The Colts travel across the world for a match-up versus a seemingly lifeless team from New England. These two franchises once competed in mythical battles with dragons named Brady and Manning, but now both teams are playing quarterbacks who won’t be on the roster next year and the most exciting part of this game is the fact it’s played in a different country.
However, the Colts are looking to put together a mini-win streak after their week 9 victory over a lowly Panthers team. If they are going to achieve that task, they need to win the turnover battle, literally every game this season, if the Colts win the turnovers they win the game.
Colts’ Offense- Get the Ball Out of Minshew’s Hands
Colts RB Jonathan Taylor (28) – Indianapolis Colts
Minshew Mania has not become manic in any sense of the word. However, he is a marginally productive player competing with nearly 64 percent of his passes, but he lacks the big play and spectacular that football fans were expecting from rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson this year. Indy’s game plan needs to involve Minshew not holding the ball for an extended period of time and getting the ball to playmakers with sound decisions.
The Patriots are giving up a 67% completion rate to opposing offenses and 40% 3rd down conversions. The Patriots are leaving cornerback J.C. Jackson stateside fueling the questions about the former star cover man, but good news for the Colts. Expect Michael Pittman to impress the German fanbase with ball control first downs and at least 10 catches. Alec Pierce should get a few looks but is still recovering from a banged-up ankle. The Colts’ only deep threat should get some targets and open against the New England secondary.
One Colt looking to make a splash in Germany is Austrian native Bernhard Raimann. He is excited to play near family and friends who will be in attendance. Raimann has had a successful sophomore season this year giving up only two sacks. He has held the blindside well and shown drastic growth as the future of the offensive line. Hopefully, he can continue that upward trajectory using family as motivation to handle Patriots Judon off the edge.
It’s time for Jonathan Taylor to be Jonathan Taylor. I’ve said this every week since he’s been back and yet I am always left unsatisfied with the amount of touches Taylor is receiving. Just unleash him! Get him every touch possible on the ground and in the air! I understand the Colts are saving him for next year when Richardson is back and his extension kicks in, but COlts Nation is dying to see that Taylor magic just a few times this year.
Colts’ Defense – Big Buck Hunting
Colts DL DeForest Buckner (99) – Indianapolis Colts
Deforest Buckner was an absolute menace against Carolina and that is exactly what the Indy defense needs. Generating a couple of hurries to go along with a sack and passes defended, Buckner showed how pivotal he is to success, especially with Franklin limited.
Currently questionable, The Colts’ leading tackler Zaire Franklin could be missed against the Patriots. However, undrafted linebacker Segun Olubi performed admirably in week 9. He will be tested early and often on the inside of the defense. He’ll have to step up again if the Colts can stifle Mac Jones just like they did Bryce Young.
A Colts defensive discussion would be incomplete without mention of the former soul of the team Shaq Leonard. I say former because of the way the coaching staff is utilizing the four-time All-Pro. He gets minimal if any 3rd downplays and has stated he is disappointed in the lack of freedom he is given to make plays.
Rumors are circulating that Leonard may be done in Indy after the season if amends can’t be made. It’s a story sure to be tracked moving forward, but letting a studlike Leonard be wasted on the sideline is a poor coaching choice especially when the Colts are giving up more points than necessary against middle-level teams like Clevland and New Orleans. Let the manic fly!
This season is a building block year for the Colts, however, hopefully, they don’t leave anything on the field this week like they have the past month.
