Locked On Colts - Daily Podcast On The Indianapolis Colts - CROSSOVER: Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts Look to Make NOISE vs. Matt Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

Starting point is 00:00:00 The Annapolis Colts head to SoFi Stadium for a week four matchup where the Rams are trying to get a bounce back win and the Colts are trying to prove to the NFL that Daniel Jones and the Colts are for real. That's coming up next on a crossover edition of Locked on Rams and Locked on Colts. You are Locked on NFL crossover. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network.

Starting point is 00:00:27 Your team every day. What is up Ramley and what is up Colts fans? My name is Doug McCain. I cover the Rams for the Lockdown Rams Network and Lockdown Network. Also, I work for SI Bleach Report in the past 24-7 sports. I do NFL radio for Westwood One. And of course, I'm joined by the Lockdown Colts host. Jake Arthur is the Colts beatwriter for the Roundtable.

Starting point is 00:00:57 network. You know them, you love them. If you're a Colts fan, if you're a Rams fan, this is a great ball noer. He knows not just the Colts, but all around the league. So I can't wait to get into this one. A crossover edition, we're going to get into the key matchups, the big storylines. We're going to find out if this Colts team can come into SoFi's team and hand the Rams their second loss of the season. But first, today's episode of Locked on Rams and Locked Over Colts' crossover edition is presented by prize picks, down the prize picks app today and use code locked on NFL to get $50 in lineups after

Starting point is 00:01:33 you play your first $5 lineup. Okay, so Jake, you guys riding high, the surprise team of the NFL, Daniel Jones, the comeback player of the year showing what life outside of Brian Dale can do for someone. The Rams are still hurting after a fourth quarter meltdown loss to the raining Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. that's the big story in Ramblesland is can you bounce back from what has been really the worst

Starting point is 00:02:01 regular season loss of the Sean McVeigh era but what is the storyline for the Colts heading of this one? Yeah, I guess we're still just looking to see how valid this team is. You know, they're obviously 3 and 0 but I do still think there's some people who are waiting to buy in

Starting point is 00:02:17 because the wins are against the dolphins and the Titans and now the Broncos are one and two but I think we can all agree they're a quality team still. But at the end of the day, their three wins are against teams that have one combined win. So still

Starting point is 00:02:33 looking to see if the other shoe is going to drop for the Colts somewhere. Because offensively, this thing has been totally well balanced. The offensive line is playing outstanding. Daniel Jones is obviously playing out of his mind. Jonathan Taylor is the league's leading rusher.

Starting point is 00:02:48 And then your compliment of past catchers that you have, there's not many holes there. Now, I will say, Alec Pierce, has a concussion, and his status for this weekend is dicey. So you're kind of waiting to see, is A.D. Mitchell going to step up in his second year? He looks a little more comfortable now than he did last year. But at the same time, he's still very unproven. And then you're kind of looking for a bounce back performance from Tyler Warren,

Starting point is 00:03:14 who seems to be kind of the ultimate X factor for this offense. Yeah, Tyler Warren, he looks like a stud, a guy who has perennial pro bowl, all pro level talent. all that at Penn State, and he just, I mean, you kind of think Dallas Clark and all his great tight ends for the Colts and he's just been right in there. But I mean, the story is Daniel Jones. I mean, it's unbelievable to see the start that he's had. I believe it's 103 points most ever for the Colts in their first three games have punted just once. You mentioned the complimentary receivers, but what is the biggest difference that you would say so far from Daniel Jones, the Colt versus Daniel Jones, the New York Giant?

Starting point is 00:03:53 Well, I just think the chemistry between Shane Stike and the play caller and Daniel Jones, the quarterback, has been just incredibly noticeable. But at the same time, Daniel has never quite had everything around him working as well as it is right now. Again, it's just a few games, but everyone keeps having to go back to like 2022 with the Giants when he led them to the playoffs then. but you know he's getting good protection but even at the same time he has been blitzed at a high rate and is escaping those he's only been sacked twice not turn the ball over the offense has not turned the ball over once so far so the best answer honestly is none of us know it just seems to be like the match made in heaven but at the same time you can see everything around him is working really well the play calling suits him very well Shane Steikin's not asking him him to move heaven and earth he's giving him some some easy quick stuff to process and get rid of the ball quickly but at the same time jones is pushing the ball down the field more than he ever has he's spreading the ball around he's not just locking in on one guy and it's like he has turned over new leaf like he seems to be the early new geno smith new baker mayfield new sam

Starting point is 00:05:13 donald he seems to be like that new guy in that next you know set of resurgent quarterbacks So there's a lot of, you know, how was this happening going into it? But at the same time, early returns on this is that everything is going well, not just him. Yeah. And I think if you're the Rams and you're trying to analyze this game, you're looking, okay, is this a fake 3 and no? Is this an artificial early star for Daniel Jones? The truth of the matter is, as you point out, I mean, Jonathan Taylor is someone who could win an offensive player of the year. That's how good of a start that he's had.

