Locked On Colts - Daily Podcast On The Indianapolis Colts - LOCKED ON COLTS 9/6/19: Position-by-position breakdown of Colts vs. Chargers

Episode Date: September 6, 2019

On today's episode, Jake Arthur of Colts.com is back to cover Week 1 action in-depth for the listeners! First up, before we go knee-deep into the position-by-position analysis, we go over Jacoby Briss...ett. What has Jake seen throughout OTAs and training camp that shine a light on the Colts' confidence in their new QB1? Also, the locker room is 100 percent behind their new captain.Going through all of the important areas on both teams, Jake and I dissect strengths and weaknesses from all angles. Where can the Colts exploit the Chargers? It sure seems like this is a game where Indianapolis can be aggressive defensively, but they have to be smart against Philip Rivers.Finally, we close with Jake's three biggest keys to the Colts pulling off an upset in LA with his final prediction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript
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Starting point is 00:00:00 Hello, everybody. Welcome back into Locked On Colts, probably Locked On Podcast Network. Today, as always, I'm your host, Evan Sutter. And joined by a very special guest today. He's back after a week off, JakeArthurofColts.com. Jake, how are you doing today? Hey, I'm good, brother. Ready to get this weekly segment started. Oh, of course. I'm really excited to have you back on. And I know last week was really chaotic. And we're going to talk about just looking ahead, though, as far as the Colts and their and their quarterback situation and I want your thoughts because you're around the team so far every day
Starting point is 00:00:28 the facility what's been the vibe around the team so far after what happened and looking ahead with Jacoby Bursette not only from Jacoby's point of view but also the team just how much buy-in does it seem like they have in Jacoby Bursette because he was named a captain today if you haven't heard about yet which I found really surprising after only two weeks on on the starting position right now what's this from what you've seen so far Jake what have you heard and seen as far as the vibe around the team with Jacoby? Yeah I mean everyone seems 100% bought in to be honest with you I mean of course it's always going to be very sad and upsetting anytime you lose someone like Andrew. He was a friend to a lot of people, and of course, a great elite-level quarterback. But Jacoby has been beloved in that locker room
Starting point is 00:01:11 ever since he stepped into it. Even last year as the backup quarterback, he just does not have that vibe about him as a backup. People gravitate to him. People really like him. And like you said, he was named a captain today. So it's pretty evident. That's a good reflection of how his teammates feel about him. And as far as a player goes, I mean, he's pretty much taken all of the first team reps this spring, last spring and this summer. So I think all his teammates very well know that he's not just being thrown into this. He's very prepared and they're ready to go. I think another big factor into it is the coaching staff. I think everyone has more than enough confidence in the coaching staff and their abilities to tailor an offense
Starting point is 00:01:57 to Jacoby's strengths. So again, you know, everyone I'm sure is a little sad to lose Andrew, but everyone is, you know, fully bought'm sure is a little sad to lose Andrew, but everyone is, you know, fully bought in to move full steam ahead with Jacoby. From what we've seen, I don't think I asked you about this beforehand because we were focusing on a different quarterback in Andrew Luck over the past couple weeks, but what did you see through OTAs and training camp that caught your eye, Jacoby or Seth? So, I think more than anything, I saw progression. I think in the spring, there was just a lot of everyone, you know, knocking the rust off, coming back to the team, getting their
Starting point is 00:02:31 feet under them. Plus there were some new guys to work in, Paris Campbell, Devin Funchess. I think in the summer, we saw clear progression from all the quarterbacks and I'll say Jacoby especially. I think his chemistry with T.Y. Hilton is very evident. It almost looked like vintage T.Y. and Andrew out there, how we see, even in practice, the connections that Luck and T.Y. had were just kind of miraculous. And we kind of saw that not even hit a speed bump for the most part during the summer. There was a ton of chunk plays from Jacoby to T.Y., so I'm not really worried about that there. His chemistry with Funches seemed to get a little better.
