This Sunday night we have Joe Flacco vs Sam Darnold. Just the way the NBC Sunday Night producers hoped for when they flexed this game last week. The Colts decided on Tuesday that they are demoting Anthony Richardson and promoting Joe Flacco “going forward.” The offense will look very different with Flacco under center, but it can’t get much worse than we were seeing. On defense, Jaylon Jones (and others) will have the luxury of containing All-Pro Justin Jefferson. This is the best team they have probably played all year, and the Colts will have their hands full on Sunday.
The Reaction To Joe Flacco’s Promotion
This will not be the first game we have Joe Flacco start but it will be the first as the permanent starting quarterback for the year. We saw what this offense is capable of when he is behind center. The Colts had their best outing of 34 points in Jacksonville with him commanding the offense. The defense let them down that week, but we saw a wide-open playbook with plenty of different schemes and looks. I would fully expect to see a big workload from RB Jonathan Taylor and WR Josh Downs.
I am also interested in just how this team manages all the noise and rumors this week. They are professionals for a reason, and I doubt it will be a distraction anymore, but everyone is on notice and the expectations have been recalibrated. How the team reacts will be a key aspect of playing on the road against a perennial playoff team.
Replacing Bernhard Raimann
It has been confirmed that Bernhard Raimann will be out this week while in concussion protocol. While the depth chart shows that little-used Blake Freeland is the backup, it seems as though the team will move forward with rookie swing tackle Matt Goncalves this week. This will be his first start in his NFL career.
I think we could see a rotation of Freeland/Goncalves this week, but I expect Goncalves to get most of the snaps. In the run game, we could see more focus on running to the right side of the line, but this Vikings defense loves to make you guess and wonder all game. Vikings DC Brian Flores is known for heavy blitzing schemes as well. Don’t expect them to let up all game especially with Flacco starting. This will be a playoff game atmosphere, and I fully expect both teams to play with purpose, especially in the trenches.
Which Run Defense Will Show Up This Week?
We know the defense has been up and down this season, but the worst has been the run defense. We saw them continue to struggle against Joe Mixon (again) last week. This week does not get any easier this week with Aaron Jones. He is a talented running back who has plenty of experience in big games. He has 414 yards in 5 games so far this season and he can be utilized as a pass catcher as well.
Worth mentioning that this Vikings offensive line will be without their starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw, due to a season-ending injury. They did sign veteran and former Jaguars LT Cam Robinson. He is a phenomenal talent but the trade was finalized on Tuesday so he will still be getting up to speed with the offense and the blocking schemes. It’s important to keep Aaron Jones at bay because if this team cannot stop both Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones, it will be a very long difficult night.
Bonus Thoughts: How Will This Game Affect The Trade Deadline?
This is a bit of reach of thoughts but hear me out. If the Colts win, they move to 5-4 on the season and in the thick of the playoff race. With a loss, it hurts their chances and puts them behind at 4-5, especially with the gauntlet schedule they have this month. Will they be buyers or sellers with the deadline on Tuesday? Head coach Shane Steichen’s comments of the Colts moving to Flacco because it’s their ‘best chance to win’ suggest the former, while history suggests otherwise.
With a win could the Colts look to grab some assets for a playoff run? Such as tight end, running back depth, or even solidifying the secondary with cornerback? If they lose could look to offload some expiring contracts to build some draft capital? Some draft capital to maybe look at moving up in the draft to bring in a new quarterback? Or could they look to move a guy like Dayo Odeyingbo or Blake Freeland? Whatever guys you don’t see as having a future with this team and having value should be on the table.
Regardless of the outcome, this franchise has been in the media all week long after deciding to demote Anthony Richardson. As mentioned, the expectations have been recalibrated and this is a game that will have a great bearing on both the present and future of this team in 2024.
More from The Blue Stable:
Colts (Wrongfully) Give Up On Richardson As Ballard Seals His Fate
Recapping the Rollercoaster: What to make of Anthony Richardson