Starting point is 00:05:49 And there's really nothing you can point out. When you look at Daniel Jones and say, hey, this isn't real. You mentioned the competition. Yeah, they haven't been being the best teams in the league or anything like that. But that secondary for the Broncos is solid. It's the NFL, right? I mean, just quality, especially early on in the season. But you look at his overall numbers.

Starting point is 00:06:06 I mean, a 0.42 EPA per play, that's first of all quarterback. So 11.7 passer rating. I mean, this is a guy that is third in overall yards. He hasn't turned the ball over. When you look at his success versus the Blitz with the Colts versus the success versus the Blitz with the Giants, it seems like that is the biggest difference. But do you think that that's an area with the pass rush of the Rams that's averaging four sacks a game? They're getting a ton of pressure. Is that an area you think the Rams could exploit is getting to Daniel Jones and trying to force that first turner of the season, some Aaron throws?

Starting point is 00:06:43 Yeah, because there was a similar conversation against the Broncos because I believe the Rams of Broncos are tied for the NFL lead. sacks. So kind of thought it was going to be an issue against the Broncos that pass rush. And they did account for one of those two sacks. There's been a couple times early in the year where defense is just overloading and there's a free blitzer and Jones is just going down because, you know, the play is kind of dead on arrival. So I do think the Rams and their ability to kind of almost be like a hive mind.

Starting point is 00:07:13 It's not like I think they rush very well as a group. Like, of course, Jared Vers is kind of an alpha. a dog defensive lineman. But overall, when you look at the Rams front, it's very much an attack in general. So I think that being the case could pose some issues for the Colts. Guys definitely have to be on their P's and Q's and past protection, whether it's the tight ends, the running backs. I definitely think the Rams offer something that even the Broncos quite didn't.

Starting point is 00:07:43 Because with the Broncos, you knew you had to key in on Nick Benito. And, you know, they have Zach Allen, and they have some guys there as well. But I think the Rams pass rush is a little deeper, and it seems unlikely that you have matchups against these two defenses, and neither of them comes up big in the pass rush department. So I would imagine this may be the first game where we see, you know, multiple stacks given up for the Colts. Yeah, and that's going to be an area where that is the strength for the Rams is trying to to get to the quarterback trying to cause that pressure. And I think if you're a Rams fan heading into the season,

Starting point is 00:08:22 one of the weaknesses last year, especially something that was highlighted in that loss of the Eagles in the division round last year was their inability to stop the run to stop Premier running back. Saquan Barkley ran wild against him last year. Last week, the Rams hold him to less than 50 yards, 2.6 yards per carry. What is the biggest key to stopping Jonathan Taylor?

Starting point is 00:08:42 He looks like he's as good as ever. Yeah, no. him individually as a runner he's been awesome he's even as a complete running back in past protection and catching the ball as well this is really as good as we've ever seen him and he is making some special things happen but the run scheme and the blocking has been really good as well the way that they are getting guys out on the move and just the diversity of the rushing attack that Shane Steichen is pulling on you saw an old school halfback iso play I'm sure a lot of you guys saw the Jonathan Taylor wrong touchdown against the Titans last week.

Starting point is 00:09:20 Using, you know, guys like Tyler Warren out of the fullback, you know, kind of an offset eye to come up and take out the first blocker in the hole. You're getting really big contributions from Michael Pittman as a blocker on the outside and Alec Pierce as well. So everyone's kind of buying in at the same time. This has been a very unselfish group right now and they're really all just totally bought in on this philosophy of every single person, even if you're not getting the ball in the play, you matter, your blocking matters. So the offensive line has been tremendous, even though they've worked in a couple new starters

Starting point is 00:09:58 with Tanner, Bordellini, Matt Gonzalez. I think the way that Shane Seichen is spreading out defenses while also kind of, nothing about this rushing attack is static, really. Everything is very mobile. There's a lot of moving parts to it. so I think that kind of keeps defenses on their toes. But that was one of the biggest questions I had like with the Rams because they did have issues stopping your run last year.

