Locked On Colts - Daily Podcast On The Indianapolis Colts - Indianapolis Colts Crossover Special with Locked On Bills

Episode Date: November 18, 2021

On today's episode, Locked On Colts x Locked On Bills for another Locked On NFL Crossover Special! Both sides are analyzed from all angles. Who holds the edge in Buffalo on Sunday?Closing out the show, it's time to go over the biggest keys to the game. This is a must-listen, Colts fans! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You are Locked On Colts, your daily Indianapolis Colts podcast. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. Welcome to a crossover Thursday edition of Lockdown Bills and Lockdown Colts. I'm Joe Marino from the Lockdown Bills podcast, joined by Evan Sidery, the host of the Lockdown Colts podcast. And we are going to get everyone ready for Bills Colts on Sunday, a big game for both teams. The Colts have really turned around their season and are in the playoff picture.

The Bills are leading the AFC East, but the Patriots are right behind them. So a pivotal game for both teams. And the last time we saw these two teams play, it was in the playoffs. And so there's some fun recent history and a very important game for us to talk about on Sunday. And so Evan, as we start this conversation, I always like to start by asking about the quarterback. And there's an interesting quarterback situation in Indianapolis with Carson Wentz coming over from Philadelphia. So catch us up to speed on how he's performing so far in his first season as a Colt. Yes, Carson Wentz has actually done pretty solid so far this season.

He's thrown for almost 2,400 yards, 17 touchdowns, three interceptions. Those numbers are great on the surface, but I'd say more so Carson Wentz has looked like a perfectly average quarterback, which is exactly what the Colts have needed so far this season. Just like Phillip Rivers was last year, adds a little bit more in the arm category with a stronger arm. But outside of that, we've seen the bad of Wentz. We saw the both games against Tennessee when they lost.

Both those games that are pivotal for them to be in the divisional race they're pretty much solely in the wild card spot now because of that reason losing both those Titans games but pretty much Carson Wentz is doing exactly what he's been asked to do open up the offense a little bit take some shots down the field really play safe conservative football at some points he's been top 10 in some advanced metrics as well so far this season, but he's not really pressing. He's not playing hero ball like we saw last year in Philadelphia, which is really awesome to see from Wentz because we saw last year, Joe,

that when Wentz had everything on his shoulders, it just was an awful scenario in Philadelphia, and that's why he got shipped out to Indianapolis. And Frank Reichs really drew into him, just technique, his footwork being a lot better, and really just not pressing. We've seen Wentz do it a couple times this year where when he presses late in games, it does not end up what we saw ugly pick in the end zone against Tennessee.

But outside of that, it's been pretty solid so far. I'd say he's been like a top 12 quarterback so far this year. And that's really the reason why the Colts are steering the ship so far, kind of saving their season a little bit. You know, Evan, it's interesting that you use the word average to describe Carson Wentz, because I do a lot of study and research into the quarterbacks that the Bills are facing. And when I finished my research on Carson Wentz, I went through all the metrics that I normally do.

And I thought to myself, man, there's really not a lot of holes to poke here. I'm not sure that he's standing out in any one area, but he's certainly not struggling in any one area, but he's certainly not struggling in any one area. I thought something that really did stand out was how good he has been handling the blitz. I mean, opposing defenses when they blitz him, he's making them pay. I mean, a really good passer rating in those situations. So good roster overall. And I think Carson Wentz coming in and stabilizing things and giving them a little bit more juice in the passing game has led to, you know, Indianapolis having a bit more punch here of late and you know in some ways compared to last season so one thing that you can't help but notice when you think about this

Colts team is the emergence of two really dynamic young playmakers in running back Jonathan Taylor wide receiver Michael Pittman so Evan tell us about these players and what's making them so productive for the Colts yeah I'll start off with Jonathan Taylor first, Joe, because I mean, what else can you say about him? Just the way he keeps developing. We saw it the second half of last season in his rookie year with just the way he took a gigantic midseason leap. He was in Frank Reich's doghouse for a little bit, and then he finishes the year second and rushing the last six weeks behind Derrick Henry. And now this year, Jonathan Taylor is doing the exact same thing, but doing it even better.

