Andrew Luck picked apart a punchless Kansas City Chiefs defense as the Indianapolis Colts scored 23 unanswered points and romped their way to a 23-7 road victory at Arrowhead Stadium.
With the win, Indianapolis can potentially earn a first-round bye. The AFC South champion can earn the No. 2 seed if they win Week 17 and the Baltimore Ravens win out.
Here is what else we learned:
- Offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton allowed Luck to air the ball out early. Luck attempted 37 passes, completing 26. At one point in a pivotal second quarter, Luck attempted 10 consecutive passes. The Colts' offense is much more fluid when it isn't bogged down by a soggy running game.
- We spent the last week praising Alex Smith's new-found confidence to extend the field. Sunday he reverted to throwing field darts. Smith was highly ineffective, going 16-of-29 passing with two interceptions and a fumble. The Chiefs' offense was frustratingly so bad that boos rained down in the second half from the Arrowhead faithful.
- The first time the Chiefs entered the red zone was almost midway through the fourth quarter. Smith promptly threw a terrible pick.
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- When Smith tried to go deep, his offensive line gave him zero time. The Colts had four sacks and Robert Mathis knocked Smith's arm forcing one of the interceptions.
- Donald Brown -- after missing most of last week due to injury -- once again proved he's the Colts' best playmaker in the backfield. He had a 33-yard touchdown catch on a great play design, as well as a 51-yard touchdown gallop. The TD run was the Colts' best of the season.
- Outside of garbage time, Andrew Luck should spike the ball in protest every time Hamilton calls a run play with Trent Richardson.
- Luck is doing his best Peyton Manning impression, making borderline NFL receivers look good. Griff Whalen -- on the practice squad three weeks ago -- had seven catches for 80 yards.
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