Starting point is 00:10:22 But it seems like they've been much better this year. So I've been a little curious if that front seven could maybe be the first ones to kind of put the brakes on Taylor this year. Yeah, certainly the addition of Puna Ford has been big. The emergence of better linebacker play, Nate Landman has been a massive addition. And certainly they're going to try to to make sure that, for the second week in a row, they neutralized another big time running back. And Jonathan Taylor

Starting point is 00:10:48 certainly is a game breaker, a game changer. And that's going to be a tough task for them. I do think one of the big matchups is going to be the cornerbacks for both teams. Can you win that war? Can you match up Pook and Akou and Devante Adams away from Chardavius Ward in the

Starting point is 00:11:04 cornerback two position for the Colts? I want to get into next. And also, the Rams have some questions for their own cornerback. So we're going to get to that next on a crossover edition of Locked on Rams. and locked on Colts. The NFL season is here, and Fandall is making sure you're ready for kickoff

Starting point is 00:11:21 with a can't miss offer. Right now, new customers can bet just $5, and if your bet wins, you'll get $300 in bonus bets to use across the app. I love Fandall. I've used it for a long time. I love using Fandle because it fits how every you like to bet. Player props, building a same game parlay,

Starting point is 00:11:39 or just even jumping in live as the action unfolds. It makes every game more excited. whether you're watching your team or just keeping an eye on your fancy line up. This game, you got the Rams 3.5 point favors, favorites against the Colts at SoFi Stadium. And it's quick, it's easy, and the best way to add a little more energy to Sundays. So you're ready to play down the Fandall app now by visiting fandil.com to get started. That's fandle.com to place your first $5 bet. When you think game day, you might not think Wayfair, but you should because Wayfair is the best

Starting point is 00:12:13 kept secret for incredible and affordable game day fines. Wayfair has everything you need to get your space ready for the season, whether you're tailgating outdoors or cheering from your living room. I love Wayfair. It's a great place to go. I picked up an awesome grill there, a cooler, a recliner. My wife's all about Wayfair. You get great stuff for a great prize, got great frines,

Starting point is 00:12:36 and it's completely leveled up my game day setup. And what I love about my cooler is it's awesome. You can just use it for so many different ways. You can take it to tailgates. You can use it at the house. It's great stuff. And the best thing, too, delivery was free fast. It was hassle-free, which is a lifesaver when you need something in time for kickoff.

Starting point is 00:12:56 From outdoor essentials like folding chairs and patio heaters to indoor must-haves like TV stands and serverware, Wayfair has it all in one place. Wayfair is your trusted destination for all things game day. From coolers and grills to recliners to slow cookers, shop save. and score today at Wayfair.com. That's W-A-Y-F-A-I-R-com Wayfair. Every style, every home.

Starting point is 00:13:27 And we are off and running here on this crossover edition of Locked-on Rams and Locked-on Colts. Big shout at those every listeners out there watching, listening to every single episode of Lockdown Rams and Locked-on Colts. Lots of new viewers, lots of new listeners this time of year. So if you are new, join that every listener, Club. That's where you watch and listen to every single episode. We drop Monday through Friday, YouTube or the podcast, and then you won't miss a thing about your favorite

Starting point is 00:13:51 football team. All right, Jake. So here in our second seven, we're going to take a look at some of these key matchups. And I'm looking at that cornerback spot. I mean, you look at the Colts, see a lot of zone. You see Tardavius Ward, Pukina Kua, really establishing himself as an elite reliever. I mean, he's gone from a guy that's this great hidden gem fifth round pick two. Now it's no, this guy is legitimately a top 10 receiver and it looks like that's an area that you can exploit against a Colt team that still looks like they're running good about his own. Yeah. So this has been a little bit of a Jekyll and Hyde situation for the Colts secondary. Ward did have to miss week two against the Broncos and that really exposed Xavier and Howard

Starting point is 00:14:34 and his inability to just run with younger, faster receivers. But Ward is back now. I'm curious what they're going to do because Luana Rumo does have intentions of putting Ward on top receivers and shadowing them and going all over, but not every team has Devante Adams and Pooka Nakua situation to choose from. So do they shadow Ward on Nakua because Kenny Moore is probably going to be out in the slot? That's one way they could go about it. they could, you know, plop him on Devante Adams, really not sure what they're going to do with him quite yet. That's definitely one area I'm a little bit concerned about because Howard could probably do fine against a guy like Adams.

