The Indianapolis Colts (1-1) traveled to Baltimore to face the Ravens (2-0) in a battle at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday for a Week 3 matchup.
Both teams are dealing with serious injuries, and likely will be dealing with impactful weather conditions in Baltimore.
Buy Ravens TicketsBut before they take the field, we caught up with Colts Wire editor Kevin Hickey (@KevinHickey11) to get the latest scoop on Sunday’s intriguing matchup.
1.
Anthony Richardson will miss this matchup against Lamar Jackson. But through two games, what makes the former Florida star so special? What about his game gives Colts fans potential concern?
The rate at which he’s picked up the offense is impressive. Despite being just 21 years old with 13 collegiate starts, Richardson is commanding the huddle with ease. His work ethic is unparalleled, and he adapts quickly even after making mistakes. Consistent accuracy is one of the concerns, but through two weeks, he’s already shown major improvements. The injuries are a bit of a concern. He hasn’t finished an NFL game yet this season and he’s already missing another. He needs to be a bit smarter when it comes to protecting his body, but the whole situation has been very positive so far.
2.
Are there any updates on Jonathan Taylor, and will he ever play for the Colts again?
Taylor is eligible to return after Week 4 and reports are that he could pass a physical right now. If Taylor is still on the PUP list to the point where he doesn’t meet the requirements for an accrued season, his contract will toll and we’re back in this situation again in 2024. There’s certainly a chance Taylor continues to demand a trade and even though the Colts want Taylor to stay, it isn’t clear if they are willing to give him a contract extension during the season. Right now, we’re kind of in a wait-and-see mode until he’s eligible to return from the PUP list.
3.
Gardner Minshew has seen meaningful snaps for the Jaguars and the Eagles before signing with Indianapolis. Is there any confidence that the free-spirited quarterback can pull off the upset?
There’s some confidence. The fact that the weather will be impactful and with the Ravens dealing with so many injuries, there’s certainly a chance Minshew leads this offense to an upset. I wouldn’t call it likely, though. Minshew is one of the best backup quarterbacks in the NFL, and the offense doesn’t take a major hit with him leading the unit. But the way an upset takes place depends on the Colts defense.
4.
Where can the Colts’ defense find success against the Ravens retooled offense?
The front seven has been incredible. They are extremely physical, constantly disruptive, and they are as deep as they’ve been in Chris Ballard’s tenure. Defensive tackles Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner have been elite to begin the season, and they’re the engines of the defense. Edge rushers Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam have to set strong and consistent edges to contain Lamar while the linebacker corps features the NFL’s current tackle leader in Zaire Franklin. If the Colts pull off the upset, it will likely be because of the front seven.
5.
How has Shane Steichen transitioned into being a head coach and CEO of a franchise after exiting Philadelphia?
So far, so good. There’s always a honeymoon period when new coaches arrive, but Steichen clearly won over the locker room almost immediately. He has an incredible mind when it comes to scheming an offense, and it appears the players want to fight for him. Given his history of working with the likes of Philip Rivers, Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts, Steichen is a bit of a chameleon, and it’s been pretty clear that he’s the one who can get the most out of Anthony Richardson.
6.
6. Can Shaquille Leonard regain the form that made him the best linebacker in football just two years ago?
It’s a really good question and one we might not have an answer to for a while. He’s still mostly working his way back from a lengthy nerve injury in his back, but he’s getting close to his old form. He hasn’t made impact plays at the rate he used to, and he’s not playing a full allotment of snaps yet, but The Maniac still adds a high level of juice to Gus Bradley’s defense.
7.
Who wins and why?
The spread suggests this will be a blowout, but I’m not so sure. This Colts team has shown a lot of fight through the first two weeks, and while Anthony Richardson’s absence will be felt, the Colts offense can still move the ball with Gardner Minshew. The weather is likely to limit scoring on both sides, and the Ravens are dealing with a lot of injuries to the starting lineup. With all that said, I still think the Ravens pull out the win at home, but I see a competitive game from the Colts. Ravens 24, Colts 20
