Considering the Colts: Indy Looks to Extend Win Streak to Three

It can be argued that, had last week's game against the Falcons had lasted 10 minutes longer, the Colts would have succumbed to a vintage Matty Ice comeback. Despite playing a great first half defensively, the secondary broke down in the second half, giving up several big plays in the passing game. The second half of the Atlanta game is what gives Colts fans their doubts and worries. 

The offense is what gives fans the hope that the Colts can make a decent run in the playoffs. Jacoby Brissett completed his first 16 passes and did not turn the ball over once. Last week, I mentioned that I would like to see Frank Reich be more creative with his playcalling and he did exactly that. Zach Pascal was finally targeted for the first time all season, catching Brissett’s first touchdown of the day.

Marlon Mack was virtually invisible all game. To be fair, he is dealing with a hamstring/calf injury that is bothersome, but Mack did leave his mark on the game by dodging a defender in the backfield and stiff-arming two other defenders on a short TD run to seal the victory. 

Was anyone really worried about Adam Vinatieri and his kicking woes and his ability to win or lose the Colts some games? The answer is yes. But Vinatieri came out in front of the home crowd and nailed all five of his kicks. Yes, his first kick doinked off the upright and went in, but if that’s what it takes to get Vinatieri back on track, then so be it.

The Colts host the Chucky and the Raiders this week. Google “Chucky and Jon Gruden” if you don’t know what I’m talking about and thank me later. The Raiders have had a lackluster season so far with few bright spots. This game for the Colts should be “Child’s Play.” (see what I did there?)

T.Y. Hilton could potentially miss this week after leaving the Atlanta game after the first half, but this would be a game where the Colts should not miss him too much. If Hilton is not able to go, this would be a great opportunity for Deon Cain, Parris Campbell, and Zach Pascal to step up and prove to Frank Reich that they are weapons that can be used any time the offense needs them.

Luckily, the Raiders do not have Julio Jones on their team, but Oakland does rely on WR Tyrell Williams, who is no scrub, and TE Darren Waller, who has seemingly become QB Derek Carr’s favorite target. Jon Gruden teams are teams that want to run the football, and Gruden has his guy in rookie RB Josh Jacobs, so the Colts defense does have their work cut out for them since they will be missing Malik Hooker and Darius Leonard. 

I would expect the Colts to extend their winning streak to three, winning by 10 points this Sunday. Brissett will be accurate and Reich will make it easy for the offense, and I do not think the Raiders have enough firepower to hang with the Colts, especially on the road.