Starting point is 00:15:23 You know, a couple vets who, their athleticism is just not really their defining trait. Both of those guys kind of win with their mind a little bit. And then especially with Adams, just an incredible, precise route runner. I think it's probably a little better matchup for Howard, then he would be if he was going against Nekua. I think he might be a little overmatch. Their reward matches up really well. But then Mackay Blackman is probably who you're going to see in the slot for the Colts primarily.

Starting point is 00:15:53 If Kenny Moore is indeed out, which Kenny has all but been ruled out. We're talking, is he going to land on IR at this point, which they say no. But yeah, the cornerback situation for the Colts is a little sticky. They just brought in Mike Hilton, Luana Rumo's long time nickel there from Cincinnati this week. They say maybe he can play this week. He said today that he thinks he could play this week. But still, I think they maybe give it a week to put much on his plate. But yeah, the cornerback situation going against the team where you kind of have to pick your poison against Nikua and Adams

Starting point is 00:16:31 is probably the stickiest situation for the Colts this week. Yeah, absolutely. I think you'll look at Matthew Stavre. who did not have a great game against the Eagles, sub 200 yards passing. He missed some big throws, some big third down throws that really would have really put the rams over the top and probably led to a blowout win if he executed those throws in the first half.

Starting point is 00:16:52 He feels like he's going to have more time to throw. I mean, this is not the vaunted pass rush that we saw from the Eagles, even the Titans, even the Texans. And you've seen the Colts struggle, I think they're four to the last for pass rush win rate heading into this one. the Rams offensive line has not been good, though. So it's two weaknesses going up against each other

Starting point is 00:17:14 in which weakness, I think, is going to have the advantage is really going to be dependent on how well Matthew Stafford plays in this one. And he's had a lot of success against the Colts when he's played him throughout his career. And he's someone that it's been well documented, dealing with that back injury. We saw him grab it a couple times during last week's loss of the Eagles. So I think for Rams fans, you just want to get that feel good,

Starting point is 00:17:35 get right Matthew Stafford game, where he's pushing the ball down the field, continue to develop chemistry with Devante Adams. And the efficiency really hasn't been there with Devante. I mean, you're talking about someone that's really less than 40% the contested catches. And it just,

Starting point is 00:17:50 they've been kind of forcing him to football. And we know if it's, if it's man coverage, Devante, I think it's going to need the line chair. Zone, you're going to see Pooka and Kua. But I think where the Colts really,

Starting point is 00:18:01 the wild card, as least for the Rams is if the, if Daniel Jones in this offense picks up where they've left off all season long and they take advantage of this secondary. They really got torched by Jalen Hertz late in that one. They go have three touchdowns, Akella Witherspoon. He broke his clavicle a few weeks ago. He's going to be out for 12 weeks. Emmanuel Forbes is still a developmental project. Darius Williams, a little undersized. So that is the air where I think if you're a Rams fan, you're concerned. It's like you said, it's not that they, the Colts have these

Starting point is 00:18:31 premier like Justin Jefferson, Jamar Chase type receivers, but they have guys that can get it done with a really hot cornerback, quarterback, and Daniel Jones right now. Yeah, without question. Michael Pittman, Jr., seems like he is totally back from a back injury that kind of plagued him last year. He's back to leading the Colts in every receiving category. Again, Tyler Warren is someone you could put on just about anyone and find some success. A.D. Mitchell, very big X factor this week, though, I kind of mentioned there at the top,

Starting point is 00:19:01 assuming Alec Pierce doesn't play this week with a concussion. It's his third documented concussion in the NFL. He also had one late last year. So if they're playing it safe, I'm going to imagine he doesn't play. But again, A.D. Mitchell, talent-wise, has the ability to be the Colts best receiver. He just hasn't put it all together yet. But at the same time, he's like fourth on the depth chart as receiver because they do have a good group of guys. So this is really his first experience, extensive experience this year.

