Colts’ player of the game vs. Browns: WR Josh Downs

On Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts (3-4) hosted the Cleveland Browns (4-2) for an AFC matchup that had all the makings of a slugfest. As everyone drew it up, the Colts lost to the Browns, 39-38, in a wild, high-scoring, “nothing makes sense” affair.

It was another rough outing for quarterback Gardner Minshew in the turnover department. Minshew now has eight turnovers through two games. Opponents have turned those eight turnovers into 34 points.

Despite the sloppy play, wide receiver Josh Downs continues to impress. After a stellar showing in Week 5 that amounted to six receptions and 97 yards, Downs showed precisely why the Colts drafted him.

He earns this week’s Player of the Game honors after posting five receptions on six targets for 125 yards and a touchdown. That touchdown came on the first drive in which he got behind broken coverage a scored from 59 yards out.

59 yard stroll for @JoshDowns.

CBS

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— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 22, 2023

Downs has been doing these things back to training camp this summer. His ability to separate helps him tremendously, considering his physical size. And to the joy of the Colts, defenses continue to underestimate his abilities.

Invoking shades of a former smaller receiver (T.Y. Hilton), Downs is fun to watch.