4 keys for a Colts upset in Buffalo
By CALEB LYNN
ISL Contributor
Last week, the Indianapolis Colts were big fans of the Buffalo Bills. This week, they are the enemy. And now, the Bills present an awfully tough match-up for a Colts team that managed to squeak into the extra playoff spot, despite a very solid 11-5 record. The #2 seed Buffalo Bills are led by an offense that is clicking on all cylinders, and they’ll be looking to prove they belong. If the Colts want to pull off the upset, there needs to be a certain plan to win in Orchard Park.
•Jonathan Taylor needs to stay hot and have a big game.
Head Coach Frank Reich and General Manager Chris Ballard have always believed in “the trenches” of the game. It is how they have chosen to build the team as they believe an elite offensive line and defensive line can get them anywhere. In this game specifically, the Colts are a team that has found a great running game in the second half of the season. Taylor last week ran for 253 yards on 30 carries, and while those ridiculous numbers can’t be counted on, they will still need a dominate game from Taylor to have a chance.
•The Colts DB’s need to contain Buffalo Wide Receivers
Due to their scheming of a cover 2 defense, the Colts have often focused on not allowing big plays. When it comes to the Bills, they want to be explosive down the field. Stefon Diggs, All-Pro wide receiver, will look to be the dominant force he has been all season. Diggs leads the league in receptions with 127 and receiving yards with 1,535. As the games become bigger and bigger, the stars have expectations, and Diggs will look to match those. In order for the Colts to minimize the big play, it will come down to players such as Xavier Rhodes, TJ Carrie, and their two young safeties Khari Willis and Julian Blackmon. Kenny Moore will then be matching up the Bills wideouts in the slot. However, the outside corners will be the key for the Colts. Can they stop Diggs, and John Brown from beating them over the top?
•Jared Veldheer needs to build off of his performance against the Jaguars
Veldheer was signed last week as a veteran offensive tackle to give stability for the Colts. With Anthony Castonzo not playing in this contest due to injury, Veldheer will need to be stable for the Colts offense. He has been in the league for 11 years and can help the Colts protect Phillip Rivers from getting hit. The Bills have a duo in Jerry Hughes (former Indianapolis Colt), and Mario Addison who both could look to get clean hits when matched up against Veldheer. Hughes has pressured the QB 54 times this season, and Addison has five sacks this season.
•The Colts Linebackers vs. Josh Allen
Throughout the Colts drafts since Ballard took over, the Colts have believed in speed at linebacker. They want to have linebackers who can go sideline to sideline and who are unafraid to tackle. Throughout this season, Josh Allen continues to take what the defense has given him. It is one of the reasons he has had so much success this season. For the Colts, All-Pro Darius Leonard, Bobby Okereke, and Anthony Walker Jr. will need to play like stars. They will be asked to do a lot against the Bills and if they get it going, the defense could be what leads the Colts to victory.
It’s going to be cold in Buffalo, as expected. But it doesn’t look like there will be any winter storms or snow in the forecast. The game could easily come down to which defense makes the biggest play at the right time. And even though it’s a 2-7 match-up, this 11-win Colts team is more than capable of pulling this off on Saturday.