Joe almost six yards per carry. He has, I think four runs over 60 yards so far this season just goes to show how explosive he is, how comfortable he is within this system. And just, you see the last seven games, he has 10 rushing touchdowns too. Like it's just incredible what Jonathan Taylor is doing right now. I think he's one of the leaders for offensive player of the year. He's on pace for 2,100 scrimmage yards. Just the way he can do it both as a runner and a passer.

A son that we didn't see at Wisconsin was just the way he could really catch the ball and make some explosive plays happen in the passing game. But he's done it multiple times so far this year. He's a complete running back to me. I think he's a top three running back in the NFL. He's only getting better. He's only 22 years old. This guy's a superstar in my opinion i think he's going to be one of the best remakes in the nfl from the next five to six years and then michael pitman jr i mean it's so

awesome to see his development too because him and carson wentz had that awesome rapport already together where on third down pitman leads the nfl in multiple metrics he's very reliable inside and out the hash marks and he has great hands, too. We saw in the USC, he can take the jump ball down the field. He can do it on slants and crossing routes as well. Really anywhere across the field, Pittman can get it done for you. And right now we're seeing his emergence and kind of taking that baton away from T.Y. Hilton as the future number one wide receiver for the Colts, Joe.

And these two guys are the future of this Colts offense. They made it go so far this year. And I can't imagine, this is just scratching the surface for these guys' potential, how good they're going to be in a couple years. You know, what's going to be fun is the battles between Titans and Colts fans for who's the best running back between Derrick Henry and Jonathan Taylor. Obviously, Derrick Henry's outstanding, but Jonathan Taylor up and coming. Just 22 years old, man.

This guy's getting nearly four yards after contact per carry. So the Bills have a big assignment to deal with Mr. Taylor on Sunday. Evan, let me sneak one in here about the offensive line, because I think we all understand that the Colts have a great offensive line, one of the best in the NFL. But it's a little bit different this year with Eric Fisher at left tackle. You know, Quentin Nelson was kind of banged up early in the season. I don't think he's having his best year.

He's still playing at a high level, but collectively, this is still one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, but I'll let you speak to that. Yeah, absolutely. They're still a great mauling run group as far as opening up holes for Jonathan Taylor, but so far this year in pass protection, it's been a little bit leaky. Ryan Kelly's not been at a Pro Bowl level.

Like you mentioned, Quentin Nelson's not really been at an All-Pro level as well. Eric Fisher, it looks like he's still not comfortable at all post-Achilles injury as far as setting his anchor and pass protection against elite speed rushers. Fisher more often than not gets bulldozed a couple times per game, kind of ruining some plays for the Colts as far as deep plays down the field. And then at right guard, they're actually splitting reps right now between Chris Reed, a veteran journeyman who started for the Panthers last year, and Mark Lewinsky. Reed really impressed when Quentin Nelson was out for three weeks, and that's why they're splitting those reps right now.

And then Braden Smith, after returning from his injury, he's been all reliable, playing at a Pro Bowl level at right tackle. So I'd say he's probably been the best offensive lineman so far this year as Braden Smith when he's been on the field. But outside of that, it's not usually been the elite Colts offensive line that we've seen it's more so just a great unit right now I need to really miss the Anthony Costanzo he was just so underrated in the NFL but he retired last year and he's was kind of that book and left tackle you have to worry about anything over there I know Eric Fisher still a good left tackle Joe but at this point you can

see the difference between Eric Fisher and Anthony Costanzo and kind of why he held that whole group together. Yeah, I'll be honest. In my research for the game and watching some tape, I thought Smith was the best offensive lineman. And that's that's a tough thing to claim here with some of the talent that the Colts have up front. Obviously, injuries are impacting this unit playing to their highest level. We know what this group is capable of. Evan, talk us through this defense. What's going on right now? Where is it strong? What are the issues?

I know that there's a ton of injuries in the secondary quitty. Pays coming on at defensive end. So just your overall thoughts on the Colts defense. What's going right? And where are there some issues right now? Yeah, so where it's going right is the turnover department.

