Locked On Colts - Daily Podcast On The Indianapolis Colts - Indianapolis Colts, Anthony Richardson in Perfect Situation to Defeat the Chicago Bears

Starting point is 00:00:00 the Colts are either about to fall to 0-3 or get the vibes right with a win at home against the Bears on Sunday. And we're going to tell you what we think is going to happen. Let's get to it. You are Locked On Colts, your daily Indianapolis Colts podcast. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. All right. Thanks for tuning in and making us your first listen of the day. This is your daily podcast covering your Indianapolis Colts, part of the Locked On Podcast Network,

Starting point is 00:00:37 your team every day. And today's show is brought to you by our pals over at PrizePix. Go to prizepix.com slash locked on NFL and use code all lowercase locked on NFL to win $50 instantly when you play just five. Gotta have a deal. What's up, y'all? This is Jake Arthur and Zach Hicks of horseshoehuddle.com. I'm your resident media member for the site,

Starting point is 00:00:59 and Zach is your resident film nerd for the site. And we are here, as we are every Friday, to preview Sunday's game. It is Colts film nerd for the site. And we are here as we are every Friday to preview Sunday's game. It is Colts-Chicago Bears. It is a big one because it's the I-65 rivalry, just three hours away for everybody. While you'll love to have everybody in Lucas Oil Stadium cheering for the Colts, you got to make sure you drown out the Bears fans that you know are going to be in there. So this will be a big one.

Starting point is 00:01:28 Obviously, Colts fans are a little bit on edge. It's 0-2, looking to avoid 0-3. The Bears, likewise, they have their brand new quarterback as well. They don't want to be 1-2. 2-1 looks a whole lot better. So we'll talk about the offense, defense, and then ultimately what we think is going to happen in this one. So, Zach, you know, this is not something where it's we're just looking for one side to get right. There's plenty for both sides of the football for the Colts to get better. So offensively, you're really looking for some consistency, establish some sort of rhythm early.

Starting point is 00:02:03 Obviously, you know, you know, Jonathan Taylor can get going, but you would hope to get that happening early in the game. Rhythmically with the passing game, Josh Downs is back, no longer carries an injury designation. You hope that helps smooth out some of Anthony Richardson's edges and make some of the extremes a little less extreme. Now, Michael Pittman Jr. is questionable with a back and a calf. So we'll see how that goes. You know, if I had to guess, that's a guy who plays through a lot of stuff. So maybe he'll be back with downs as well. But yeah, this is one. It's pretty tough because Chicago's defense is for real, especially that back seven, the pass defense. That is a team, again, they're one and one, and they're one and one because of their defense.

Starting point is 00:02:51 They single-handedly won the Tennessee game. Yeah, well, Will Levis helped them out quite a bit. They had to be there to capitalize on that, though. That's true. That's true. That's true. But, no, I think this is a big game for the Colts because we've seen through two weeks that they just started so slow on offense in both these games the first halves combined if you look at the two first halves the last two games for the colts uh combined seven

Starting point is 00:03:14 points the passing game has been very out of sync in those first halves uh the running game had a little bit of juice against the packers in the first half but clearly did not have any juice against the texans in that first half so uh it's about starting quick for this Colts team especially against the team where we're going to talk about in our next segment uh their offense has a lot of issues right now and you want to get them out of running the ball into throwing the ball a little bit more because that's probably the only area the Colts defense has some kind of advantage on anybody right now clearly not in the ground game. So you really got to try to get, you know, Chicago playing like the team from behind rather than what we've seen from the Colts these past two weeks, where from the first play of the game,

Starting point is 00:03:55 from the first couple of plays of the game, the Colts been playing from behind. They have not really been in a position where they are trying to, you know, not trying to come back in a game, essentially. And it goes on both sides of the field, offense and defense. Defense allowing teams to score too early in games. Offense just getting off to really slow starts, really ineffective starts. So getting Josh Downs out here, hopefully improving that success rate for the offense would be massive.

