Colts Notebook: Not So Surprising Way Indy Wins Week 12
This week the Colts go against one of the NFL’s worst defenses. Even though the team has had its fair share of struggles, Indianapolis still has a reason to fight. Not totally out of the division title, this game against the Steelers is a must-win. The Colts are running out of time, and each game from this point is as critical as it gets. Getting back to simple football is the key to dominating this game.
Effective running, solid defense, time management, and mistake-free football are the recipe for success in week 12. The Colts have every ingredient to fulfill this task. Coach Saturday has energized this team in his short tenure at the helm. It seems like he adjusted the player’s beliefs in themselves, and they can see their potential. The offense has its struggles, but each week you catch a glimpse of hope.
This Colts defense is something else. What a day. #Colts#ForTheShoe#Eagles#FlyEaglesFly#PHIvsIND pic.twitter.com/cqUKtKXHIj — Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 20, 2022
Colts Running Game Dominates
This part of success falls on the offensive line and how they respond. The offensive lineman must overpower the Steeler’s line this week. Applying pressure for all four quarters is the best way to get the run game going. Unquestioned, Jonathan Taylor is the team’s best option on the ground, but newcomer Zack Moss has shown promise. Both power backs should make a statement this week. A heavy dose of both and some mixed play action can make this offense untamable this week. Both backs should get ten carries unless the game script favors one.
"It’s just accountability…And I believe that needed to be addressed and emphasized.https://t.co/9gXzFMdC46 — Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) November 17, 2022
Colts Defense Applies Pressure
The Steelers have had their offensive line troubles this year. The Colts have a defensive line that creates pressure and can make plays. Grover Stewart and Deforest Buckner have been a sneaky tandem of terror on the defensive line. Yannick Ngakoue has been producing better pass-rush results in the last three games. The linebackers have been pursuing the ball from sideline to sideline and creating turnovers this year. Zaire Franklin should have a ten-plus tackle fun this week while slowing Najee Harris down. The cornerbacks should lock up the Steeler’s receivers and hold the team under 180 pass yards.
The #Colts only give up 3.8 YPC on defense. Only the #49ers are giving up less per rush attempt in the #NFL. pic.twitter.com/xXi8ocgrwv — Lawrence Owen (@Colts_Law) November 23, 2022
Colts Coaching Staff Gameplan Time Management
Taking a page out of the Commander’s book, time management can be essential. Not specifically for this game but the games after that. Keeping your defense fresh and off the field is vital, especially with the fast defensive players the Colts have. Creating a smooth pace tempo for the game at the begging should be the start of a lopsided match for Indy. Going back to the run game and completing most, if not all, passes thrown should be the goal this week. With Pittsburgh struggling on both sides of the ball, Indy’s offense should have lengthy drives while the defense tries for three and outs.
Conclusion
All in all, this week should be a convincing win for the Colts. The Steelers are one of the teams struggling worse than the Colts this year on offense. The team has been getting things together slowly but surely and making strides. The outlook on winning the AFC South looks grime, but Indy still can put on a good show. This team has shown charisma and grit. This game has to be a platform for what the Colts can be and not what they have shown so far. Time is running out, and Coach Saturday is putting this team on course for success.