New England Patriots: 3 keys to beating the Indianapolis Colts
Take the game out of Luck’s Hands
The Indianapolis Colts have had a historically poor running game to this point in the season. Indy has a putrid 288 rushing yards as of Week 4, which is good for 29th in the NFL.
Rookie Jordan Wilkins has established himself as the lead back to less than stellar results. He has a poor 3.5 YPC and struggles to find the open hole. He has potential, but to be a starter such early his career was just a bad move for the Colts. He would be more effective in a limited role.
Fellow rookie Nyheim Hines has also struggled running the football. He has an even worse 3 YPC and hasn’t eclipsed 60 yards on the ground yet with nearly 20 carries. Hines is solid in the passing game, but his big-play ability has yet to translate on the ground.
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This team is missing sophomore standout Marlon Mack who has been inactive and will miss the upcoming game with a hamstring injury. Once he gets back, this area of the Colts should get much better but thankfully, the New England Patriots do not have to deal with that.
Andrew Luck was directly involved in all but 15 percent of his teams plays last week, which shows Frank Reich does not trust his RB corps. If Luck has the ball he can be dangerous.
The Patriots need to establish an early pass rush to get Luck out of rhythm. It is well known the Colts offensive line struggles, and with their best tackle Anthony Castonzo not playing due to injury, the New England Patriots have to take advantage.
Making the Colts be forced to run the football for the wellbeing of their star QB is the best way to neutralize their offense and to win the game.