Starting point is 00:04:21 Lean on the run game against a defensive line that's not very strong I mean it's a fine defensive line it's just not the strength of this defense lean on the run game a little bit kind of you know that's where you got to attack this Matt Eberflug's defense and try to start quick for once I mean Anthony Richardson has played in four fourth quarters in his career he's been down by two scores in every single one of those fourth quarters and yes some of that is definitely on him it's also on the rest of the offense. It's also on the defense. They got to start quick in this game. They got to get out to a lead early. And I think a lot of that comes down to having a really good opening script for this offense.

Starting point is 00:04:57 Go down there, get some points, and let's get this thing rolling. But yeah, I think having downs back is going to be big. Braden Smith michael pitman jr both popped up on the injury report today but they're both good to go i think also ryan kelly did but he's he didn't even get like it wasn't like an injury thing for him so he's good too uh so this colts offense it's at full strength essentially right now like there's no excuse not to come out the gates firing here it doesn't have to be downfield shots it'd be awesome if it was but get the ground game going get some quick passes to Pittman and Downs, and let's get a touchdown out the gate and start with a lead for once in one of these games. That is a rarity for Anthony to be playing with a lead, and I think the defense is probably something that would function a lot better with a lead as well. But offensively,

Starting point is 00:05:41 I don't want to say, like, I don't want to say like, I don't want to say like make your game plan almost like a regression of what you've done with Anthony, but I think it's not too late in the season to kind of like keep it a little simpler. Like don't reinvent the wheel here. Like get back to the basics, you know, try to run the ball effectively. Like a somewhat advanced version of what Green Bay did with Malik Willis last week, like try to establish the ball effectively like a somewhat advanced version of what green bay did with malik willis last week like try to establish the run you know move move within anthony strengths get him out of the pocket or you know some bootlegs move the pocket a bit uh just do like stop putting

Starting point is 00:06:18 him in this box of the pocket passer role you, like they've talked every time someone talks about Anthony Richardson from the Colts, they talk about his special abilities and like they use him, you know, they drafted him the way they want to use him because he can obviously run and everything. But it's like, we haven't, we just haven't really seen a lot of that. It's, it seems like they're just trying to make something happen. That's not the best fit so far and i just think if you get back to the basics keep it simple establish the run help that open up some play action across you know the chicago's defenses uh they're they're good at eliminating big plays overall but they are a little susceptible over the middle of the field and you know they they have an aggressive defense

Starting point is 00:07:03 as well i mean they have really good confident defenders like you know they they have an aggressive defense as well i mean they have really good confident defenders like you know if they can get if the colts can get some deep shots going like it's not something like a consistent recipe like they did in week one or anything um but you know this this is a chicago defense this is that's got to think that they have the upper hand and it's probably going to play that way. So, I mean, do, do some things that they're maybe not expecting the Colts to be able to do. The Colts have had those deep shots, but it was not by proxy of having the effective run game. You know what I mean? Like, I just think there's a way they can reestablish themselves. They're kind of searching for an identity right now as well.

Starting point is 00:07:44 Yeah. I think the, I think a big thing really is leaning on that ground game a little bit in this one, which I know to all the analytics people listening, you're screaming in horror and covering your ears because nobody likes their ground game. But look, the Colts by efficiency metrics right now are averaging 6.1 yards per carry. A lot of that is because Richardson's averaging nearly 10 yards a carry right now. And then Taylor had a really big week too, where he averaged, I think like eight yards a carry. So, you know, those numbers are a little bit propped up from that, but they have been efficient running tack and they've had a lot of explosive runs this year, 10 runs of over 10 yards this season for the Colts

Starting point is 00:08:19 offense. So I do think leaning on the ground game a little bit, it will be effective for them. Lean on the threat of Richardson running the ball. That's what, you know, created some really big runs for Jonathan Taylor against the Green Bay Packers. And then I think when it comes down to how you're going to attack this team in the passing game, again, isolate Josh Downs whenever you can against a linebacker or a safety and let him do his thing. If you do want to attack vertically, you know, maybe against this kind of cover two, you know, Matt Iroflu style of defense, attack the seams, you know,

Starting point is 00:08:49 which Richardson loves to do. He's really good at it. Attacking the seams, get those tight ends, moving up the seams, get some high lows in those areas and attack behind those linebackers and in front of those safeties.