Starting point is 00:19:34 being a featured piece of the offense, if that is how it develops. But, yeah, it's really interesting because for some reason, teams haven't really been stelling out to stop Taylor. It's like they've been prepared for the passing game. Like last week, for example, he only faced a loaded box 5.8% of the time and made the Titans pay with three touchdowns and over 100 yards. But he hasn't been one of these running backs that's faced like a 40% loaded box throughout the game or anything like that. So that's interesting.

Starting point is 00:20:10 Teams are kind of preparing for Jones to spread the ball against them and everything. And I think this is a matchup where they could do that as long as they keep the pass rush for the Rams at bay. They definitely have the size advantage when it comes to receivers versus defensive backs. I know some guys have been banged up there as well, even the safeties. it looks like, you know, Cameron Kensens is kind of dealing with a little something as well. So, you know, the receivers are good, but I keep coming back to this, probably being a big, big performance for Tyler Warren. I think they need to do it. Like, I'm talking eight, nine balls to him.

Starting point is 00:20:45 Like, I think that is a recipe where you just have an advantage against most teams with a guy like Warren. But in this matchup, I think he could bail you out of some situations. Ah, to have a tight end and to use your tight end. Rams fans want that. It's, they went out there and they take Terrence Ferguson out of Oregon, and they say after that even if they kept that first round pick that they ultimately traded to the Falcons, that they would have taken him at 26. Yet he had a groin injury during preseason and training camp, and he just has been not utilized.

Starting point is 00:21:19 And they don't really have that stretch, that flexi, tight end. We saw one play in the preseason. We had a nice stretch play down the seam. back shoulder fade and they're really behind in his development it seems like tyler warren just like they plug him in he plays and he's playing at an elite level feels like yeah both as a receiver and a blocker he's been i don't want to say a pleasant surprise because that's what a lot of people envisioned for him in the NFL but for a rookie tied in to not really have much waiting time for him to be impactful has been great because the colts have gotten like nothing from

Starting point is 00:21:56 the tight-in position essentially since Jack Doyle retired several years ago. They've tried to make Mo Alley Cox be the guy. They've brought in some other guys here, there. There was the year with Eric Ebron, but it's pretty evident one of the biggest missing pieces

Starting point is 00:22:12 of this offense has been just a tight-in in general, but they got a super versatile tight-end who is doing such unique things in the way he is getting open from the alignment where he's at. Like they were in this this fullback sale route a couple weeks ago where he's lined up as the fullback

Starting point is 00:22:32 in the offset eye and winds up getting like a 40-yard completion off of it based on this huge corner route that he runs down the field and there Shane Steichen is having a blast with Warreness is tied in right now and a little bit slower of a week last week he played through a toe injury but he's not on the injury report this week so we'll see if he bounces back a little bit. Yeah, on the Rams, it's a lot of frustration with lack of creativity. I mean, there's last week when, look,

Starting point is 00:23:02 Sean McVeigh is criticized for being too conservative. He had a third one. He throws a streak, a go-ball to Devante Adams. The next play, you run right to the right side, right by mine Bo Limmer, who, by the way, you had the same PFF blocking grade as he did last week.

Starting point is 00:23:18 0.00. And you run, Kairn Williams, right between the tackle and the garden, you get stuff. So, Yeah, I mean, that's something that I think you're hoping to see this game from the Rams, too, is take advantage of whoever's not, whoever Chenebius Ward isn't guarding. I mean, whether it be Hilton Howard, whoever it may be, and you got two really good receivers and using some of those schemes that they've been really effective with his first couple of games and just letting Matthew Stafford be Matthew Stafford once again.

Starting point is 00:23:47 So it's going to be really interesting to see what happens on Sunday. And if this Colts team really makes a bold state, because let's be honest, I mean, the Colts when this one, this is no fluke. I mean, is they a legitimate. I think they already are legitimate, to be honest, with the talent that they do have. And Daniel Jones is freed from the Giants. And he looks

Starting point is 00:24:06 like he's just ready to prove to everyone out there that he is this quarterback that was pick number six and was supposed to be a really good QB throughout his career. So lots of, lots to be gained, lots to be lost on Sunday. We're going to talk next. I don't know if you want to throw out a prediction. It might be too early for that, but some more factors

