INDIANAPOLIS - Matt Goncalves had his teammates in stitches Friday afternoon, but the Indianapolis Colts right guard isn’t laughing off the NFL’s fine.
The league hit Goncalves with an $8,847 penalty for mimicking a beer chug during the celebration after Tyler Warren’s 1-yard touchdown catch in Sunday’s overtime loss at Kansas City. Goncalves said he was disappointed by the decision and plans to appeal it.
“I was obviously disappointed,’’ Goncalves said. “We were out there celebrating, having a good time. Gotta respect their decision.’’
The moment came after Warren’s score in the back of the end zone, when he waved Goncalves over to join the celebration. Warren acted as if he were opening a can, handed it to Goncalves and watched him chug it. The NFL said that kind of imitation is “in poor taste.’’
The Colts, though, were ready with a different version of events.
Goncalves: “I’d like to think it’s an ice-cold Coca-Cola.’’
Coach Shane Steichen: “I think he was drinking a Coca-Cola.’’
The league has already fined other players for similar touchdown celebrations, including Dallas tight end Jake Ferguson at $13,611 and San Francisco fullback Kyle Juszczyk at $14,926.
For Indianapolis, the bigger football issue is what happens around Jonathan Taylor now that Alec Pierce is headed for a stretch on the sideline. Pierce re-aggravated an injury to his left heel in Kansas City and is expected to go on injured reserve Saturday, which would keep him out at least four games.
That matters because Pierce’s deep threat changes the way defenses line up. Josh Downs put it bluntly: “Obviously, he’s a crazy deep threat, like the best in the league in my opinion,’’ Downs said.
“But it’s his ability to drag defenses out of there as well and open it up for other guys. He’s a good route runner as well.’’
The numbers back up the ripple effect. According to Sharp Football Analysis, Taylor has averaged 5.4 yards per game with Pierce on the field and 3.8 without him. Defenses have also shown an eight-man box 29% of the time when Pierce is available, compared with 41% when he isn’t.
Taylor knows the spotlight shifts with Pierce out.
“Well, definitely changes how defenses may try to attack us,’’ Taylor said. “Then, I guess trickling down to me is how can I impact the game knowing that that’s going to be even more of a point of emphasis?
They may think that they can exploit that. So for me, it’s how can I impact the game and whatever way it is - with the ball, without the ball.
What can I do to ensure that whatever their game plan is, we can find chinks in that armor?’’
Taylor’s season has started strongly. He has 190 rushing yards, which ranks fifth in the league, along with four touchdowns, tied for first, and a 4.4 yards-per-carry average.
He’s also had plenty of success against Houston. In 10 games against the Texans, Taylor has averaged 107.5 yards per game and 5.2 yards per attempt with nine touchdowns. The 1,075 rushing yards are his most against any opponent, and the 10 games are as well.
Still, Houston’s run defense has been solid despite its 0-2 start. The Texans are sixth in the league against the run, allowing 85.5 yards per game and 3.9 per attempt.
Taylor’s production has also been shaped by injuries elsewhere before. Last season, he was in the middle of an All-Pro start before quarterback Daniel Jones first broke his left fibula and then tore his right Achilles.
In the 10 games with a healthy Jones, Taylor averaged 113.9 yards per game, 6.0 yards per attempt and 15 touchdowns. Over the final seven games, those numbers fell to 63.7 yards per game, 3.2 per attempt and three touchdowns.
The Colts will also be without Ashton Dulin on Sunday. Steichen ruled out the veteran wideout and special teams contributor because of an ankle injury, marking his second straight missed game.
Cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr. is listed as questionable with a groin injury. He did not practice Wednesday, was limited Thursday and was a full participant Friday.
“He had a good day of work today,’’ Steichen said, “and then we’ll see how he feels (Saturday). But I think he’s in a good place right now.’’
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