Starting point is 00:08:59 And then it's on the receivers to, you know, you got to make those plays. There's gonna be some tough catches over the middle with some high flying safeties, but they certainly have the receivers to, you know, you got to make those plays. There's gonna be some tough catches over the middle with some high flying safeties, but they certainly have the players to do it. But again, I really do think the most important thing I want to see from this Colts offense is a good first half.

Starting point is 00:09:15 Like I want to see them show the ability to stay on script on that first drive, get down there, get some points. It doesn't need to be a touchdown, but I, you know, would love it to be a touchdown, get down there, get some points. It doesn't need to be a touchdown, but I would love it to be a touchdown. Get down there, get some points early, get your defense playing in a position of strength for once instead of being on their back heels, and then just keep building off the momentum. If your defense gives you a turnover or something, then make sure you capitalize on that, which they have on the one turnover they've gotten this year. But just stuff like that, capitalizing on their opportunities, getting off to a fast start and making the Bears be the team that has to throw it in the second half.

Starting point is 00:09:48 Not Richardson having to throw 25 pass attempts in the fourth quarter again. You know, we don't need that every single week. So let's get off to a fast start. Let's give Richardson in this offense a lead for once going into the second half or going into the fourth quarter and give him those reps of being in control of a game rather than just having to be superman in the fourth quarter like he's always had to been yeah there there's just luckily i think this is a good opponent for them to again it's a very good chicago defense but when you mesh together the entire team and how the defense and offense affect each other because we've seen that be a huge problem all year like short fields low time of possession like it's it's been a problem um but i i think that's really

Starting point is 00:10:31 going to help because this is exactly what they need at the right time and we're going to talk about that from the defensive perspective as well here in a moment you have heard us talk a lot about fandle recently america's number one sports book. Well, we got something a little different for you. Now through September 22nd, that's this weekend, guys. All FanDuel customers can bet $5 and get a three-week free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Then with a YouTube TV-based plan, you'll be able to watch every regular season Sunday afternoon out-of-market game. All you need is a Google account and a current form of payment.

Starting point is 00:11:06 Plus, you can cancel anytime. The Colts are one-and-a-half point favorites in this one, which essentially just makes it a toss-up. The over-under on points is 43-and-a-half, which how these offenses have looked at times seems a little rich. Plus, the Colts are four-and-six at Lucas Oil Stadium since last year. So do with that information what you you know, do with that what you will. It's your money.

Starting point is 00:11:29 It's your life. But yeah, just visit Fandle.com to download America's number one sports book and make your picks. All right, Zach. So overall, I mean, the defense isn't quite as healthy as the offense is, obviously, with Juju Brinson, DeForest Buckner going out. But among the active roster, it's about the same. So Laatu Latu, he's got a hip injury. He's questionable. He was able to get back onto the practice field Friday. Julian Blackman is back, which that's underrated. I think

Starting point is 00:12:01 his presence is 100% critical for that defense's survival at all times, I think. So Blackman being back is big. So there's some big questions, obviously. Something we've tackled quite a bit throughout the week is, so DeForest Buckner is obviously out. That's no mystery. He's out for a minimum of four games. Who's in? Obviously, it'll probably be some sort of team effort. What we think they're going to do is probably some mix of Taven, Brian, and Adetomi. But they could put Dayo in there, which would be sick. Tyquan Lewis has played inside as well. What are they going to do there?

Starting point is 00:12:40 And another one we haven't really talked about much, and I've actually been wanting to get your opinion on this one. So obviously Juju Brents is not coming back this year, but Dallas Flowers or Samuel Womack, we've seen a little bit of both. What's the vibe? What's your preference so far? Well, one thing I will say is we don't really have any pass reps for either guy right now know the Packers didn't have to throw the ball it was like the highest run percentage rate that we've seen from a team since like you know the 90s or whatever so it's hard to really give a feel on that uh for me personally I'd probably lean lean Womack just because he looks more fluid out there looks like a better athlete right now Flowers just it doesn't look like he's got that step anymore I think there was a big third down completion that Malik Willis had last week against him where, you know, it was

Starting point is 00:13:29 a simple, it was like a third and 10 and it was just a deep out route and he was nowhere near the receiver. And it's just stuff like that, like that ability to cut on a dime and break out of his, out of his drops. I just don't think it's there for Flowers right now. So for me, I'd probably start Womack and play him for a majority of the game, and then we'll see what happens there. But slim pickings right now. Slim pickings with outside corner. And we'll see if it actually matters this week

