The s will open Jesse Minter’s tenure towards an s staff able to testing a number of elements of their revamped protection.
Indianapolis can construct its offense round Jonathan Taylor, assault downfield with Alec Pierce, and use a number of receiving choices to create favorable matchups. Defensively, the Colts possess an skilled inside line able to difficult Baltimore’s new-look offensive entrance. The s have the extra achieved quarterback in Lamar Jackson, however Week 1 might turn into troublesome if Indianapolis controls the road of scrimmage and retains Baltimore’s offense on the sideline.
These are 10 Colts gamers Ravens followers ought to watch intently on Sunday.
1. Daniel Jones, quarterback
Jones offers Indianapolis a quarterback who can contribute as a runner along with working Shane Steichen’s offense. Baltimore will need to stress him with out permitting him to flee by open lanes. Turnovers have been an issue at instances in his profession, making disguised coverages particularly essential.
2. Jonathan Taylor, operating again
Taylor is the centerpiece of the Colts’ offense, and arguably essentially the most explosive operating again Baltimore will face. He has the pace to show a small opening into an extended landing. The Ravens should sort out cleanly and stop Indianapolis from establishing favorable down-and-distance conditions.
3. Alec Pierce, extensive receiver
Pierce is Indianapolis’ major vertical risk. His pace forces safeties to respect the deep a part of the sector and might create room for different receivers beneath. Pierce was listed as restricted Wednesday with a heel harm, though the Colts anticipate him to be accessible for the opener.
4. Keenan Allen, extensive receiver
Allen offers Jones an skilled receiver who understands the best way to discover openings towards zone protection. He stays notably efficient on third down due to his route operating and consciousness. Baltimore’s defensive backs should forestall him from settling right into a rhythm on quick and intermediate throws.
5. Josh Downs, extensive receiver
Downs can turn into a troublesome matchup from the slot. His quickness permits him to separate beneath, whereas his capability after the catch makes quick completions harmful. Baltimore could rotate a number of defensive backs into the matchup relying on how Indianapolis deploys its receiving corps.
6. Tyler Warren, tight finish
Warren has shortly developed into an essential a part of the Colts’ passing sport. He can line up in a number of positions and create mismatches towards linebackers or defensive backs. Kyle Hamilton might spend a part of the afternoon serving to Baltimore restrict Warren in the course of the sector.
7. Quenton Nelson, guard
Nelson stays one of the vital bodily inside offensive linemen in soccer. Indianapolis can run behind him when it wants troublesome yards, and his presence helps create alternatives for Taylor. Baltimore’s defensive tackles should keep away from permitting Nelson to manage the purpose of assault.
8. DeForest Buckner, defensive sort out
Buckner presents a significant problem for a Ravens offensive line getting into the season with new items. His size, energy, and pass-rushing capability permit him to disrupt performs from the inside. Baltimore should forestall him from creating quick stress in Jackson’s face.
9. Grover Stewart, defensive sort out
Stewart’s energy towards the run makes him an essential a part of Indianapolis’ plan for Derrick Henry. He can occupy blockers, shut inside lanes, and pressure operating backs to vary path. The battle between Stewart and Baltimore’s inside line might affect your entire sport.
10. Laiatu Latu, edge rusher
Latu offers the Colts a elegant cross rusher who can win with method as an alternative of relying completely on athletic capability. He’ll check Baltimore’s tackles and will turn into particularly harmful in apparent passing conditions. Conserving the Ravens out of third-and-long conditions would restrict his alternatives.
Remaining evaluation
Indianapolis’ clearest path to an upset begins with Taylor and its defensive entrance. If the Colts run successfully, shield Jones and stress Jackson with out committing extra defenders, they will preserve the sport shut into the fourth quarter.
Baltimore should win the bodily matchups early and stop the Colts’ most harmful gamers from dictating the fashion of the opener.
This text initially appeared on Ravens Wire: 1
