After a dominating performance last week against Miami, the Indianapolis Colts welcome the Denver Broncos to Lucas Oil Stadium for Week 2. Denver also notched a win last week, defeating the Tennessee Titans 20-12. While they did not look great, it was Week 1, and most teams are still trying to round into form. This week will be no different for either team. Denver won their contest against Indianapolis last season in a forgettable game for the Colts fanbase. These two teams are now very different, and it’s already a game with early-season implications.
Next Man Up on Defense
After getting healthy for Week 1, the injuries are back at the worst time. Mooney Ward reported concussion symptoms on Monday morning and is now in protocol. He is unlikely to play. Jaylon Jones is also back on the injury list, as it appears he has reinjured his hamstring. Finally, Laiatu Latu missed practice on Thursday after being limited on Wednesday.
This franchise (for once) was aggressive in the offseason to address the depth. While that’s great, they did that, hoping that paying the dividends in Week 2 will be a tough pill to swallow. The Colts will likely lean on newly acquired veteran defensive backs Mekhi Blackmon and Xavien Howard, with UDFA Johnathan Edwards as the next man up. On the defensive line, they will likely bring JT Tuimolau back in uniform for this game, given the uncertainty surrounding Latu.
The emphasis of depth this offseason will be put to the test this week already. This Denver team is not Miami. Nothing against Miami, but this team has more depth and has a better coaching staff. Defense will have its hands full this weekend with quarterback Bo Nix and receiver Cortland Sutton. How the defensive depth handles the game plan will be a huge factor in this game.
Containing Nik Bonitto
Do we all remember the impact he made last season in the game that Indianapolis lost? Yes, it was a Hail Mary of a play call as Steichen tried to instill any kind of momentum whatsoever, but it was impactful. The Taylor goal-line fumble was also a punch to the gut and obviously impacted the final score.
Bonitto has a freshly minted extension and has all the motivation in the world to come out and put Daniel Jones on the ground. The offensive line is coming off a stellar performance where they gave plenty of time for Daniel Jones to throw and run the offense efficiently. Bonitto will have to be the key focus, and this coaching staff has proved they can shut down a pass rush. The same game plan you had for TJ Watt last season will likely be implemented against Bonitto. Look for the staff to implement some chip blocking schemes to help Daniel Jones.
Continue The Momentum On Offense
Last week was arguably the best offensive performance of the Shane Steichen era. The duo of Steichen and Daniel Jones appears to have some potential. It’s early, obviously, but it’s good enough to make us forget about Anthony Richardson for the foreseeable future.
Again, this Denver team appears to be superior compared to Indy’s opponent in the season-opener. Obviously, it’s still early, but Miami seemed overmatched and underprepared last week. I can assure you that Sean Payton will have his team ready. With Bonitto on the interior and Patrick Surtain in the secondary, this staff will have to have multiple schemes for this. If the Colts can keep it close towards the end, they will have a chance to win this game outright, but Jones cannot turn the ball over this week if they want any chance to win.
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