After an impressive week three win, the Indianapolis Colts welcome a scrappy Los Angeles Rams team to their building. The Rams had a jump start to their season with a victory in Seattle but have since found themselves on the losing side. For the Colts to continue their upward trajectory, they have a lot of work to do.
Colts’ Run Game – Eliminate Aaron Donald
Colts RB Zach Moss (21) – Indianapolis Colts
With an exceptionally young defensive core, the future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald is the only player of note. However, the Rams have proven to be a top-10 defense throughout the season’s first three weeks. Raheem Morris, the Rams’ defensive coordinator, has schemed his way to giving up the 7th least amount of yards per game while keeping 3rd down conversions to a measly 25%. The Rams have also held two out of their three opponents to less than 20 points.
If the Colts are going to get over the 20-point hurdle, they will need to keep Zack Moss rolling. Indy’s leading rusher is making the idea of trading All-Pro Jonathan Taylor not so scary. Moss has racked up back-to-back hundred-yard games and has the trust of his coaches and teammates. With the addition of veteran running back Trey Sermon and all signs pointing to Anthony Richardson returning to the lineup, the Colts’ run game is looking healthy. The only thing to worry about is the best defensive player of all time.
Earlier this week, offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter praised the Rams defensive tackle and emphasized the importance of identifying him every play. Expect Raheem Morris to move him up and down the line to find an advantageous match-up to exploit.
It will be interesting to see if the Colts let Anthony Richardson make audibles and kill plays based on Doanld’s alignment. If so, it is a great sign of his development and trust from the coaching staff.
Colts’ Pass Game – Sharing is Caring
Colts WR Josh Downs (1) – Indianapolis Colts
In week three, the Bengals moved Ja’Marr Chase all over the field to take advantage of a young secondary. This worked, getting him a total of 141 yards, but the Rams were able to shut everyone else down, making the Bengals’ offense slow at some points.
The Colts could utilize this strategy with number one receiver Michael Pittman Jr., but that wouldn’t be the best way to attack every hole in the secondary. The Colts have an abundance of receivers and tight ends they can spread over the field. This will force the Rams to cover every piece of grass while still trying to contain a mobile quarterback like Richardson—a daunting and nearly impossible task. Expect the tight ends Drew Ogletree and Kylen Granson to exploit the Rams safeties and linebackers if they still need to keep an eye in the backfield.
It would be great if the Colts were able to stretch the field and open up the passing game this week, but Jim Bob Cooter gave a classic coach speech; if it’s there, I will do it kind of comment when asked.
The Rams give up a 59% completion rate, while the Colts are throwing at 66%. Keeping that number above 65% will be essential to converting 3rd downs and turning Matt Gay’s epic field goals into extra points.
Colts’ Defense – The Old Pressure Coverage Combo
Colts CB Juju Brents (29) – Indianapolis Colts
Even with the Rams holding the Bengals to 19 points, they still ended up in the loss column. The main reason is Matt Stafford was sacked six times and hit 1o times. The Rams QB was held to a 54% completion percentage with two interceptions and was under fire all night. The Colts’ defensive line is vastly more talented than the Bengals’ and is on a tear so far this season. If the Rams don’t fix their offensive line issues on a short week Stafford is going to get beat up again this week. My prediction is that Ebukam, Paye, and Buckner will each get a sack and a combined eight pressures.
Slowing down the Rams’ will also mean sound, disciplined pass coverage. Juju Brents impressed defensive coordinator Gus Bradley in his NFL debut. Brents caused and recovered a fumble while stacking up a couple of pass breakups.
Brents will certainly battle with Rams’ rookie sensation Puka Nacua. Nacua burst onto the NFL radar with 119 yards in his NFL debut and followed that with 149 yards against one of the best defenses in the league, the 49ers. He’s a legit receiver that Indy needs to keep an eye on.
Expect Sean McVay to have an extensive stack receiver quick game and screen package to slow down the Colts’ pass rush and keep Stafford vertical. That will lead to Zaire Franklin will continue to rack up tackles at a hoarder’s pace.
Last week, the Colts found a way to win in a one-score game on the road. That type of win hasn’t happened for Indianapolis in the past few seasons. Under Sane Steichen, the Colts will always be creative and prepared to win.