That's one thing the Colts are really making their hay at is forcing turnovers. They lead the NFL in that department so far this year. Just a lot of amazing plays, mostly by Darius Leonard. He's forced nine of those turnovers so far this year. It just goes to show how special of a guy he is at punching that ball out, like Charles Tillman did back in the day for the Bears. I think he has three or four forced fumbles so far this year

in that exact same manner. Bobby Okereke, too, the linebacker out of Stanford. He was in his third year. finally taking over that role full-time next to Darius Leonard, Mike Linebacker. He's on pace for almost 150 tackles this year. He's really growing into that role as well. Kenny Moore, as we know, too, Joe, one of the most defensive lines so far this year.

He's getting double, triple teamed a lot. So as far as quarterback hits, pressures, and sacks aren't usually what we see from a Buckner type of play. I think with that being said, Quidipe and Dio Dangbo, their first stick-around pitchers draft. Dio just made his NFL debut two weeks ago. These two guys are already making an impact together. Quidipe actually has five quarterback hits the last two weeks.

He's getting a lot of good pressure. I know it's against the Jets and the Bills, but even so, seeing him kind of taking this turn a little bit is huge for the second half of the season for this Colts team, because if he can get going, we know his potential as a first-round pick. He's an explosive, twitchy pass rusher. I think it's going alongside DeForest Buckner and Dio Odengbo can get a little juice as well on the other side. It's going to change a lot of things for his defensive line and make the turnovers even rise up a little bit. That's what makes it so exciting with this edge presence that those guys can really turn it on here.

It's going to help out the defense and that secondary more often too, because Xavier Rhodes, he's been out the last week, but with Xavier Rhodes, he's kind of back at the Minnesota version, Joe. He's not the same guy that we saw last year. Isaiah Rogers, I feel like kind of has taken that spot over. since improved to a little bit but I think Xavier Rhodes if he does come back this week from injury I wouldn't be shocked at all if they split rest between him and Isaiah Rogers because Xavier Rogers just has not been good this year and then for the secondary like you mentioned the safety position Julian Blackman's out for the season after blowing out his Achilles and Price a couple weeks ago and then Kari Willis

could be missing this game on Sunday too with a injury. So they're starting Andrew Sandejo and George Odom. So I would not be shocked at all, Joe, if Josh Allen's licking his chops a little bit on some play-action concept down the field. You mentioned the turnover-forcing ability of the Colts. I mean, that's something that stands out. The Bills also great at forcing turnovers. We've got number one and number two in takeaways this year and turnover differential. So I think that's going to be a big storyline for this football game. And you mentioned

Darius Leonard and how good he is at forcing turnovers. Well, the Bills running backs have been a little bit insecure with handling the football. Devin Singletary and Matt Breida with fumbles last week, and that's kind of been an issue for both of them throughout their careers. And so that's definitely something I'm sure the Bills will be having a big emphasis on in terms of taking care of the football. Last thing for you, Evan, here is the Colts have really turned things around this year, a one-and-four start. They're now five-and-five.

They won four of their last five, five of their last seven. What do you point to as some of the keys to the Colts kind of turning things around after a challenging schedule early on and, you know, being back in the playoff picture? Yeah, I think it's a couple things. One is that Carson Wentz is finally healthy again. He sprained his ankle in week two against the Rams. Who knows if Wentz would have been on the field those last two possessions in the fourth quarter if they would have beat L.A.

They eventually lost 27-24. But that game was tied when Wentz got injured. And who knows if he would have went down the field and won that game. But then the next game, it's Tennessee. He just looked like nowhere close to himself, couldn't move around the pocket, and that was a key game. They lost in week three, 25-16. But ever since that moment, week four against Miami, Wentz has looked completely different. He looks like a legit franchise quarterback in some moments, too, which is great to see. But outside of that, though, Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr.