Starting point is 00:13:53 because it didn't matter whatsoever last week. But we'll see if it actually comes into play this week. Yeah. And speaking of health, the Bears, their offense isn't doing super hot. So Keenan Allen has already been ruled out with a heel injury guard, Nate Davis. He's questionable with a groin, but has been awful when he's been on the field. Just today, I read some there it's again, they played two games and, you know, bears writers are already writing their, please God, get something else going on with Nate Davis's spot articles so

Starting point is 00:14:25 uh even when he was with the Titans that was kind of a vibe as well so well who's their next man up again Jake Matt Pryor baby Matt Pryor oh my gosh when he's not playing right tackle is a pretty big problem so the Bears offensive line has been bad. Matt prior versus Taven, Brian. Yeah. That's the ultimate stoppable force versus movable objects. Yeah. Like if the Colts are gonna be without buck and they need to have a game

Starting point is 00:14:54 where like Taven plays a lot, like this might be, that's the problem. Taven's going to have one and a half sacks and like three TFLs in this one. And Ballard's keep back. See, I told you.

Starting point is 00:15:04 And then they're going to face a good offensive line andard's going to be like, see, I told you. And then they're going to face a good offensive line and it's going to go how it has all 15 other times. But no, I mean, Chicago, their front, it's rough. They are 28th and rushing. And I've now talked to two different Bears podcasts this week. They all echo the same thing. They can't run it to save their life, and they can't protect Caleb Williams to save their life as well.

Starting point is 00:15:28 The numbers back that up. Again, 28th and rushing, I think it's like 77 yards per game. They're tied for the most sacks allowed per game. The only reason they're not first is because New England has played an extra game because they played on Thursday. So it's run blocking and pass blocking. It's rough. And it's like, thank God this is the line that the Colts banged up defensive line gets this week.

Starting point is 00:15:53 Because, again, Latu is questionable. Quidipe is not on the injury report this week. But I did not think he looked like himself last week. Like, you could tell he had been banged up all week. Yeah, yeah. We'll see if the Colts can even face a passing game, though, whatsoever. I don't think he looked like himself last week. Like you could tell he had been banged up all week. Yeah. Yeah. We'll see if the Colts can even face a passing game though, whatsoever.

Starting point is 00:16:09 Cause again, like when you allow, what was it been 450 yards rushing in two weeks? Like, I don't think you get any benefit of the doubt. You could go in against me on the other offensive line. And I don't even, I even think in the back of your mind for like a second,

Starting point is 00:16:24 you'd be like, I don't even, I even think in the back of your mind for like a second, you'd be like, I don't know, can they get by that 200 pound dude that looks like he can't fit his shoulder pads? Like, you know, like what, can they even get around him? Because it's been that bad. I mean, again, we knew the Packers were only going to run the ball last week.

Starting point is 00:16:39 And it doesn't matter if you have the five greatest offensive linemen in the history of football out there. If you know that a team is going to run the ball at a 70 plus percent clip they should not be able to run for 200 plus yards in one half like so it's like that still blows me away like yeah yeah you could tell me matt prior start you could tell me there's five matt prior starting and i would still be concerned for this run defense because it's been that awful through two weeks so yeah I mean the Colts defense has not given us any reason to hope

Starting point is 00:17:10 or believe in them whatsoever even their past defense like I know raw totals wise have not given up a ton of yards but like yards per attempt and passer rating and all that have been great for opposing quarterbacks through two weeks and that includes a Malik Willis game in there. Like it's hard to have much faith in this defense right now. Luckily they are going against an offense that has mightily struggled. Caleb Williams is going through his rookie lumps as the second youngest starting quarterback in football right now. Young quarterback struggle is just what happens unless you're CJ Stroud,

Starting point is 00:17:41 young quarterback struggle in the NFL. And Caleb Williams is, is seeing, you know, his, his part of that right now, the offensive line is really bad. unless you're cj strower young quarterback struggle in the nfl and caleb williams is is seeing you know his his part of that right now the offensive line is really bad uh and luckily yes the culture down samson abu khan they're down to forrest buckner might be down like a lot too but because the depth on this defensive line in terms of pass rushers they still have quitty pay they still have taekwon lewis they still have da diawa dangbo like that's still a solid group of guys who should be able to take advantage of a poor offensive line so yes if the colts can get them into passing situations hopefully this defensive line can get after it and get to caleb williams and and do what these you know do with

