Quenton Nelson
Nelson has been having a really weird season to evaluate so far. On one hand, he is among the best run blockers in the NFL, Steichen is really creative getting him into space with JT running behind him, and is one of the biggest reasons why Taylor is having such a dominant season. On the other hand however, he has been suspect in pass-protection, with the lowest PFF.com grade in that department thus far for the Colts’ offensive line, and the lowest in his career. It is worth monitoring whether this has been just a bleep in the radar for Big-Q, or a reason for concern.
Josh Downs
Downs had a slow start to the season before having his best game against the Raiders. With Tyler Warren taking over the middle of the field and also drawing his fair share of targets, Downs has been a bit left behind. His best virtue has always been his ability to get first downs, and the Cardinals slot coverage this season has been somewhat iffy, so keep an eye out for JD.
Samson Ebukam
Ebukam is slowly getting back his form in his return from a torn Achilles last training camp, and had his best game against the Raiders. The edge rusher position opposite Laiatu Latu is wide open, so a strong showing could earn him meaningful playing time down the stretch. The Cardinals’ offensive line has one really good tackle in Paris Johnson Jr., and one that is struggling a lot so far in Jonah Williams. There are two possible scenarios, if Kyler plays then keeping the edge contained and not allowing him to break the pocket is going to be crucial, now if backup Jacoby Brissett has to play then pressuring him from all possible areas will make the game much easier for the Colts’ defense.
Michael Badgley
With Spencer Shrader on IR with a torn ACL and meniscus, the Colts brought back the Money Badger to the team. Shader was leading the NFL in field goal attempts before the injury, a reflection how well the offense was moving the ball. Steichen might be forced to be more aggressive in his red zone approach given that Badgley is not an automatic make under 50 yards like Shrader was. The success of Badgley could end up being really important for the rest of the Colts’ season.
Will Johnson, (Cardinals, cornerback)
Johnson was picked two selections after J.T. Tuimoloau, who has played just 40 total snaps this season and was even a healthy scratch a couple of weeks. Johnson on the other hand has been among the best cornerbacks in the NFL. Five games is a small sample size and the main issue with Johnson was always longetivity, but it still hurts that the Colts did not get him, as he would force one of the best cornerback duos with Ward.
Marvin Harrison Jr. (Cardinals, guess the position)
Speaking of Ward, he will be up against the son of a certain Colts’ legendary wide receiver. MHJ had a terrible start to the season, dealing with drops and lack of production, but has picked up the pace a bit the past two weeks. His production will also depend on whether Kyler Murray is able to suit up for the game or not, but it will nevertheless be a fun matchup to watch.
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