How loss to Rams proved to be a blessing in disguise for Colts

The Indianapolis Colts fell to 3-1 on the season via a brutal 27-20 loss at the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 28. 

Shortly after the Colts improved to 4-1 via a dominant 40-6 win over the Las Vegas Raiders (1-4) on Sunday, veteran Indianapolis linebacker Zaire Franklin spoke with Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated about how the Week 4 defeat could prove to be a positive for arguably the biggest surprise of the ongoing NFL season. 

How loss to Rams grew Colts' confidence

"In a weird way, it was a growth of confidence for us," Franklin explained. "We looked at L.A. as a test for us, sort of a measuring stick. That’s a team with a Hall of Famer at quarterback (Matthew Stafford), playmakers all across, offensively, defensively. After a performance like that, it gave us the confidence that we’re that team to beat, we are the test for those guys, as long as we play to the standard that we are capable of. I think [Sunday] we wanted to put that on tape — that we are a dominant team."

The Colts were their own worst enemy against the Rams. In the third quarter of that contest, Indianapolis wide receiver Adonai Mitchell turned a touchdown into a touchback when he lost control of the football right before he crossed the goal line. Later, the Colts had only 10 defenders on the field when Stafford connected with Tutu Atwell for what proved to be a game-winning 88-yard touchdown with 1:33 remaining in regulation. 

What Daniel Jones has offered Colts amid unexpected run

Colts quarterback Daniel Jones continued to look like one of the top acquisitions of the offseason when he completed 20-of-29 passes for 212 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions against the Raiders. Following the victory, Franklin spoke with Breer about what Jones has given the Colts since winning the starting job in August. 

"He’s the calm, steady person on offense," Franklin said. "He takes care of the ball. He’s tough. Like I said, L.A. gave him confidence. ...He’s shown he’s got that dog mentality and is ready to go to war with us."

According to Pro Football Reference, Jones ranks sixth in the NFL among qualified players with an 80.8 adjusted QBR, eighth with a 105.1 passer rating and third with 1,290 passing yards on the season. Over the campaign's first five weeks, he tallied six passing touchdowns and three rushing scores. 

Jones and Co. next welcome the Arizona Cardinals (2-3) to Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium this coming Sunday. As of Monday afternoon, ESPN BET had the Colts as 6.5-point favorites for that matchup.