How the Colts schemed Laquon Treadwell open for a huge play vs the Texans
Laquon Treadwell’s late catch was the biggest play of the game and helped keep the Colts’ season from slipping away.
On September 27, 2026, in a crucial game against the Houston Texans, the Indianapolis Colts found themselves trailing by one point with less than two minutes remaining on their own side of the field. With the game on the line, offensive coordinator Frank Reich called for a daring play that would come to define the season so far for the Colts - a daring go route by Laquon Treadwell, orchestrated by the Colts' offensive scheme.
Dubbed the "Dagger Concept," this play utilized a slot receiver (Josh Downs) and the primary target (Treadwell) to exploit a defensive coverage. Downs pushed vertically, creating a clear-out route for the safety to respect, while Treadwell executed a 15-yard diagonal route. Against a Cover 3 defense, the free safety was deep in the center of the field, allowing space for Treadwell to navigate the coverage and capitalize on the moment.
The play was meticulously designed, with Tyler Warren providing a safety valve option and Keenan Allen functioning as a shallow cross or drag route, offering another crucial option if Houston played the coverage differently. Jones' footwork, a modified drop with a shuffle, ensured the timing was perfect for Treadwell to break free in the pocket.
Once Treadwell broke open, Jones delivered the ball on time, changing the trajectory of the game and giving Indianapolis a chance to secure another win. Without this crucial play, the Colts may not have had the opportunity for a game-winning field goal, and the season could have taken a drastically different turn. The Dagger Concept proved its worth, demonstrating the power of strategic offensive planning and execution on one of the most significant plays of the Colts' season.
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