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Matt Ryan returns, and Jeff Saturday's Colts look competent in win over Raiders

By Jason Owens, Yahoo Sports

NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Las Vegas Raiders Nov 13, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Jeff Saturday reacts with offensive tackle Braden Smith (72) running back Jonathan Taylor (28) and running back Jordan Wilkins (29) following the touchdown scored by quarterback Matt Ryan (2) against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports - 19428439

By Jason Owens, Yahoo Sports

After a week filled with pontification, the Indianapolis Colts took the field for the first time on Sunday under new head coach Jeff Saturday.

It wasn't a disaster. Far from it. The Colts — playing under a first-time head coach and a 30-year-old offensive coordinator who'd never called an NFL play — posted one of their best offensive efforts in a 25-20 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. They did so after a surprise pregame quarterback switch.

Saturday's first order of business on his first gameday was to reinstate Matt Ryan, who'd been benched by ousted coach Frank Reich in favor of Sam Ehlinger. Matt Ryan — written off as done after his benching, played well. Meanwhile, Jonathan Taylor posted his first 100-yard rushing effort since Week 1 and a beleaguered Colts offensive line allowed a single sack.

For all the heat targeting his deicision to hire a head coach who'd never worked a college or NFL sideline, Colts owner Jim Irsay has to feel good about the early returns.

The Colts got on the board first on Sunday when Ryan capped a 70-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown sneak. They scored on three of their first five possessions and took a 13-7 lead into halftime. When they gave up the lead on a Josh Jacobs touchdown run, they answered with a 66-yard Taylor touchdown scamper to retake the lead, 19-14 in the third quarter.

The Raiders again took the lead on a Davante Adams touchdown from Derek Carr. When the Colts got the ball back, the unthinkable happen. Ryan set up the go-ahead and game-winning touchdown — with his feet. Facing third-and-3 on a critical fourth-quarter play, Ryan escaped pressure and rumbled down the right sideline for 39 yards. The run was a career long for the 15th-year NFL veteran who averages 3 yards per carry for his career.

The run set up a 35-yard touchdown pass to Parris Campbell, and the Colts took the lead for good.

The Raiders failed to find the end zone on their final drive, and Saturday walks away from his NFL debut with a 1-0 record.

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