The Indianapolis Colts have been underwhelming through the first two weeks of the 2016 NFL season. The Colts comeback fell short in a 39-35 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week one. Last week, the Denver Broncos defense held Andrew Luck to 197 yards through the air with only one touchdown and one interception. Linebacker Von Miller had his way with the Colts offensive line with three sacks on the game. However, the Colts do get what could possibly be their easiest opponent of the season in Week three. The San Diego Chargers are 1-1, coming off an impressive 38-14 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Below are three Colts Week three keys to victory.
Indianapolis Colts Week Three Keys to Victory
Strong Secondary Play
The Colts secondary looked better in Week two, after getting torched by Matthew Stafford and the Lions in Week one. Furthermore, the Chargers passing game has been good so far this season. Quarterback Philip Rivers passed for 220 yards and four touchdowns last week against the Jaguars. Wide receiver Travis Benjamin stepped up in a big way last week with 115 yards and two touchdowns. After the injury to primary receiver Keenan Allen, Benjamin’s emergence is even more important.
One of the biggest story lines of the Colts season up to this point has been injuries. Starting cornerbacks Vontae Davis and Patrick Robinson both missed last week’s game. Backup cornerbacks Antonio Cromartie and Darius Butler need to step up this week for the Colts defense to be successful. Butler was able to get an interception last week against the Broncos and he needs to continue to make plays in Week three if Indy wants to get a victory over the Chargers.
Andrew Luck Getting Back on Track
After a big performance in Week one Luck did not look as good in Week two. Granted, the Broncos defense is known to be much better than the Lions. Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles was able to throw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns against the Chargers last week. Bortles did also throw two interceptions, but teams and quarterbacks can move the ball against the Chargers. San Diego’s secondary has shown vulnerabilities, especially in the second half, in the first two weeks of the season. Overall, Luck will have a great chance to eclipse the 300 yard mark in this game.
Other Receivers Must Step Up
The injury bug is starting to catch up with the Colts offense. According to head coach Chuck Pagano, wide receiver Donte Moncrief will miss the next four to six weeks with a shoulder injury. That’s a big loss considering number one receiver T.Y. Hilton was held to only 41 yards on four receptions last week. This could be a big opportunity for Phillip Dorsett to breakthrough as one of the premier young receivers in the NFL. Tight ends Dwyane Allen and Jack Doyle will also be expected to step up a little bit more. The supporting cast did not look great for Luck last week. The Colts receivers, along with their offensive line, will have to be better in Week three.
If the Colts want to be successful against the Chargers in Week 3 they need to follow the above keys to victory.
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