AFC South Week 9 Preview and Predictions

November 6, 2016

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-5)

Indianapolis Colts @ Green Bay Packers

The Indianapolis Colts are having a tough season. In the past 10 seasons, the Colts have made the post season 8 times. They’ve finished first in the AFC South 6 times. They’ve been to the Super Bowl twice, and won in 2006. Even with Colts quarterback, Andrew Luck, throwing for 2284 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and 5 interceptions, the Colts find themselves in 3rd place behind the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans. Luckily for the Colts, it’s midway into the season and there are still 8 games remaining.

Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, the Colts find themselves as underdogs traveling to Lambo Field. In the past two weeks, Packers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, has had two great games, throwing for 7 touchdowns and no interceptions. And the Packers play their best at home.

What do the Indianapolis Colts need to do to win at Lambo Field?

Stop the Packers offense. The Packers ground game relies on quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, who keeps linebackers honest and out of the box by throwing downfield, as well as keeping the ball himself. In fact, Rodgers ran for 60 yards against the Atlanta Falcons. In the air, Rodgers doesn’t discriminate. An open man is a possible touchdown. Randall Cobb is still questionable, but Jeff Janis did fine in relief along side Jordy Nelson, meaning that the Colts defense will need to stay vigilant and keep pressure on Rodgers. Colts cornerback Vontae Davis (concussion) is questionable for Sunday, and if he’s out, the Colts will have a tough game against the Packers.

Aaron Rodgers – Getty Image

Luck needs to target everyone but T.Y. Hilton. Hilton (hamstring) looks positive to return for Sunday, but it’s still unclear how many snaps he’ll play. It’s no secret that Hilton is Luck’s favorite target, and if Hilton is on the field, Packers cornerback, LaDarius Gunter, will be circling Hilton like a hawk. In week 8, Gunter held Atlanta Falcons wide receiver, Julio Jones, to only 29 yards. But Luck shouldn’t worry too much about having alternatives. Tight end, Dwayne Allen, will be returning, not to mention Donte Moncrief, who returned in week 8 after a shoulder injury. The Packers have allowed the 16th fewest passing yards (averaged per game), so their beatable is Luck manages to spread the ball around to receivers other than Hilton.
The Colts offensive front line needs to protect Andre Luck. Luck has been sacked 31 times, the most of any quarterback this season. Need I say more?

Andrew Luck – Foxsports.com

The Colts shouldn’t avoid running the ball. The Packers defense has allowed the 2nd least rushing yards per game (74.4) with an average of 3.3 yards per attempt and allowed only 2 rushing touchdowns. Even though the Falcons have the 4th most rushing yards in the league and 9 rushing touchdowns, the Packers held them in Week 8 to only 90 rushing yards. The Colts should continue to employ Frank Gore as per usual, but more for play action purposes than actual rush yards.

What can we expect in week 9?