Fresh off an impressive divisional win over Tennesse, the Colts are heading down to the Sunshine State for round two with the Jags. In week one, Indy held a 21-17 lead in the fourth quarter only to fall to a Trevor Lawrence comeback, 31-17. However, the Colts are riding high and franchise running back Jonathan Taylor is primed for a heavier workload.
Colts QB – Minshew Mania
Colts QB Gardner Minshew (10) – Indianapolis Colts
Usually, when a team loses their franchise quarterback they dwindle like a dying star until everything obliterates. That is not the case for this Colts team. Gardner Minshew has proven to be the league’s best backup, and some teams would even take him as their starter. Just ask New England.
Minshew completed the victory against the Titans and took control when the Colts travelled to Baltimore, but this will be his team for the foreseeable future. That doesn’t have anyone in the organization blinking. The entire team believes in Gardner and rallies around him as a player and person. He’s a wiley vet with pelts on the wall and will be driving the bus for at least the next four weeks.
Anthony Richardson has officially been placed on IR, keeping him out for a minimum of four weeks. When asked about Richardson’s shoulder, head coach Shane Steichen said the team is looking into all options, including surgery. However, Steichen preemptively displayed his genius by bringing Minshew with him from Philly. The offense is in good hands and the fans can bring high expectations along with Minshew Mania.
Colts RB – Run The Damn Ball!
Colts RB Jonathan Taylor (28) – Indianapolis Colts
Jonathan Taylor has returned, but no one told Zack Moss. Coming off a career day with 165 yards on the ground and 2 touchdowns, Moss is making the case to get his fair share moving forward. However, the threat of Anthony Richardson running the ball did open up rush lanes, which is good news that Taylor is back in the mix.
Jonathan Taylor’s transcendent talent will be necessary for the Colts to continue their ground assault. Steichen mentioned this week the team will be increasing Taylor’s touches as he gets acclimated to the 2023 season. The Jags give up 110 yards per game on the ground. I expect Indy to surpass that number with relative ease, especially if Taylor and Moss both get 10-plus touches.
It wouldn’t be fair to discuss the Colts’ run game without mentioning the vast improvement of their offensive line. Tony Sporano Jr. is flexing his artistry by taking last year’s broken pieces and creating a masterpiece. Will Fries has gone from liability to driving Jeffery Simmons backward. Quenton Nelson seems to have talked to Stella about how to get his grove back and Ryan Kelly is the NFL’s highest-graded center. Credit to the big boys up front for keeping things clean and revitalizing the offensive trenches.
Colts Defense – Secondary… Sorrows?
Colts CB Juju Brents (29) – Indianapolis Colts
The Colts’ front seven has been dominant in the run game. The King Slayer (Zaire Franklin) has been racking up tackles faster than diarrhea runs down your jeans. They are holding the opponents to 3.82 yards per carry, one of the lowest in the league.
However, the secondary has been shaky at times. Teams are passing for roughly 262 yards per game with a whopping 7.6 yards per attempt. Trevor Lawrence is licking his chops at the opportunity to throw against 2 rookie corners.
Jaylon Jones got the start over Darrell Baker Jr. in week 5 across from fellow rookie Juju Brents. Even though they gave up 140 yards to Deandre Hopkins, they showed the ability to make plays.
That being said, the Jags have more than one weapon and a better pass game than the Titans. Kirk, Ridley, and Engram all have the ability to have an explosive game. The game plan must include schemes to cover Kirk on deep over routes and contain Ridley on the outside. I expect EJ Speed and Julian Blackmon will get their chance in pass coverage against Engram and hopefully the front seven keeps getting pressure.
Trevor Lawrence is going to want to get the edge on play action for a deep shot downfield. The Colts will need to stay disciplined on the backside to limit his movement, especially on 1st down, when the Jags like to take well-timed shots.
The Colts and Jags typically split the season series, let’s hope that trend continues in week 6.