Starting point is 00:18:20 the titans and the texans were able to do the first two weeks but again we there's no real reason to hope with this defense right now. Like there's nothing to really hang your hat on and be like, I feel like it can turn around. Like when it comes to the Colts offense, at least in the fourth quarter, they looked competent last week. And in week one, they were so explosive. So you can say with the Colts offense, they'll figure it out.

Starting point is 00:18:39 You know, and they have Shane Steichen at the helm. Like they'll figure it out. With defense, you have an archaic defensive system, a defensive coordinator that nobody believes in, a bunch of players that are underperforming, and then your best two pass rushers are out for the year. Your top corner is out for the year, or Buckner's not for the year, but you know what I mean. Their best two pass rushers are out. Their best corner is out for the year. It's hard to really hang your hat on much on this defense. I hope they prove me wrong. I hope they come out and do what the Titans and Texans were able to do against this Bears team but

Starting point is 00:19:08 I just don't really have much hope at all for this defense I guess one shining one one good thing I guess about it is Gus Bradley's defense typically gets ripped apart by the the Shanahan disciples and Slowick and and LeFle, the two offensive coordinators they faced to start the year, they are Shanahan disciples. And Shane Waldron, I think, obviously overlapped with McVay for a little bit, but he's kind of gone on his own branch a little bit. So he's kind of gone away from that style of offense. So we'll see if that changes things up.

Starting point is 00:19:42 But, yeah, this defense, man man like again you could tell me they're going against my high school football team and i'd be like i don't know if they could stop them like just like again like it's on it's so inexcusable to allow 450 yards through two weeks when one team didn't even start a quarterback basically so it's like what you can't really tell me anything to be excited about with this defense right now until they actually show me something no they're they're very much a prove it type of situation because it's been so bad that's the thing and they have guys on on the roster who we've seen have success but they still again the product has been so bad that they have to prove once again that they can do it uh but coming up here in a moment, we're going to talk about how is this game actually going to turn out

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Starting point is 00:21:40 That's code LOCKEDONNFL on Price P picks to get fifty dollars instantly when you play just five dollars you don't even need to win to receive the fifty dollar bonus either because it's guaranteed prize picks run your game zach i got one before we dive into final thoughts here and what we think is going to happen i have a continuation of the defense. So, and this matchup specifically, because the Colts have kind of given an indication they're willing to be fluid with this situation at safety. Would you play Julian Blackman free in this one with Nick Cross at strong? I feel like you're risking a little less in this type of a matchup. Yeah. I mean, honestly, I think before the season i would

Starting point is 00:22:25 have considered that i kind of just like the fit better there anyway but yeah honestly i would like them just to do more kind of shell stuff anyway with those two and have them be more you know interchangeable a lot like you can drop them both back you could mix up which one you're dropping into the box like i think i would more like to have like an interchangeable system with those two guys because there's no real limitations with either one in terms of coverage versus run defense which one you're dropping into the box. Like, I think I would more like to have like an interchangeable system with those two guys. Cause there's no real limitations with either one in terms of coverage versus run defense.

Starting point is 00:22:49 So yeah, I mean, for, for labeling purposes, sure. Like I would, the way that crosses tack. Well,

Starting point is 00:22:55 who you would rather be in the backend most often. Yeah. I mean, look with the way that cross is tackled so far this year, have them around the box because he feels more willing than these linebackers right now to fit the run. So, yeah, get Cross around the line of scrimmage. Maybe we can actually get some run stops within 10 yards from him and and we'll do some good things there. So, yeah, I mean, yeah, get Cross around the box.

Starting point is 00:23:16 He's the only one willing to tackle right now. So, yeah, I'm all for it. I'm thinking if the D-line can put some pressure on Williams, rattle him a little bit. It's something we've seen that can happen even in his college days. You rattle him a little bit, cause him to throw some errant throws. Julian Blackman is him and Kenny Moore, 1A, 1B. That's your biggest playmakers and turnover machines on defense. So I think for focus of creating more opportunities for the offense, I think that to me,

Starting point is 00:23:45 I would probably play Blackman a bit more in the back half. I'm in this one. So all that to say this. So final thoughts. The, I often still get a little weary and I still am when the Colts face a bit of a weaker opponent like this, but Chicago's offense, like in all areas, has been pretty poor.

