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Indianapolis Colts: 3 Players demanding attention vs. Vikings in preseason

By Russell S. Baxter

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 15: Head coach Frank Reich of the Indianapolis Colts on the sidelines during the third quarter in the preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 15, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 15: Head coach Frank Reich of the Indianapolis Colts on the sidelines during the third quarter in the preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 15, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Indianapolis Colts
Zaire Franklin, Indianapolis Colts (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

It’s a franchise that has been in the playoff mix more often than not in recent years. The Indianapolis Colts seek their first AFC South title since 2014.

The Indianapolis Colts have been a playoff team two of the past three seasons under the command of their current head coach. It’s also a club that regardless of whether Carson Wentz is ready or not for the Week 1 clash with the Seattle Seahawks will start a different quarterback on opening weekend for the fourth time in as many years.

A year ago, the s Colts won 11 games and claimed the seventh seed in the AFC playoffs. But the club was one-and-out as they fell to the Bills in Buffalo. Quarterback Philip Rivers was at the controls for the entire season but has opted for retirement. Hence general manager Chris Ballard orchestrated a trade with the Eagles for Wentz.

Elsewhere, as the Colts take on the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday evening, here are three others players to keep an eye on.

3. LB Zaire Franklin

One of the more underrated linebackers in the NFL is Anthony Walker. He was a fifth-round draft choice by the Indianapolis Colts in 2017. He spent four seasons with the club and saw his role increase after his rookie season. He was a 14-game starter in his second year and was in the opening lineup for all 16 contests each of the past two seasons. The former Northwestern product racked up 100-plus tackles in 2018 and ’19 and 91 defensive stops this past year.

However, he’s now a member of the Cleveland Browns via a free agency. It’s a significant loss for Matt Eberflus’ unit, one that finished eighth in the league in total defense in 2020 and gave up the second-fewest rushing yards in the league. Of course, the cupboard is far from bare when it comes to the linebacking corps, spearheaded by All-Pro Darius Leonard.

Former Syracuse standout Zaire Franklin was a seventh-round pick in 2018 and has not missed a game in his three seasons. He’s made a total of six career starts, including both postseason games as a rookie. He also got the nod last Sunday vs. the Panthers and finished with three tackles (1 for a loss) in the club’s 21-18 victory.

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