INDIANAPOLIS – Even the guys up front earned some recognition after the Colts' most impressive offensive performance of 2016.
Following the 41-10 victory over the Jets, ESPN color announcer Jon Gruden gave his “Gruden Grinder” award to rookie offensive lineman Joe Haeg.
Playing both right guard and right tackle on Monday, Haeg represented one of the better outings we've seen from the offensive line this season.
Andrew Luck was sacked a season-low one time.
In the run game, the Colts ran 40 times for 139 yards. The 139 yards were the second most rushing yards the Jets have given up in 2016. The Jets came into Week 13 ranked third against the run.
Haeg's presence has been a mainstay in the starting lineup since returning to full health after the preseason.
The 2016 fifth-round pick from North Dakota State has started at three different positions already as a rookie.
When the line is completely healthy, right tackle is the home for Haeg.
But on Monday, with Denzelle Good leaving the game after halftime, Haeg moved inside to right guard to play 37 snaps. Haeg played 36 snaps at right tackle in the first half.
The 41-10 win over the Jets included tremendous efforts out of Andrew Luck, T.Y. Hilton and Dwayne Allen.
But it was Haeg and the line's effort that allowed for 11 of the team's 12 offensive drives to pass midfield and result in 41 points.
