gameday was to reinstate Matt Ryan, who'd been benched by ousted coach Frank Reich in favor of Sam Ehlinger. Matt Ryan — written off as done after his benching, played well. Meanwhile, Jonathan Taylor posted his first 100-yard rushing effort since Week 1 and a beleaguered Colts offensive line allowed a single sack.
For all the heat targeting his deicision to hire a head coach who'd never worked a college or NFL sideline, Colts owner Jim Irsay has to feel good about the early returns. The Colts got on the board first on Sunday when Ryan capped a 70-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown sneak. They scored on three of their first five possessions and took a 13-7 lead into halftime. When they gave up the lead on a Josh Jacobs touchdown run, they answered with a 66-yard Taylor touchdown scamper to retake the lead, 19-14 in the third quarter.
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