Indianapolis Colts: Talking points ahead of test vs. Patriots
The dying embers of the Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots rivalry continues to cling to controversy rather than on-field competition.
A 1-3 Indianapolis Colts side enter Week 5’s Thursday Night Football contest looking for their first win over the New England Patriots since their memorable 35-34 triumph in November 2009. It takes an unpredictable to-ing and fro-ing of victories for both sides to justify a rivalry tag, and that’s something this matchup has failed to promise in some time. Nonetheless, it’s a matchup that refuses to hide.
Three years removed and DeflateGate remains a perpetual talking point ahead of this particular fixture. Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has meanwhile surfaced as a new face at the forefront of the buildup, following his late decision to back out of becoming the Colts’ new head coach in the offseason.
His shock change of heart subsequently worked in Frank Reich’s favour as the then-Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator was hired by the Colts instead. After the debacle with McDaniels, Colts general manager Chris Ballard said (per For The Win), “The rivalry is back on.” Thursday will be an insight into just how much substance there is to that statement.
A meeting between the two sides would have paraded serious potential as a rivalry-revivor had the Patriots not so convincingly beaten the Miami Dolphins last week. 1-3 for the Patriots makes for a far more intriguing storyline than a 2-2 Patriots team with a recent history of mounting a ruthless response to slow starts.
With the latter being the case, the Colts defense could play a defining role at the Lucas Oil Stadium.
D is key
This talented Colts defense is first in sacks in the AFC and second overall in the NFL with 17. Seven of those arrived in Sunday’s overtime defeat to the Houston Texans, with quarterback Deshaun Watson again bearing the brunt of some poor pass protection. Matt Eberflus’s unit is also ranked first in tackles for loss, with linebacker Darius Leanard leading the way on 54.
A major downfall to the surprise package Colts defense has been its inability to close drives and get off the field at vital times. They have allowed opposition sides to convert an 11th-highest 43.3 percent of third downs, which cost them dearly in defeats to the Eagles and Texans that could and probably should have ended in victory.
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This young cohort must begin to learn how to thwart the kind of 17-play, 80-yard drive that Carson Wentz orchestrated on route to a win in the fourth quarter, or the kind of 24-yard pass from Watson to DeAndre Hopkins on a third-and-seven deep in their own territory.
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New England’s result against Miami was something of an ominous warning sign that Bill Belichick’s men are beginning to click into place. Getting pressure on Tom Brady is always a must for any team preparing to contain the Patriots’ wily offense. The return of wide receiver Julian Edelman following his four-game suspension makes this an even greater priority.
Besides the attention Josh Gordon demands as a deep threat, the Patriots also offer a serious threat on the ground with Sony Michel. The rookie running-back rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown off 25 carries in a breakout performance against the Dolphins.
No. 12 is back
Andrew Luck has rather bullishly quashed concerns over the shoulder injury that saw him miss the 2017 season. The Colts quarterback was slinging it with some pizzazz against the Texans, throwing 40 completions for 464 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions. His guile in his side’s play-action-heavy offense will be put to the test on Thursday as he plays without favorite target T.Y. Hilton (hamstring, chest).
Hilton has been the Colts’ most productive receiver so far this season, making 21 catches for 294 yards and two touchdowns. Even without his main weapon, Luck remains a difficult threat to contain thanks to his scrambling ability and the extra time this allows his receivers to get open.
Shoulder reconstruction evidently hasn’t impacted his perfect placement to nail sideline fades, or the arm strength to stretch defenses on out routes. Ryan Grant is now expected to see the majority Hilton’s targets, whilst tight end Eric Ebron could again prove a prominent red zone option.
One thing to count on is Luck imposing the same aggressive Reich play-calling that saw the Colts go for the win on fourth down against the Texans in overtime.
The need for a ground game
The Colts are currently ranked 29th in rushing yards with a measly 299 from 80 carries and just one touchdown. Running back Jordan Wilkins led his side with 16 yards from eight carries against the Texans, following on from Luck’s team-high 33 yards off one carry against the Eagles. Marlon Mack’s continued absence will likely put the responsibility in Luck’s hands to march the Colts downfield.
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Whilst the Colts will be seeking more from Wilkins through the middle, fellow rookie Nyheim Hines will likely be deployed as a receiving option more so than a carrier out the backfield.Hines made nine catches for 63 yards and two touchdowns against the Texans to showcase the value of his versatility.
It seems the game could come too soon for veteran Robert Turbin following his return from a four-game PED suspension, although his presence will not doubt be a welcomed boost further into the season.