Ravens vs. Colts: Twitter Reactions and Full Post-Game Quotes

The Indianapolis Colts winning streak hit three with a 20-13 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, as Andrew Luck threw for 312 yards, threw a touchdown and ran for second touchdown. The defense was an even bigger key for the Colts, as the unit missing three starters held an explosive Baltimore offense to just 13 points. 

The Colts got a late stand from the defense to preserve the win, after two fourth-quarter drives from the offense used up most of the quarter. It was a strange game, filled with odd turnovers, poor refereeing and an odd flow, but it was a win for Indianapolis nonetheless.

It was easily the Colts' best win so far this season, and it was a fantastic litmus test as to the Colts' standing in the AFC. 

The Colts defense was the story of the game, as it shut down a previously explosive Ravens passing offense. Vontae Davis, Greg Toler and Darius Butler all had fantastic games, holding the Ravens wide receivers to nine catches and 102 yards. Steve Smith was averaging over 106 yards per game by himself prior to this game. 

The pass rush was the best it's looked all season, as the Colts sacked Joe Flacco four times. Flacco was sacked just three times in the previous four games. Cory Redding collapsing the pocket early in the game set the tone, and Flacco looked uncomfortable handling the Colts' blitzes all day after that. 

The young players the Colts needed to step up on defense did on Sunday, led by second-year outside linebacker Bjoern Werner. Werner wasn't dominant by any means, but he was effective as a pass-rusher and took advantage of some collapsed pockets. 

Then there was safety Sergio Brown, who is replacing LaRon Landry in the starting lineup. Brown had three tackles, including one impressive one in the open field to prevent a first down and a sack while looking good in coverage. The communication in the secondary was impressive throughout the day as the Colts corralled Flacco. 

Finally, there was Davis, who continued his phenomenal start to the season with an interception and a pass defense, bottling up Steve Smith all day. 

The Colts offense was without rhythm for much of the day, as the Ravens' varied defensive looks seemed to confuse Luck occasionally. But in the fourth quarter, Luck led a brilliant touchdown drive to go up by two scores, capped by his 13-yard rushing touchdown. He followed it up with some phenomenal throws on the Colts' final drive which went 74 yards and used up 5:14 before an Ahmad Bradshaw fumble gave the Ravens one last chance. 

Luck didn't have a Pro Bowl-type day overall, but he did what the great quarterbacks do: figure it out in time to ice the game. The defense powered this win, but Luck and the offense sealed the win. 

The Colts' coaches continued a strong three-week stretch with an exceptional, aggressive game plan against the Ravens. Chuck Pagano continued his gambling ways early with another attempt at a fourth down conversion on the Ravens' 20, and while the attempt didn't work, it was the right call. 

Greg Manusky deserves a medal for this game, as his blitzes were well-timed and schemed throughout the day. Flacco was never comfortable, and while Redding and Werner had something to do with that, it was moreso because of the effectiveness of the blitzes. 

And, of course, there's Pep Hamilton. The Colts offense wasn't the sharpest on Sunday, but it wasn't because of play-calling, only execution held the Colts back. The Colts kicked two field goals after reaching the red zone and turned it over twice there as well. This game could have been a blow out, but some offensive miscues, including fumbles, forced passes and silly penalties, took two or three touchdowns off the board. Hamilton has shifted his offensive focus over the last three weeks, and it's been very successful. 

The Colts are an AFC contending team right now, and the play of Davis has been a big part of the defense's success over the last three weeks. There are still holes, but the Colts have a legitimate stud at cornerback in Davis. 

The decision to not start A.Q. Shipley at center was odd from Pagano, even if the Colts still won. Shipley had been playing well to start the season, and there were some clear rusty spots for Jonotthan Harrison, including false starts, bad snaps and inconsistent blocking. While the Colts still won, Harrison's insertion did cause problems for the Colts offense, and the coaches deserve questioning for it. 

But, after a win over an AFC playoff contender, it's just nitpicking. This was a very good win for Indianapolis, which hurt itself with unforced errors throughout the day but still managed a convincing win over the Ravens. 

In a weak AFC, the Colts will contend. If they're firing on all cylinders, they'll do even more than that.