One of the toughest games of the season for a Colts’ team coming off their first Week 1 win in over a decade, this will be a good test to see whether the domination of the Dolphins was a mirage or if this team has what it takes to surprise some people.
Braden Smith vs. Nik Bonitto
Nik Bonitto was one of the biggest reasons why the Broncos managed to come back against the Colts in a pivotal game for the final playoff spot last season (that, and a certain goal line fumble…). The young edge rusher has emerged as one of the most productive pass-rushers in the league, and his get-off the line is among the quickest I have ever seen. Colts’ right tackle Braden Smith has struggled against speed rushers in the past, such as Josh Hines-Allen, so this has the potential to be a bane for the Colts’ offense. Expect plenty of help from either running backs or chips from the tight end here.
Michael Pittman Jr. vs. Pat Surtain II
Pittman had an impressive debut against the Dolphins, getting over 75 yards and scoring a touchdown, something he struggled with last season. Now the problem is this week he will be lined up against Pat Surtain, probably the best cornerback in the entire NFL, by a lot. In all honesty I don’t think that MPJ can beat Surtain consistently, which will probably lead to more targets for the rest of the offense, but it will definitely be a fun matchup to watch.
DeForest Buckner vs. Quinn Meiners / Luke Wattenberg
The Titans made life complicated for Nix mainly because of defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons wreaking havoc on the inside, and the Colts have an All-Pro caliber defensive tackle in DeForest Buckner that could do the same against a Broncos’ interior offensive line lacking presence. Nix seemed to be really feeling the interior pressure, and most likely without our top two outside cornerbacks for the game getting to him fast will be the key to not allowing their passing offense to get into any sort of rhythm.
Colts’ CB1 vs. Courtland Sutton
Charvarius Ward is in the concussion protocol, and Jaylon Jones is most likely heading to IR with a hamstring injury. This leaves Xavien Howard and Mekhi Blackmon as the Colts’ most likely outside cornerbacks, assuming they keep Kenny Moore in the slot, which seems wise taking into account the size difference between him and Sutton. Speaking of which, Sutton was Nix’s favourite and most reliable weapon on a day where their passing offense sputtered. Ward’s status is a massive question mark for the game because having a shutdown corner like him that could shadow Sutton would help prevent plenty of problems.
Lou Anarumo vs. Bo Nix
Anarumo put Tagovailoa through the blender in Week 1, scheming pressures I have not seen from a Colts’ front in my life. Broncos’ quarterback Bo Nix struggled a lot against the Titans, recording three turnovers and averaging just 4.4 yards per attempt. This could be an early sign of sophomore struggles from the young quarterback, and most likely Anarumo is already scheming up some diabolical blitzes to keep Nix guessing throughout the game.
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