FILM ROOM: How Josh Downs changed the Colts’ entire passing attack

The Colts’ passing attack through the first three weeks was… strange?

Unlike most of the league, they had no problem generating explosive plays. But they struggled to sustain their attacks, balance time of possession and play with a lead. This leads to a lot of crazy games.

But in Week 4, we saw that Josh Downs had a real impact on this offense, making crucial plays on 9 targets to win the game. He shows he can be the great balancer for this 2024 Colts offense.

Steichen knows exactly where the bones are in this defense, as this is a prime example of good advance scouting, play design and play calling to allow your QB to finish easily.

The Colts start in the 4×1 and move to the 3×2 idle. To make the Steelers fit, take ILB Payton… pic.twitter.com/9PuJObxvf4

— Colts Film Room (@ColtsFilmRoom) September 30, 2024

Here’s the first goal of the game in a 2nd-and-9 scenario in the 1st quarter. The Colts move from 4×1 with JT as the single receiver to 3×2 (Empty). A good rule of thumb in this offense and many NFL offenses is to classify the man at second in empty formations as weak. They usually try to get him the ball.

I’ve explained this ad nauseum in my previous content, but for anyone new to the Colts Film Room, I’ll break it down for you. In 90% of NFL defenses, the nickel or slot corner is aligned on the passing strength side (most threat side of the formation). The reason for this is that your nickel is usually one of your best cover men and you want him where the eligible receivers are. You don’t want your ILB to ever have to cover a stud receiver.

Empty Formations uses this defense rule against them. In this clip, you can see Josh Downs on the passing side when deployed (aligned with Alec Pierce), as he should be. But because Josh Downs is on the weak side of the formation, the Steelers have to put him on a SAF or a LB. This is a win for the Colts.

pic.twitter.com/wGKPc7Ki1w

— TBSFilm (@TBS_Film) September 30, 2024

Here’s Josh Downs again at #2 Weak. This time they start with Josh Downs as the single receiver and the RB in the backfield, and Pittsburgh knows what’s coming. This is the third option the defense can use to defend this. Check whether M/M. But even then it still causes problems. First of all, you can’t hide it. All the corners are under pressure, man, and when you let a LB out to cover a RB, the whole building knows what the coverage is.

Secondly, according to the rule, the nickel still has to go into passing strength. Joey Porter Jr. is a great corner and this is undoubtedly tight coverage. But the Colts most likely Convert the typical options route to a single-stage slant or press route. Despite being a really good corner, the nickel usually has the best athletic profile and body type to cover a guy like Josh Downs. Josh wins in the one-step slant + precise ball placement from Joe Flacco = first down Colts.

pic.twitter.com/wGKPc7Ki1w

— TBSFilm (@TBS_Film) September 30, 2024

Late in the game (3rd and 7), the Steelers again see Josh Downs as the only receiver and an RB in the backfield. This time they say: Fuck it, we all know what’s coming. We will play 1-Robber and turn the safety down into the hole, but cheat on downs and have our corner play with strong outside leverage to create a natural bracket.

But Josh Downs is still able to jump the ball quicker, beat the corner outside, and then make one of the more acrobatic YAC plays you’ll see down the sideline.

With 9 targets and 8 catches, Josh Downs proved unstoppable in the middle of the field. He was too skilled, too fast and too smart to be one of the Steelers DBs. When scouts use the term “can win in a phone booth,” they are talking about Josh Downs and his style of play.

The Steelers did everything they could to adapt to this, but it didn’t work.

However, there is a caveat here: If it hasn’t already, the league has taken notice of Josh Downs and how dangerous his option routes can be. It will be interesting to see how the chess game develops throughout the season

More from The Blue Stable:

Joe Flacco steps in to help secure a crucial win against Pittsburgh to start the season