Starting point is 00:24:22 heading into this one. That's coming up next on this crossover edition of Locked on Rams and Locked on Colts. And remind that today's episode of Locked on Rams and Locked on Colts is brought to you by game time. The NFL season is back and honestly, there's nothing better than being in the stadium surrounded by fans, cheering on your team. But let's be honest, getting tickets can be a hassle, betting cues and between cues and login screens and prices jumping at the checkout. It's frustrating. that's why I use game time. The app that gives the advantage back to fans,

Starting point is 00:24:58 game time is fast, easy, and backed by the game time guarantee. You'll always get 100% authentic tickets delivered on time and at the best price. Plus, all fees are included. So the price you see is the price you pay. I pulled up game time in just a couple taps. I saw amazing the deals where I'm talking about

Starting point is 00:25:16 your favorite NFL games as low as $100. So you can go to SoFi and watch the Colts versus the Rams this Sunday. I love the app because it's super simple. You get the exact view from the seats you're going to buy before buying. You get the zone deals where you pick the section and game time picks the seats and you save big. It's awesome. It's faster and cheaper.

Starting point is 00:25:37 The other apps is too. So down the game time app, creating account and use code locked on NFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Again, it's promo code L-O-C-E-D-O-N-N-FL-L-N-F-T-D-D-D-W-T-T-T-T-D-D-D-W-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-E-D-D-W. Download the game time app today. And welcome back to this crossover edition of Locked on Rams and Locked on Colts. Okay. So you're going to be at the game, right?

Starting point is 00:26:06 I believe. No, I'm not traveling to L.A. this one. Hey, it's, look, there's nothing better than, hey, I got my cooler from Wayfair, right? I mean, it's nothing better than being on the couch, red zoning it. Or actually, I think Red Zones is a little for amateurs, right? you got to get the YouTube NFL Sunday ticket, all the games on the quad screens. But yeah,

Starting point is 00:26:26 I mean, what do you think this game, does it feel like the Colts are playing with house money in this one? Because it feels like the Rams, if they lose this game, you got Baltimore and San Francisco, you're going to London, and all of a sudden you're in a position where

Starting point is 00:26:39 are you going to have to try to climb out of the holes that they've had to climb out of the past two seasons? Three and one sounds a lot better than two and two. And for the Colts, I mean, at 4 and O, you come to L.A., beat this Rams.

Starting point is 00:26:51 team that kind of has been a little bit of a sexy pick to win the division, be a Super Bowl contender. What do this game would mean to the Colts? Yeah, I do think this is a toss-up. I easily see an avenue for either team to win. But right now, I think the Colts are totally bought in. You know, it's taken Shane Stike in a few years to really deliver the message and get the return on it with the right players and coaches around him.

Starting point is 00:27:18 And it seems like it's finally sunken in. And some of the areas they're strongest that are hallmarks of good teams, especially offensive line play, quarterback play. I do have concerns about the pass rush and, you know, the run defense. We'll see, you know, I know those are areas that the Rams might be able to exploit, especially the power run game. Like, teams that want to commit to the run, I think will be able to have success against the Colts. It just hasn't really been the recipe in these first few weeks for their opponents.

Starting point is 00:27:49 Two of them were blowouts, and those teams weren't able to establish the run against the Colts at all. But I'm very curious about this one. I think it's going to be very, very close. I do like the Colts' advantages in the passing game. Again, I think Tyler Warren's going to be a pretty big X factor. I got to imagine the Rams are going to try and sell out to stop Jonathan Taylor, in which we've seen, obviously, the Colts have had a lot of success through the air. Jones is completing 70% over a 9.0 yards per attempt, 100 pass a rating each week.

Starting point is 00:28:25 So, like, he's balling defensively. I'm very curious, again, how I mentioned the cornerbacks are in a match up with these receivers because these receivers can give it to anybody, really. But does Lou Anirumo rely more on attempting to muddy the waters for Stafford and kind of throw off his timing a little bit because that's what he did to Tua because Tua is obviously a very timing, precision-based passer who throws to spots and everything, they were just able to muddy the water so much for him and confuse him a bit. I don't think they'll necessarily confuse Stafford, but they'll probably attempt to delay him a little bit and make him think about things a little

Starting point is 00:29:09 harder, which, you know, when you've got a guy that gets rid of the ball as quickly as he does, I think that's really the only way to counter that and get a pass rush. And they know that. So I've picked the Colts so far in each game to win. So I think I'm going to keep it up here. I think they're going to win a close one. Again, it could just as easily be the Rams, but I don't have a reason to say the Colts don't win if that makes sense.

