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          Colts' Minshew has uneven game against Browns

          • Stephen Holder, ESPNOct 22, 2023, 05:40 PM
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              Stephen joined ESPN in 2022, covering the Indianapolis Colts and NFL at large. Stephen finished first place in column writing in the 2015 Indiana Associated Press Media Editors competition, and he is a previous top-10 winner in explanatory journalism in the Associated Press Sports Editors national contest. He has chronicled the NFL since 2005, covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005-2013 and the Colts since 2013. He has previously worked for the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, Indianapolis Star and The Athletic.

          INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Colts caught the Cleveland Browns sleeping early Sunday and woke up the Lucas Oil Stadium crowd with a huge play.

          Quarterback Gardner Minshew hit rookie receiver Josh Downs for a 59-yard touchdown when the Cleveland secondary appeared to hesitate following a pre-snap penalty flag being thrown. The penalty, an offside call against defensive end Myles Garrett, did not result in a whistle and the play was allowed to proceed.

          Minshew found Downs wide open down the right sideline while there appeared to be confusion between safety Grant Delpit and cornerback Denzel Ward. Downs was essentially uncovered and caught the ball in stride. Ward's last-ditch effort to catch him fell short as Downs crossed the goal line.

          Later, on a second-and-10 with 5:50 remaining in the game, Minshew found Michael Pittman Jr. on a crosser. Pittman caught the ball without breaking stride and saw two would-be tacklers bounce off of him en route to a 75-yard touchdown pass --- the longest reception of his career. The play gave the Colts a 38-33 lead after Matt Gay's extra point.

          Minshew finished with four touchdowns (2 passing, 2 rushing), but he also committed four turnovers (1 interception, 3 fumbles).