The biggest game of the season is just hours away for the Las Vegas Raiders as they will travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts. To preview that game, we spoke to Kevin Hickey of the Colts Wire to talk about his team and this matchup.
Do you expect Carson Wentz to play in Week 17?
I think the Colts are optimistic that he plays. I don’t know how severe his symptoms are but he still has a chance to play if he tests negative on Sunday morning. The slight issue is that the Colts are going to have to activate Wentz on Saturday before truly knowing his status for the game. They’ll get the test results Sunday morning and if he’s clear, he will start.
If not, the Colts will lean on rookie Sam Ehlinger to start. Ehlinger, a sixth-round pick, has a similar style to Wentz in terms of the ability to run an RPO offense and West Coast style. He lacks arm strength and accuracy downfield but showed poise and rushing ability during his days at Texas. If it comes to that, the hope would be that Jonathan Taylor can put the team on his back.
What makes Jonathan Taylor such a special runner?
So many things. His confidence and vision hitting the hole are leaps and bounds better. Instead of waiting for a hole to open, he’s decisive with his movements. The offensive line should get more credit than they have gotten but that’s the case with superstar running backs.
With that said, Taylor does incredible work after contact. His 1,134 yards after contact are more than all but two other running backs have TOTAL rushing yards (PFF). So while the offensive line does an incredible job opening gaps for Taylor, his combination of size, speed, strength and balance make him a true freak at the running back position.
Who is one under-the-radar player we need to watch out for in this game?
There are a few but I’ll name my two favorites. DT Grover Stewart is one of the best one-techniques in the NFL. He’s 6’4″ 305 pounds but moves like an edge rusher. He’s always making an impact against the run whether directly or indirectly. He also has the ability to collapse the top of the pocket given his insane burst off the snap.
CB Kenny Moore II is the other one. Finally getting his first Pro Bowl nod, Moore is arguably the best slot corner in the NFL. The Colts use him in various roles—from the boundary, as the nickel, rushing off the edge. His 74.8 passer rating allowed is third-best among slot corners while his 15 run stops lead ALL cornerbacks. He’s a problem.
What is one way the Colts can be exposed on defense?
Negate the pass rush and the opposing offense can do just about anything. The Colts have had issues closing games because of the lack of a consistent pass rush. DT DeForest Buckner is elite from the three-technique but he can only do so much.
The issue is when the edge rushers fail to generate pressure. This obviously leads to the quarterback having more time to go through progressions and given the zone-heavy defense, it makes it easier to find a hole. If the Raiders can stop the pass rush, the offense will absolutely have a chance.
Who wins this game and why?
The Colts are arguably the hottest team in the NFL while the Raiders are playing for a wild-card spot. Both teams are hungry. I think it will be close because Carr typically plays well against this defense.
That said, the Raiders simply give too much up on the ground and the Colts should be able to control the line of scrimmage with Jonathan Taylor while forcing the Raiders to be a bit one-dimensional by stopping the run. Colts, 23-17
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