And we are back! Week 1 is finally upon us, as we kickoff another season covering our beloved Indianapolis Colts. Not like we have much time to adjust and prepare for this upcoming season as we have a divisional matchup on our hands as the favourites to take the AFC South throne come visiting on what will be the second AR vs. Stroud quarterback matchup.
Braden Smith / Bernhard Raimann vs. Will Anderson Jr. / Danielle Hunter
The Texans signed Hunter in free agency to a lucrative deal to pair him up with Will Anderson Jr. and form one of the best edge rusher duos in the league. Smith and Raimann are two very good tackles, but they had their ups and downs last season. Smith’s shape is a bit doubtful after struggling with injuries in the off-season, and Raimann had some tough games against talented edge rushers. Anthony Richardson will probably be a bit rusty coming back from injury, and he also probably needs a lot of reps before reaching his potential. While he goes through that, he will need all the help he can get from his offensive line, and keeping the edges contained will go a long way for that.
Colts’ cornerbacks vs. Nico Collins
Last time the Colts faced off against the Texans it was evident that the most important thing for the Colts’ defense was stopping Nico Collins. It did not seem to matter because the wide receiver abused the Colts’ corners and finished the game with 9 catches for 195 yards and a touchdown. Stroud will also now have Tank Dell and Stephon Diggs to throw the ball to, so talk about an early test for the Colts inexperienced (to put things mildly) secondary.
Laiatu Latu vs. Laremy Tunsil / Tytus Howard
What the Colts lack for in secondary they try and make up for it in pass-rushing. Even despite missing Samson Ebukam, the Colts still have one of the most talented defensive lines in the NFL, and while the Texans have a solid offensive line I still think the Colts have the upper hand. Latu impressed through training camp, and will be in my opinion the key to the success of the Colts’ defense despite being just a rookie.
Shane Steichen vs. DeMeco Ryans
I think I can confidently say that Steichen was the better head coach in both of the matchups against Ryans last season, and that the Texans won the second one because of the difference at the quarterback position, the most important of them all. It will be interesting to see how Steichen engineers the offense with AR back in the mix, and how Ryans will respond.
Special Team’s Units
Matt Gay struggled last season after signing the biggest contract for a kicker in free-agent history, there is no way around that. After a tough preseason and now dealing with a groin injury. his stock has probably never been lower. This has all the makings of a close, down to the wire game, in fact the spread in most houses is just a single point. Ka’imi Fairbairn is one of the most reliable legs in the NFL, so on paper there seems to be a clear advantage for Houston on this one.
