3 key matchups to watch: Colts Vs. Ravens
Unfortunately, we won't see the two of the most athletic QBs in NFL history go head to head as Anthony Richardson will officially miss the Indianapolis Colts Week 3 matchup with Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. But multiple key matchups remain that fans should pay attention to when these teams kick off Sunday at […]
Unfortunately, we won't see the two of the most athletic QBs in NFL history go head to head as Anthony Richardson will officially miss the Indianapolis Colts Week 3 matchup with Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
But multiple key matchups remain that fans should pay attention to when these teams kick off Sunday at 1 p.m. EST.
Matchups to Watch:
Colts WRs Vs. Ravens Secondary
Outside of top WR Michael Pittman Jr., the Colts WR room has been quiet to start the season. Through two weeks, here are the numbers each WR has put up:
- Michael Pittman Jr.
16 receptions, 153 yards, 1 touchdown - Josh Downs
7 Receptions, 67 yards - Alec Pierce
3 receptions, 33 yards - Isaiah McKenzie
1 reception, 7 yards
This week, they match up with the Ravens secondary, who are projected to be without multiple starters as neither CB Marlon Humphrey nor S Marcus Williams have practiced this week. If Humphrey can't go on Sunday, this would likely mean former Colts CB Rock Ya-Sin would get the start.
The WRs will be with backup QB Garnder Minshew for this contest, which may hinder their ability to stretch the field vertically. But Minshew has shown a solid ability to take what the defense gives him. And with a few reserves on the field on Sunday, he should have the opportunity to make big plays happen.
Lamar Jackson Vs. The Colts Defense:
Very few QBs in the NFL can prepare you to play an athlete like Lamar Jackson at QB. Luckily for the Colts defense, they face the most athletic QB of the NFL's scouting combine era in practice with Anthony Richardson.
Lamar Jackson has faced the Colts twice so far in his career and has had some solid success, combining for 612 yards and four touchdowns with a 125.5 passer rating.
This season, Jackson enters a brand new offense under offensive coordinator Todd Monken. And through the first two weeks, Jackson has put up these numbers.
- Week 1 Vs. Houston Texans
17 of 22, 169 yards, 1 interception, 6 rushes, 38 yards - Week 2 @ Cincinnati Bengals
24 of 33, 237 yards, 2 touchdowns, 12 rushes, 54 yards
Look for the Colts to utilize EJ Speed's quickness as the primary spy on Lamar Jackson throughout this game. It is a tall task but Speed has had a strong start to the year and I believe he is up for the challenge.
Colts O-Line Vs. Ravens D-Line
The Colts offensive line has been performing at a high level to start the season. But for the first time, this season will be missing a starter on their offensive line. As center, Ryan Kelly has been ruled out with a concussion he sustained last week.
The offensive line also will not have Anthony Richardson's speed and ability to escape pressure on their side this week, as he has also been ruled out. Backup Garnder Minshew isn't immobile by any means but will not be able to evade defenders at the same rate we've seen from Richardson through the first two weeks.
Expect the Ravens to bring extra pressure as they love to blitz their LB duo of Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen. And with a backup center starting, I would expect them to throw multiple stunts in his direction to create pressure up the middle as much as possible.
For more information on the Colts upcoming matchup with the Ravens, be on the lookout for our preview piece tomorrow. As well as any additional information that is released from both sides before kickoff.
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Featured Image By: Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
