Meaningful football is here! No more waiting. No more preseason. The road to the Super Bowl has begun, and it starts with the Seahawks coming to town. Two 2020 playoff teams in the first game of the season and the Colts are looking for their first season-opening win since 2013.
The Seahawks:
Russell Wilson and the Seahawks seem to be coming to Indy in full health to their starters. Their only major draft pick, WR D’Wayne Eskridge, will certainly prove to be a difficult addition for the Colts defense that is already hurting in the secondary as it is. Pair him with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, and we’ll be looking at matchups that can’t possibly farewell for the Indy defense. On defense, the Hawks recently traded for Sidney Jones from the Jaguars, a player that took a step up last season. On top of that, the Colts also have to worry about Jamal Adams and Bobby Wagner. Two of the best in the game at their respective positions.
Injuries:
For the Colts, the injury bug has hit once again. But what’s new? Quenton Nelson and Carson Wentz, who both received foot surgery in early August, are expected to go for Week 1. Eric Fisher, coming off of an Achilles tear in the AFC Championship, also has a decent chance to be able to start at left tackle on Sunday. But I wouldn’t hold your breath. On defense, both Xavier Rhodes and Kemoko Turay aren’t looking too great to start.
Things to Watch:
The biggest thing to watch this week is seeing Carson Wentz in action. His first game in a Colts uniform, and he could have a solid matchup against a Seahawks secondary that lost their best cornerback from last year, Shaquill Griffin, to the Jaguars. There are a lot of question marks surrounding Wentz’s ability, and if he can get back to that MVP form, he was in back in 2018. However, it may take him a few games to get into the groove, so don’t get your hopes up so soon.
Keys to a Win:
The Keys to a Colts Win this week is being able to slow down Russell Wilson. Wilson in the first half of a season usually looks like an MVP candidate, and with the depleted defense being put out onto the field on Sunday, you won’t be able to shut him down completely. But if they can keep plays in front of them and hold them off in the red zone, the Colts have a solid chance to win this game. Lean on Jonathan Taylor and the run game, let Wentz get into a groove, and do what you can to get your first season-opening win in 8 years.
