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Bears at Colts: 3 things we learned

By Russell S. Baxter

Oct 9, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) runs against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) runs against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Indianapolis Colts raised their record to 2-3 with a win over the Chicago Bears. Here are three takeaways from that contest.

Chuck Pagano’s Indianapolis Colts gave up 522 total yards. Quarterback Andrew Luck was sacked five times and the ground game gained only 98 yards. And still the team came away with a 29-23 win over the visiting Chicago Bears.

The good news is that the Houston Texans were pushed around in Minnesota on Sunday. That means the 2-3 Colts could forge a first-place tie with their AFC South leaders with a win next Sunday night.

As for the victory over Chicago, what did we learn about both the Colts and Bears this weekend?

1. Alive and kicking

Adam Vinatieri is in his 21st NFL season and has never looked better in terms of performance. He’s already scores 51 points this year in five games. He’s not only connected on all 10 of his PAT tries, he’s a perfect 13-of-13 when it comes to field goal attempts. On Sunday against the Chicago Bears, he connected from 54 and 53 yards out – making him 5-for-5 from 50-plus yards this season.

2. Colts line play an issue on both sides

Indianapolis actually topped its season average when it came to rushing yards against the Bears. Led by Frank Gore (75), the Colts ran 21 times for 98 yards – 10 more yards per game than they averaged during their first four games this season. But the team also surrendered five more sacks, meaning Andrew Luck has been dropped 20 times in five contests.

On the other side of the ball, Chicago rushed for 125 yards and the Colts’ defense never sacked quarterback Andrew Luck. Yes, Pagano’s team won the game but they had better do better in both departments if they’re going to make any headway this year.

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3. Jay Cutler may not get his job back

We barely got to see the 11-year veteran passer this year as he was injured in the Week 2 Monday night loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

We may not see him again. The brief 2016 resume includes one touchdown pass and three turnovers while Cutler was sacked eight times.

On the other hand, Brian Hoyer has yet to throw an interception in three-plus game and has already thrown for 1,094 yards and six scores. He has fumbled twice (losing one) but he’s also absorbed only three sacks and has done a good job of getting rid of the football.

John Fox has an interesting decision coming up down the road.

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