kind of taking the leap from week four on. Taylor since week four, 10 touchdowns. Pittman, five touchdowns over that span as well. These two guys are carrying that offensive load. And the turnovers, too, are coming in bunches for this defense, where, like we mentioned, Darius Leonard forced a lot of turnovers. Forrest Buckner, when he gets in the pressure in the quarterback's face, it usually ends up in an interception. It's these little things that end up happening for this Colts

defense. They're very much personified that Ben, but don't break mantra. You can drive down the field, but one mistake by the offense will more often not lead to a turnover against this Colts defense. And then also just you see the smarter, aggressive play calling from Frank Reich. I know it can be a little bit challenging in some moments. I know Colts against Chris has Frank Reich a little bit, but his aggressiveness is starting to pay off a little bit, especially what we saw against San Francisco in week seven in that monsoon where he went for that deep shot in the middle on a fourth down conversion. Just awesome to see Frank Reich just really embrace the aggressive nature

so far of this Colts team. And that's kind of why they're on this stretch. But I also want to throw the caveat out there too, that their wins are against the Dolphins, Texans, Jets, and Jaguars too. So this team has not proven to be a good team yet so far this year. So that's going to be something to watch out for as well. Hey Colts fans, this is Evan Sattery with an incredible app everyone who buys gas needs to know about, GetUpside.

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The cash back gets added right to your account. You can cash out anytime your bank account, PayPal, or e-gift card for Amazon are no brands. Just download the free GetUpset app and use promo code TOUCHDOWN right now. When we are back for our second part of our crossover special today, I am Evan Sattery, the host of Locked On Colts, joined by Joe Marino, the host of Locked On Builds. And Joe, it's time to ask you some questions. It's time about the Buffalo Bills.

And I want to start off from a different point of view with the defense. Like you mentioned, they're right up there with the Colts as far as forcing turnovers. They actually rank number one in a lot of metrics so far this year as well. What's the main change that we've seen from Buffalo on defense? Because that's honestly been my biggest surprise watching this year. Yeah, it's a good question. And obviously obviously the Bills defense is playing at an extremely high level and what's interesting is they've played at a high level for a while now if you go back to 2018 and 2019 before the 2020 season they were top three in the NFL both seasons and then last year

you know you saw some issues with injuries at linebacker, injuries in the secondary. They didn't quite have the defensive line rotation figured out like they had in previous years. And the defense definitely took a step back. And I think you have to account for playing from a different vantage point where the Bills offense last year was so good and you didn't necessarily have that same urgency on defense because you're not used to the offense doing so much, and you have other teams that are needing to score a lot more points. And so all of that combined with that vantage point switch definitely led to the Bills taking a dip last year.

They were still in the top half of the league, though, so it's not like they were terrible. They were just average. This year they're playing really, really well, and what you have is this combination of talent, coaching, and continuity. I mean, the back seven, those guys have all been together since either 2017 or 2018. Literally every linebacker, corner, and safety that starts for the Bills have been together for at least three, most four or five seasons. Then you have this situation where the defensive line rotation has absolutely

stabilized with the return of Starla Tulale, although I don't think he's going to be available for this game, but they've invested in the defensive end position. They've used recent draft picks, their first round pick on Greg Rousseau this past year. He's playing really well. AJ Epinesa last year in the second round, Carlos Basham in the second round, they signed F.A. Obata. and so they have the mix of defensive linemen that they want to go with a lot of experience on the back end. And so you have continuity, you've got talent, you've got really good coaching, and that's led to the Bills' defense performing at a high level this season.

Let's go to Josh Allen now, Joe. We mentioned before, Kirsten Wentz is having a really good year for the Colts, but I'd say the same go to Josh Allen now, Joe. We mentioned before, Carson Wentz is having a really good year for the Colts, but I'd say the same thing about Josh Allen. I know with what we saw last year with Josh Allen, many people don't think he's at the same level, but I think honestly he looks better or even better than what we saw last year. I know he put up some monster numbers in 2020, 37 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, but Josh Allen so far this year, 19 TDs, 6 interceptions. That again gets Kansas City still stands out in my mind, Joe. Just the way he could just slice through some defense that are subpar.

