Rudock Helps Lions Take Advantage Of Luckless Colts 24-10

By MICHAEL MAROT/AP Sports Writer

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Jake Rudock threw two touchdown passes to Kenny Golladay, leading the Detroit Lions to a 24-10 victory Sunday over the injury-depleted Indianapolis Colts.

Rudock played most of the first 2 plus quarters and was 13 of 21 for 142 yards. Mathew Stafford was 2 of 3 for 36 yards on his only series, which ended on an interception.

The Lions made it look easy.

Rudock hooked up with Golladay on a 23-yard TD pass in the first quarter and a 15-yard score in the second. Matt Prater made a 28-yard field goal and his 53-yarder came up short as time expired in the first half.

All the Colts could muster without Andrew Luck was 230 total yards, 14 first downs, a 42-yard field goal from Adam Vinatieri in the second quarter and a 1-yard TD run from Troymaine Pope as time ran out.

The most encouraging news for Indy came from the TV booth where general manager Chris Ballard told the local broadcast team that Luck's strength levels are "probably better than they were last year."
It could be an indication Luck is nearing a return to action following offseason surgery on his throwing shoulder.

But that sure didn't help on the field.

Scott Tolzien, Luck's replacement, went 2 of 5 for 24 yards.

SITTING OUT

In addition to Luck missing the game, Indy also played without center Ryan Kelly (foot), left guard Joe Haeg and running back Frank Gore. Among the Lions sitting out were left tackle Taylor Decker and defensive end Ezekiel Ansah, who are on PUP, and right guard T.J. Lang.

ROOKIE WATCH

Lions: Golladay, a third-round draft pick, made a good first impression with three catches for 53 yards, including two nifty scores. Teez Tabor wasn't bad, finishing with three tackles.

Colts: The knock on first-round draft pick Malik Hooker was that he missed too many tackles in college. Not Sunday. Hooker finished with four tackles in limited work and made a touchdown-saving shoestring tackle in the second quarter.

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