Starting point is 00:24:09 Again, 28th rushing, 32nd passing, 18th in scoring. And one of the touchdowns that they've scored, at least one of them was defensive. So, like, that win they had and those points they scored in that, they needed the defense to do that. And they're 27th on third down, which is even bigger to me because it's like they cannot keep drives going. So I think the Colts defense gets a little bit of a break here. They do still have some talented, capable players out there.

Starting point is 00:24:41 They're I mean, it's they're going to have to gel and figure things out throughout the season because some of these guys are going to be out long-term, obviously Brent's all year, you know, Buckner until dang near mid season. It seems I have a little bit of faith that some of their defensive players can rattle an offense that's been so ineffective like this, you know, at least with green Bay Malik Willis, it's like they got to throw out a mystery box at the Colts defense. And they attacked them in a way they didn't really anticipate. They knew they were going to run it, but the way they did it was probably a little unexpected. So offensively, I'm always going to have faith that any week

Starting point is 00:25:21 could be the week they open up because we know that's coming at some point their offense is not going to be like this all season like at some point it's going to be pretty good um this is probably the best defense they've faced you could say uh one of them comparable to houston at minimum yeah yeah i would say comparable to houston very different styles but yeah but yeah in terms of talent effectiveness, and the secondary is pretty good too. I still think there's just like, there's some things that guys like Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor can do that are uncommon.

Starting point is 00:25:57 And I love that Josh Downs is back as well. So with that, I think it's still going to be a close game. And I do think Chicago's offense is probably gonna have its best game of the year but I'm still gonna put it at 20 to 16 Colts okay okay yeah I said last week during my prediction of the Colts somehow lost to Malik Willis that would lose my early season optimism and start picking against them out of spite uh so I am picking against him in this one I'm gonna go 22 19 uh in favor of the bears because i think this just has the making of an ugly game i think yeah you got two young

Starting point is 00:26:31 quarterbacks who are still figuring things out they're not fully where they need to be or where they're going to be i think both are going to be very good long term but we're at the we're the age 22 season for both these guys it's not going to be a pretty product. And ultimately, I think the decisive factor is this Bears defense is really good. They're really good at sitting back and taking away anything that you want to force past 7, 8, 9, 10 yards. And that's where Richardson likes to get a lot of his production, is pushing the ball down the field a little bit. He's going to be forced into some mistakes. I fully expect them because it's a good, talented ball hawking defense that the Bears have. So I'm going to see a couple of mistakes from him.

Starting point is 00:27:10 And ultimately, I just don't think the Colts have any playmakers really on their defense to make mistakes. Through two games, they have zero turnovers for us. The only turnover the Colts have for us has been a block punt that was happening in week one. And really, there hasn't been that many opportunities for... Oh, no, sorry. They had a fumble for that was happening in week one and really there hasn't been that many opportunities for oh like no sorry they had a fumble force last week on the one yard line going in sorry they did have a force fumble last week so one one turnover force from this defense haven't really got their hands on many balls i think like three pass deflections in two weeks like two pass deflections in two weeks i don't really see them really getting after the quarterback too much

Starting point is 00:27:44 because teams don't have to throw against the Colts. So ultimately this defense for the Colts just does not give me the inspiration that the Bears defense does. Now I will say this because this is a Colts show. I'm not going to sit here and just praise the Bears. So if the Colts want to win this game, they got to start quick, feed Jonathan Taylor, feed Anthony Richardson in the short game and the run game, get down there, get a touchdown to start this game feed Jonathan Taylor, feed Anthony Richardson in the short game and the run game. Get down there, get a touchdown to start this game, whether it's on your first drive or the Bears have a drive and then you get a drive out there. Get the Bears reeling early and get them going into desperation mode in that first half. If you get them having to throw the ball in the first half, you have a really good game flow that you can win.