Starting point is 00:29:36 Yeah, I mean, I'm not going to lie before watching the live, I've watched the last two Colts games the last couple of nights. And I thought, okay, it's Cinderella turning to a pumpkin, right? and it does feel like that's that's something that could happen sooner than later down the line, but I mean, this team has legitimate talent. They have really a coaching and you have really good addition to Tyler Warren.

Starting point is 00:29:54 I mean, the pass rush definitely is a concern. The secondary, I think, can be exploited by a really good quarterback and Matthew staff with really good receivers. I just look at this Rams defense and if you're getting pressure with your front four, you're playing gap and a half and you're sounding your gap control

Starting point is 00:30:10 and you can find some way to not stop but just limit the big plays with Jonathan Taylor, then you give your secondary a breather a little bit. But to say that I'm not concerned about the RAMP secondary, when their game plan, it materialized. You turn Jalen

Starting point is 00:30:27 Hertz into a passer and he beat you as a passer. And Daniel Jones is a more gifted passer than Jalen Hertz. So I definitely, I wake up at 3.30 in the morning, a cold sweat thinking of this Ram's secondary. It definitely gives me concern. I think that this is going to be the best

Starting point is 00:30:42 Matthew Stafford game of the year just because he's getting it out, quicker than ever. He, hopefully, even though the Rams' offensive line has been the second worst and past pro this year, he's going to hopefully have more time to throw. The Rams have found a two-headed monster running game with Kyle Williams and Blake quorum. And they realize what's at stake. Like I said, there's a team that they don't look. If you're the coach, you're like, holy crap, like we've got this big, this window now. It was stiking and young pieces and things like that, a future in indie. The Rams are like, hey, this is all in, man. Like,

Starting point is 00:31:12 this is this year and maybe next year's top with Matthew Stafford and you can't drop a game to a Colts team after having a heartbreak loss that would just totally change the tenor and the mood of the season. I think you have to find a way to win this one. I think you're going to see a nice offensive output and wow

Starting point is 00:31:28 what do you know? Rams guy picks Rams Colts guy picks Colts. What do you know right? I mean but that's kind of how this one is ending but this is a let's be honest like that's why like all these like oh the schedule release show Jake oh the June schedule, let's go game by game prediction.

Starting point is 00:31:44 Like all that is just, it's fun, but it's like, it's trying to like do like a March Madness bracket, right? The day, it really means next to nothing, right? I mean, this Colts team is better than anyone could have predicted. Yeah, I would agree. You know, at the beginning of

Starting point is 00:32:00 the season before anything started, I said their, their window was probably like 7 to 10 to 10 and 7 max. Like if you're being really optimistic and there already have three wins and then you look at their schedule and it's like this team is capable of 11 or 12 wins maybe which seems crazy to think again back in June but yeah when things are clicking like they are right now I mean

Starting point is 00:32:26 yes part of you is just waiting for the other shoe to drop but offensively at least you're looking at it and you're like there's been no weak points so far to this offense especially when you're getting the quarterback play that you're getting and the run game that you're getting and the coaching. It's like it's probably not sustainable to average 34 points and over 400 yards a game throughout the year, but

Starting point is 00:32:51 like some of this is going to keep up at a high level you've got to imagine. I totally agree. It's a tough test for this Rams defense and it's going to be a test for this Colts offense to come out West and continue for what they've done. But it's going to be a really good one. We're going to break it down

Starting point is 00:33:07 on the squad show right after the game for the postcast and definitely go if you're not a Colts fan, this guy knows ball, you want to probably listen to what he has to say about his team. You want to do further recon for Sunday. I don't know about you, Jake, but every time we have a squad show, it's

Starting point is 00:33:23 like half the chat is the opposing team's fans, trying to like take these victory laps. It gets toxic and you love it, but I'm sure you'll be seeing Rams fans over there as well. So definitely go follow my man, Jake Arthur. Go read his stuff and subscribe to his

Starting point is 00:33:39 podcast as well. My name is Doug McKinney. at X and Instagram at DMAX underscore L.A. Until next time, whose house, it's locked on Ram's house, and it's locked on Colts.

Locked On Colts - Daily Podcast On The Indianapolis Colts - CROSSOVER: Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts Look to Make NOISE vs. Matt Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

There aren't comments yet for this episode. Click on any sentence in the transcript to leave a comment.