It's just awesome to watch his arm talent, his ability to lead teams down the field. But what's your assessment been of Josh Allen in year four so far? Because he looks again like an MVP, all pro type of player. Yeah, I mean, I think a lot of people expected or maybe wanted Josh Allen to regress this year, but this hasn't been the case. I mean, you can look at his numbers through the same amount of games last year compared to this year, and they're nearly identical. I mean, there's nothing that really stands out in terms of major differences in terms

of how he's producing on the field. And he's playing at a high level. He's a really difficult quarterback to deal with because you mentioned the arm talent and how he has access to the entire field. He's good outside of structure. He's good in structure. He's winning down the field with vertical passes. And so, you know, he's playing at a high level and he's, he's the type of quarterback that gives you a chance to win every single week. Now, if there is anything that's different this year compared to last year is I think there's been some, some chinks in the

armor when it comes to the offensive line. And, you know, they, they've, they've got a left guard problem, I would say. And, um, they had some injuries early on in the season that kept Spencer Brown, their outstanding rookie right tackle out of the lineup. And that kind of forced Dale Darrell Williams, the right tackle they've used a lot of different combinations and there's been inconsistency up front. And so they should have their preferred starting five on Sunday. And that's when we've seen the best of the Bills offensive line. But when you look back to games like the Bills lost against Pittsburgh or the Tennessee Titans, where those really dynamic defensive linemen that those teams have, like Harold Landry

and Danico Autry and Jeffrey Simmons from the Titans, they were able to really create a lot of problems for the Bills offensive line. Or even in week one, when it's TJ Watt and Cam Hayward and all those really good Steelers pass rushers, you saw the Bills offense have some issues. And so Josh Allen, he's really good under pressure. He's got the second best passer rating in the NFL when he's under pressure. So it's not like he's not handling pressure well, but there is a certain amount of it that, you know, even the best quarterbacks are going to struggle with. And so that's the big question for this week against the Colts is, you know, you got the Forrest Buckner, you've got, you know, Quitty Pays really coming on in his rookie season. They've got a lot of depth to that defensive line rotation.

Can the Bills' offensive line play at the level necessary to give Josh Allen what he needs to tap into his really dynamic physical traits and extend plays and make throws down the field? You know, the stuff that we saw last year in the playoffs. And so that's going to be the big question. But Josh Allen, you know, still playing at a high level, still right there in the MVP conversation. And, you know, he's, he's playing with a chip on his shoulder and,

you know, the Colts are the next, the next opponent in the way of him achieving his goals. For the Colts fans wondering out there about these bills weapons to Joe. I mean, we all know about Stefan Diggs. He sliced through the Colts team on wildcard weekend last year, but who else stands out in this group? Because just looking at the numbers here, watching the Bills play so far this year,

one player that stood out to me is Dawson Knox. He's kind of emerging now at tight end. Are there any other weapons for Colts that they're wondering about that they need to keep an eye on for? Yeah, Dawson Knox definitely emerging this year. He missed a couple of games due to a hand injury. He actually broke his hand. He returned last week.

He was pretty quiet, just had one catch. But, you know, we're certainly hoping that he gets more comfortable and gets back to that form early in the season pre-injury. But, you know, it's two other really good receivers. Emmanuel Sanders, a longtime veteran in the NFL that I'm sure everyone's familiar with. He's playing really well. He's been a great answer for the Bills outside, opposite of Steph Diggs. And then, of course, Cole Beasley from the slot, who's an absolute menace in that regard.

Obviously, Kenny Moore, great slot corner. That'll be a tough challenge for the Bills. But, you know, it's those guys. And then last week we saw them get Gabriel Davis going a little bit more. And I know the Colts fans remember some of those catches he made in the playoff game. He's been a bit quiet this year. They got the football to him last week. He had over 100 yards receiving. They're starting to get Isaiah McKenzie going a little bit in the playoff game. He's been a bit quiet this year. They got the football to him last week. He had over a hundred yards receiving. They're starting to get Isaiah McKenzie going a little

bit in the offense. Matt Brita was active last week and they tapped into his speed in the back field. And so it's a lot of different guys and the Bills have kind of found that balance in terms of getting them all going. And obviously it's still a heavy dose of Stephon Diggs, but I think it's a really deep group that, you know, they're figuring out how to use them all together. And we saw, you know, last week, albeit against the Jets, we saw the Bills offense really use their full arsenal of weapons. Last question I have for you, Joe,

