INDIANAPOLIS — The most important play of the Indianapolis Colts’ 27-20 victory Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was drawn up by tight ends coach Tom Manning and installed early in the week.
The only debate centered around who would play fullback to help sell the power-run fake key to springing open tight end Mo Alie-Cox.
Head coach Shane Steichen had a surprising candidate – linebacker Zaire Franklin.
“The offense required my talents,” Franklin deadpanned in the postgame locker room after the play produced a 30-yard gain on a critical fourth-and-1. “I did what I did best.