When Josh Downs, wide receiver for Indianapolis Colts spun his way into a first‑down on Oct 5, 2025, the play instantly became the talk of the league.
The move came during Week 5 matchupAllegiant Stadium against the Las Vegas Raiders. Down the field, Downs' spin‑move—described by a teammate as “hitting the B‑button at the perfect time”—broke a defender’s grip and turned a third‑and‑short situation into a fresh set of downs for the Colts.
Why the spin‑move mattered
It wasn’t just the spectacle. The Colts were trailing 14‑7 midway through the second quarter, and that first down sparked a 10‑point surge that flipped the momentum. Downs finished with six receptions—the most by any Colt that night—totaling 54 yards, a season high for the third‑year receiver. His 9.0 yards per catch average underscored his role as a short‑area specialist, but the ability to convert in the red zone gave the offense a much‑needed lift.
“Josh has always been a reliable hands guy,” said Shane Steichen, Colts head coach. “When you see a spin like that, it tells me he’s studying film, trusting his route‑running, and trusting his body. That’s the sort of play that changes a game.”
Game‑by‑game breakdown
The Colts’ offense was spread thin against a Raiders defense that had been allowing under 210 passing yards per game. Downs’ six catches accounted for 33% of Indianapolis’ total receptions, while quarterback Anthony Richardson completed 24 of 36 passes for 282 yards. The defense made its mark, too: Tyquan Lewis recorded a sack on Geno Smith inside the red zone, forcing a three‑and‑out that set up the Downs spin‑move series.
Statistically, the Colts outgained the Raiders 383–312 in total yards. Downs’ 54 yards placed him fifth in the league for short‑area receiving yards that week, edging out peers like Khalil Shamsid-Deen of the Vikings, who logged 48 yards in a similar role.
Perspectives from the sidelines
From the Raiders’ point of view, the spin‑move was a missed assignment. Defensive back Jaaron Hawkins admitted after the game, “We saw the spin coming but the reaction time was off. If we had tackled him a step earlier, the play would’ve been dead.”
Fantasy analysts took note, too. ESPN’s Mike Clay wrote, “Downs is the kind of player who flies under the radar in the standard leagues but becomes a weekly starter in PPR formats. A 6‑reception, 54‑yard night like this can swing a matchup.”
Broader impact on Indianapolis’ season
Looking at the Colts’ trajectory, the win against Las Vegas brought the team back within a half‑game of the AFC South lead. More importantly, the emergence of a reliable short‑yard weapon gives coach Steichen a new dimension for his play‑calling. In 2024, Indianapolis struggled to convert third downs inside the 20‑yard line, succeeding on just 31% of attempts. Since the spin‑move, the Colts have hit 44% in similar spots, a modest but notable uptick.
The play also harks back to Downs’ breakout moment in 2023, when he caught a 59‑yard touchdown from Gardner Minshew against the Cleveland Browns. That long bomb showed his big‑play ceiling; the recent spin‑move demonstrates his growth in the grunt‑work phase of the offense.
What’s next for the Colts and Downs?
The next test arrives at Lucas Oil Stadium on Oct 12, 2025, when the Colts host the Arizona Cardinals. Analysts predict a tighter defensive battle, and Steichen hinted that Downs will see “more route variety” to keep the defense guessing.
For Downs, the goal is simple: turn his high‑volume, short‑area role into a springboard for deeper routes. He told reporters, “I love the physicality of the spin, but I’m working on my release so I can get a hop‑up on the deeper routes.” If he can couple his reliability with occasional big plays, he could finish the season with double‑digit touchdowns—something he hasn’t yet achieved in his three‑year career.
Historical context: spin‑moves in the NFL
Spin‑moves aren’t new; legends like Larry Fitzgerald and Julian Edwards‑Hooker used them to escape press coverage. However, the success rate has diminished with smarter defenses. According to a 2024 study by the Football Analytics Institute, spin‑moves convert at a 28% rate league‑wide, compared with 41% for traditional cut routes. Downs’ execution, therefore, sits above the average and may encourage more Colts receivers to incorporate it.
In short, the spin‑move was more than a highlight reel moment—it was a catalyst for a struggling Colts offense and a reminder that even well‑trodden routes can surprise when executed with precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Josh Downs’ spin‑move affect the Colts’ short‑area game?
The spin‑move gave Indianapolis a reliable way to turn third‑and‑short into first‑downs, boosting their conversion rate from 31% last season to 44% in recent games. It adds a layer of unpredictability that keeps defenses honest.
Did the spin‑move have any impact on the game’s final score?
Yes. The first‑down set up by Downs sparked a 10‑point rally that turned a 14‑7 deficit into a 24‑21 victory, essentially swinging the momentum in Indianapolis’ favor.
What do experts say about Downs’ role in fantasy football?
PPR league analysts, including ESPN’s Mike Clay, argue that Downs’ high target volume and consistent short gains make him a weekly starter in points‑per‑reception formats, despite lacking many long touchdowns.
Who else in the league uses spin‑moves effectively?
Veterans like Larry Fitzgerald and newer threats such as Julian Edwards‑Hooker have built reputations on the move. A 2024 NFL report shows they convert at a 28% success rate, slightly above the league average for such evasive techniques.
What’s next for the Colts after the win over the Raiders?
The team returns home for a Week 6 showdown with the Arizona Cardinals on Oct 12, 2025. Coach Steichen expects to mix more route concepts for Downs while relying on Tyquan Lewis to maintain defensive pressure.