that we can dive into our keys to the game on Sunday. You kind of mentioned it earlier in this segment about a way to beat the Bills, but for Colts fans listening, it seems like the main key that I'm gathering from you, Joe, is that if you get pressure on Josh on, if you win the trench battle, you're going to keep this game close. Is that a fair assessment? And also, is there anything else that stands out to you as far as a way that teams can

be Buffalo this year? Yeah, it's, it's a, it's a good talking point here. I would say definitely if you can, if you can create some problems for the Bills' offensive line, that's going to be really important to get pressure from multiple directions on Josh Allen. I think everyone understands that if you just get one guy free, Josh Allen more times than not, he's going to make that guy miss in the pocket and hit a throw down the field.

If you can get that complementary pressure going from multiple spots, that's really where you bottle him up and, and, you know, the bills struggle, right? Like any quarterback would, but you know, that's kind of where the Cape comes off, if you will, for Josh Allen is when you can get pressure from multiple sides. But, you know, I think the Colts have a lot going for them in terms of being able to keep this game close, whether it's the rushing attack, right. That's always a, a neutralizer when you can run the football and, you know, the Colts certainly can. And so that's going to be a big test for the Bills rush defense. That's been really good this year. They're third in, you know, fewest yards allowed on the ground. They're third in yards per carry. So they're doing a good job there,

but this is a, this is a different type of test here with the Colts and another X factor, Evan, obviously the, you know, we turnovers are big deal deal, and certainly the Colts can force turnovers. But to me, an X Factor in this game is the return guys that the Colts have, and Naheem Hines and Rodgers, if I'm not mistaken, at kick returner. Just unbelievable speed there, and those guys can really change games with not just returning them for a touchdown, but really flipping the field position. And so that's kind of another X F factor that I keep in mind when I consider this matchup and in different ways that the Colts can, you know, come in and, you know, as road underdogs and in Buffalo to come in, you know, steal one from the bills. Yeah, absolutely. Naheem Hines,

Isaiah Rogers, two guys at four, three speed. If they can flip the field a little bit, the Colts could be in a really good spot on Sunday. But that's going to be it for our Segment 2 of our Crossover Special. We'll be back here in just a moment as we get a word from our sponsors. Built Bar is the best tasting protein bar ever. If you haven't tried a Built Bar by now, you're missing out. They say it's a protein bar, but it does not taste like one. You have to try one of these amazing bars for yourself to believe it. Most protein bars are

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don't wait to take advantage of all the amazing offers available for the 2021 season. BetOnline is the fastest and easiest way to bet on all your favorite sports, and BetOnline is always where the game starts. Joe Marino, Locked On Bills, Evan Sidery from Lockdown Colts. One more segment here to help get ready for Bills and Colts on Sunday, where we are going to talk about our keys for the game. And Evan, if you don't mind, I'll interject my thoughts here and maybe you can respond and then give me your thoughts for the Colts.

As far as the Bills offensively, what the Bills, I think they need to do against the Colts. As far as the Bills offensively, what the Bills, I think they need to do against the Colts. I have three things. Number one is attack the secondary. You talked about it. They've got issues at safety with their preferred players being injured. And, you know, they have injuries at corner as well.

And, you know, Rakia Sin's a player that's been up and down throughout his career. I think the Bills are going to have opportunities to attack this secondary. The Colts are allowing a passer rating of 100 against their past defense this year. The bills need to be licking their chops in terms of throwing the football. Number two is to take care of the ball. 21 takeaways already this year for the Colts defense, second most in the NFL, behind the Bills with 24. And so we know that they can take away the football and that can change a game, right? The metric that's always the most close to wins and losses in the NFL is turnovers. And so you need to make sure from

a Bills perspective that you take care of the football and don't give the Colts an advantage in the turnover department. And then lastly, for the Bills offense, don't let DeForest Buckner wreck your game plan. We've seen different defensive linemen, whether it's been, I mentioned Jeffrey Simmons or Harold Andry or Cam Hayward. The Bills have had a tendency to allow those elite defensive linemen to really change the way they play football. And so hopefully Brian Dable, the offensive coordinator and his staff and the Bills have the right plan to handle one of the most elite defensive linemen in the NFL into Forrest Buckner. Now, when I mentioned the Bills keys for

