The Los Angeles Rams must lick their wounds from last week’s debacle before taking on the undefeated Indianapolis Colts. Both teams are facing off for the first time since the Rams won a 29-23 overtime thriller in 2023. Puka Nacua scored his first career touchdown in that matchup, so he could be due for another big game this weekend.
Before we get too ahead of ourselves, I spoke with Stampede Blue’s Chris Shepherd regarding Indy’s red-hot offense, Daniel Jones and more. Much appreciation to Chris for taking the time to answer the 5Qs this week!
Q – The Colts are a surprising 3-0 to begin the year and have their offense to thank. Through three weeks, Indy is second in the NFL in yards and points, has zero turnovers and has punted once. What are some of the things that the Colts have done well offensively, and how sustainable do you think even a fraction of this production will be throughout the rest of the season?
A – Offensively the biggest thing (outside of Shane Steichen’s play calling) has been the execution. Rarely have there been plays that were disjointed or guys seemed to not be on the same page. Part of that is coaching, the other part of it is that the Colts have five solid offensive linemen, an elite running back and four wide receivers who are all very talented as well as being varied in their skill sets. The offense is very talented. Steichen is a good play caller. The only thing the team needed was a quarterback to keep the offense organized, distribute the ball consistently where it needs to go, and really, just don’t mess things up.
And Daniel Jones has done just that. He’s playing within himself and within the system.
How sustainable is it? Well, it isn’t. One punt every three games isn’t possible, I guess it’s not impossible but it is incredibly unlikely. It’s equally as unlikely that Daniel Jones won’t throw a single interception or be on the receiving end of a devastating strip-sack at some point. Jonathan Taylor, Tyler Warren, et. al, will fumble the ball at some point. So the current pace isn’t sustainable, but this offense, if healthy, does seem to be a very good one. Eventually Jones will have a bad game, eventually they won’t score 29+ points in a game, eventually the defense will make it impossible for the offense to keep up with the other team. Eventually.
Q – Daniel Jones is a major reason for the Colts’ hot start. He was a controversial pick as the team’s QB1 entering the year, but he has done more than enough to repay Shane Steichen’s confidence in him. What has Steichen done to unlock Danny Dimes (or should I say Indiana Jones)?
A – There are a few things, a couple of them I touched on above. Steichen has done a great job giving Jones answers to anything the defense throws at him. He’s often throwing to his first read because his first read is usually open and that is two-fold. Yes, Steichen is doing a great job giving him answers on different sides of the field for man vs zone looks, but also because the Colts receivers are winning their routes. Michael Pittman Jr. is a solid but not spectacular receiver, he makes tough, physical catches at all levels of the field while punishing smaller defensive backs who try to tackle him after the catch. Alec Pierce will likely be out this week but Pierce has elite long speed and has added to his game this season with improved route running, allowing him to contribute on more than just deep shots. Josh Downs is impossible to cover one-on-one in the slot. He’s just so good at what he does. The ball hasn’t gone his way much so far this season, but with Pierce likely out, I believe his targets will go up as a result. And Ad Mitchell is a young and still developing receiver. This season he has already looked far better than his rookie season and for some reason, it seems like he only makes highlight reel catches. Then you factor in rookie tight end Tyler Warren, and all of a sudden, you realize the Colts don’t really have an offensive weakness from their 11 starters.
Daniel Jones just has to deliver an accurate, on time pass and with Steichen giving him all the answers, well, Jones has one of the easier jobs a starting NFL QB can have.
Q – Lou Anarumo is in his first season as the team’s defensive coordinator since Gus Bradley was fired after last season. How does Anarumo’s defense contrast with Bradley’s, and what are some weaknesses that the Rams could exploit?
A – Lou’s defense isn’t stagnant. Under Gus Bradley if the Indy defense showed you a single high safety before the snap, the middle of that field was going to be close more than 95% of the time. There was no disguise, no rolling or shifting coverage nothing difficult to decipher at all. Lou’s on the other hand, is nearly the polar opposite. You might have multiple backers rush while both DE’s drop out into hook zones while the safeties rotate, a corner drops to safety and a it just ends up looking like organized chaos- and that’s with the benefit of being able to watch it on film. I can’t imagine trying to decipher it in real time on the field. If this defense were more talented, it would be a real problem for offenses.
Right now, there are massive question marks with this unit’s ability to rush the passer. The linebacker play is lacking, and every time a defensive back sneezes, he pulls a hamstring. The Colts’ interior defensive line is good with DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart clogging up the middle and pushing pockets, but the depth behind them is questionable at best.
I like what I see from Lou a lot, but unless this defense somehow adds more talent or experiences rapid growth from young players, I fear it won’t reach its potential any time soon.
Q – What are three things that you’d like to see from Indianapolis on Sunday, and how do the Colts stay unbeaten?
A – First, I’d like to see Indy get after Matt Stafford. Last week, they got to Cam Ward often and came away with 4 sacks. This week will be a much better test. Second, I want to see Indy continue to score points at an insane clip. I know it’s very unlikely to continue at the same pace but this is my “what would you (I) like to see” so I’m listing it all the same. Third, I’d like to see everyone stay relatively healthy.
Q – What is a question that you would like to ask Rams fans ahead of this matchup?
A – How good do you think the Rams’ front seven is? Because if the answer isn’t “excellent,” Jonathan Taylor might have a really good time this Sunday. And the key to an Indy win will absolutely come down to how well the defense can play against the Rams and Matthew Stafford.
