Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL power rankings: 49ers stay even, Patriots fall entering Week 3

By Peter Panacy

JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots walks off the field during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on September 16, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots walks off the field during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on September 16, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 16: T.Y. Hilton #13 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after catching fourth quarter touchdown against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on September 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 16: T.Y. Hilton #13 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after catching fourth quarter touchdown against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on September 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

team. 46. . W, 21-9 @ Redskins. Previous: . Indianapolis Colts. 28

Who would have thought the Indianapolis Colts, not quarterback Andrew Luck and the offense, would be the primary reason behind head coach Frank Reich’s first win of his career — a 21-9 road win over the Washington Redskins?

Luck wasn’t perfect, tossing two touchdowns but against two interceptions for a passer rating of 77.2. And while wide receiver T.Y. Hilton was a major factor, Indy’s defense proved to be the difference maker.

Consider this — the Colts held Washington running back Adrian Peterson, who dominated the Cardinals in Week 1, to just 20 yards rushing on 11 attempts. And holding the Redskins to a 0-of-2 mark in the red zone was critical too.

The Colts have a long way to go, but this victory is a key step in the right direction.