success defensively, it starts with Jonathan Taylor. You got to be ready for some big boy football, terrific offensive line. They're great at run blocking. Elite running backs. It's not just Jonathan Taylor. Naheem Hines is a pest as well, and they have really nice complementary skill sets. And so you better be ready to defend the run. Stay in your run fits and get downhill and tackle. Then it's organic pressure. You need to be able to get home with four pass rushers and take advantage of some issues

that Eric Fisher's had this year and get after the quarterback. And you have a deep and talented defensive line rotation. It needs to show up on Sunday and affect Carson Wentz. As I mentioned, you don't really beat Carson Wentz by blitzing him. He's handled the blitz fine this year. But when you do get pressure on him, his completion percentage goes down 20%. His passer rating drops 33.7 points, and he loses 1.3 yards per attempt compared to when he's kept clean. So organic pressure on the quarterback. And then it's

Michael Pittman. You pay Tredavious White all the big money to be your number one corner. He's got a tough assignment in Michael Pittman and that's a matchup that needs to happen, right? They need to have Trey White follow Michael Pittman and do their best to neutralize one of the best young receivers in the NFL. Yeah, that's really good stuff there, Joe. And quite honestly, from what you're saying about the Bills stopping the Colts, if the Bills can do all that against Indianapolis, I don't think this game is going to be particularly close, to be honest, in Buffalo. And I agree with you on exactly what the Colts need to do against this Bills team, where you have to establish the run with Jonathan Taylor, make it big boy football, like you say.

If he can get over 100-plus yards rushing, the Colts are actually undefeated in his career 8-0. So kind of force it through Jonathan Taylor. If the Bills stop it, you try to get it going. Michael Pittman, maybe have someone like T.Y. Hilton get going a little bit in this game as well. He's been very quiet so far this year due to injuries. But you play through those two guys.

You play through Jonathan Taylor. You play through Michael Pittman Jr. If both those guys can get going, I think the Colts are in a really good spot in this game on Sunday. And like you mentioned, the turnover battle too. I agree with that too as one of my cues. If the Colts can get a turnover or two on Josh Allen, it's going to make a world of a difference.

And it would, I expect, be a very high-scoring game. I think the first one of the 30 points probably wins this game, to be honest. So I agree that turnover battle, whoever wins that is going to win this game. And for the Colts especially, they probably need to force multiple because this Bills team is going to score 30-plus points at a time. And then one more key I have for this game is the pressure. You have to get pressure in Josh Allen's face. Quinny Payne needs to have a breakout game.

We saw his first NFL sack last Sunday, Joe, but I think this is a game where Quinny Payne needs to have a breakout game. We saw his first NFL sack last Sunday, Joe, but I think this is a game where Quinny Payne has to be a disruptor almost every single snap. Him and DeForest Bunker need to make a game-changing play, and if those guys can get pressure in Josh Allen's face all day, make him rush his spots and his reads, it's going to make a lot of a difference. And then my last point about turnovers, too,

which could easily be forced into one of those as well. So those are my keys of the game as well, Joe. I think we all kind of tied it together a little bit there. It's going to be one of those gamesovers too, which could easily be forced into one of those as well. So those are my keys of the game as well, Joe. I think we all kind of tied it together a little bit there. It's going to be one of those games too where I think it's going to come out of the very last possession. It's going to be, I think, a really, really fun game to be quite honest. Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. A good test for both teams.

You mentioned the Colts are looking for a signature win. The Bills are certainly looking to validate their position in the AFC, and so a lot of great storylines here. Obviously, Bills fans are all big fans of Frank Reich. So we normally wish you well, except for on Sunday. So looking forward to the game. I enjoyed this conversation. I hope that everyone gained great perspective from both sides of the coin on Sunday and understand the keys for success for both teams. For Evan Sidery, I'm Joe Marino. Thanks so much for listening.