Starting point is 00:28:28 But if it becomes like a Packers game where they're up two scores in the first quarter and they don't have to throw the ball anymore, then we're going to see what we, what we saw against the Packers. So for the Colts, it's really getting out to a quick start, getting it to where you don't have to force the ball down the fields. Like you can just get into these like winnable, ugly situations, so to speak. I mean, look at what the Steelers have done the last two weeks to go to a no, it's been a lot of field goals, a lot of getting, which you guys know makes me shiver to my core. I hate hearing the word field goal, but just getting positive success rate, like good success rate drives where you're getting to the opponent's side of the field, getting into a position to take the points and making a bad offense on the other side, figure things out in a game against you. I think that's the key to winning. The key to winning this game is kind of winning ugly running the ball keeping it short

Starting point is 00:29:08 and getting into prime real estate areas to to get points then you have to make the bears do the same thing even though your defense is atrocious they still have to do it and they haven't done it in two weeks you know so far this year so i think that's a way that the colts can win this game i don't ultimately think it happens because i love Richardson to death but this this psycho is going to push the ball down the field he's got the highest a dot in football right now uh throwing the ball like was it like 12 yards in a tent right now or 14 yards in a tent um so I do think it's like 14 next closest was 11.5 or 11.9. Yeah. Yeah. He loves to push it.

Starting point is 00:29:46 And an era fluce defense is really not the team that you want to push it vertically against. So we'll see which, you know, look, he's Anthony Richardson. So he could break this, this defense wide open and push the ball down the field,

Starting point is 00:29:57 but we'll see. It's exactly what he reflux wants you to do. He wants you to try to push it downfield. Cause that's the only thing he covers with his defense. So we'll see exactly what happens here with Richardson. But yeah, I think this is a winnable game for the Colts. But again, everything goes out the window when you lose to a team that had a 73% run rate the week before. So for now, I'm going to pick against them. If this works and the Colts win, I'll pick against them every week because we're just trying to find ways to help the Colts here on this podcast. So I got Bears 22 to 19. But Jake, I understand your take as well. I think this is like a team in a similar tier, like two teams in a similar tier right now.

Starting point is 00:30:36 And hopefully the Colts can be the one that take advantage. Yeah. Like at least with like, we knew Houston was better probably, you know,. We knew the Colts would be competitive with them. But Green Bay, outside of the quarterback situation, that's another deep NFC contender. This is another team from that tier, so I like that. And to Gardocki's playground, saying it's going to be high scoring, that's what I thought last week. I think I said on this show,

Starting point is 00:31:06 no, the Colts Packers was giving me Colts Browns 2023 vibes, and that's just not how it went. So before I get back on that horse, I got to see him do it first. But I'm with you. I want it to be that way. I thought last week would be that way, and it super wasn't. So we'll see. I would happily take a shootout because, look,

Starting point is 00:31:26 this defense right now for the Colts is dead to me. They could allow 700 yards a game, and I don't care. As long as Richardson is looking good on the other side, I'm cool. Like, this defense is dead to me right now. Run forverts, baby. Yeah. Oh, yeah. You got at least two of those guys that can do it.

Starting point is 00:31:40 Look, down two scores in the fourth, they will, but we'll see if they can do it in the first three quarters there. But we do want to thank you guys for making Locked on Culture your first listen today. Now for your second listen, go find the new Locked on NFL with two shows every single day. First, the madman Tyler Rowland kicks off your morning with a double shot

Starting point is 00:31:55 of NFL espresso and then stop by the barbershop with Tony Wiggins for some real NFL talk. Find Locked on NFL on YouTube or wherever you listen to your podcast. If you guys want to become a Locked on Colts insider and chat with us directly and get that inside scoop, follow the link in our show notes. And if you guys don't already make sure you're following at locked on Colts

Starting point is 00:32:12 at Jake Arthur, NFL and at Zach kicks to all on Twitter. We're also on Tik TOK and Instagram. So CJ can do some Tik TOK dances over there. Really fun time. Also subscribe to us on YouTube or every list of your podcasts. We'd love your guys ratings reviews and we'll catch you guys back here Sunday afternoon after the game

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Locked On Colts - Daily Podcast On The Indianapolis Colts - Indianapolis Colts, Anthony Richardson in Perfect Situation to Defeat the Chicago Bears

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