Starting point is 00:03:14 There were plenty of downfield back shoulder shots and a lot of just streak plays across the middle going across the field. I think his chemistry with pretty much everyone is getting a lot better. Now that Deion Kane is in the fold, we're seeing Jacoby have a lot of reps with him as well. So I just think in general we're seeing a quarterback get acclimated to his teammates, and I think they're gravitating towards him, and I think everyone is starting
Starting point is 00:03:45 to work a little better together. It's a little more of a well-oiled machine at this point. And I mean, we still have some game reps to get out there because, as you know, the preseason, it's kind of moving towards very few starters around the league play very much at all. So we'll see how much they hit the ground running in the season, but I'm pretty confident in their abilities to work together come Sunday. Let me ask you this, Jake. I've seen this opinion thrown out there a little bit as far as Brissette goes, and I think it's a little unfair to look back to 2017 because it was the different coaching staff. A lot of the players weren't even on the team back then. You look at the
Starting point is 00:04:24 offensive starters back then, 2017, only T.Y. Hilton and then Marlon Mack in a reserve role, Jack Doyle as their tight end were the only guys still around back then. Joe Haag was in a starting role as well. He was a swing tackle now for the Colts. Do you think it's fair to look back to 2017? I think 2019 with Brissette under system, in the Frank Reich system, so to say, is really just an entirely blank slate for him.
Starting point is 00:04:46 Pretty much. I mean, I don't want to just cherry pick here, but I think there's a lot more you can take away from 2017 looking at the things that he could do as opposed to maybe what didn't go him and the Colts way. I mean, like you said, this team is crazy different right now than they were in 2017. In 2017, I think Jacoby was the most sacked quarterback in the league.
Starting point is 00:05:12 I think it was 56 times. Since then, they've formed one of the more formidable offensive lines in the league. Just the very next season, they were the least sacked team. The weapons around them are better. I think they're healthier. I think there's a lot of pieces in different places, you know, from the wide receiver room and running backs and tight ends
Starting point is 00:05:35 that make this offense just so complete. And based on week to week, they should be able to form whatever game plan they want. I mean, yes, they will face tough defenses, but I think they're more so going to focus on themselves and what they want to try to accomplish. And I see an offensive roster that looks like it should be able to do just about anything.
Starting point is 00:06:00 And, you know, I think Jacoby showed enough in 2017 to where it should be really promising. I think we have also seen him look good in training camp, especially later in training camp, with some of those guys who weren't really able to participate. You know, Paris Campbell missed most of training camp. Jack Doyle missed a good chunk of training camp. I think people are – those outside of Indianapolis and those outside of the fan base and organization, I think they're going to be pretty pleasantly surprised and maybe kind of kicking themselves at how much they are doubting this team right now.
Starting point is 00:06:37 Yeah, I'm right there with you, Jake. I've seen a line on Bovada say six and a half for the over-under. I've seen seven and a half for their over-under as well. I just think that's – I would smash you over if I was in my situation here because I think this team is minimum an 8-8 team with just the talent around them. If we're set to top 24 back like Frank Gregg and Chris Doddard said, I feel like they're in a good position to at least be 500 or above here. But let's dive into our preview here, Jake.
Starting point is 00:06:59 I was looking over the rosters today for both the Colts and the Chargers, specifically off of the side of the ball here. I think it's really similar as far as what they have as far as skill positions go we'll start with quarterback here Jacoby Brissett and Phillip Rivers we spent a little time Jacoby there so what do you think Colts fans should expect here with Phillip Rivers entering his 16th season I know the offensive line's a little leaky this year compared to years past but he's still one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL of of course. Yeah, absolutely. And he's smart. You know, they have some deficiencies on the offensive line right now. Their left tackle is obviously out.
Starting point is 00:07:32 Honestly, both of their tackles who are projected to start this week, not great in terms of pro football focus grade. I mean, I really haven't seen them play before. So kind of have to go to, you know, their reputation around the Chargers media and, you know, their grades from pro football focus and whatnot. Not great so far. But, you know, Philip knows that. I'm sure he has confidence in them, but he's going to be prepared. I'm sure we'll probably see a lot of quick passes, especially since Austin Eckler should have an increased role, and that was kind of already his role. For those not familiar
Starting point is 00:08:12 with him, he's basically the Chargers version of Naheem Hines. So I expect a heavy workload for Eckler because, you know, Phillip knows he's going to have to get the ball out quickly. And having Hunter Henry back healthy as well also helps. He can provide a downfield threat as a tight end, but also, you know, just as a traditional tight end role, you know, short intermediate routes. I think he could really excel in that role in this game, at least. And then you've got a guy like Keenan Allen, who's just the ultimate technician, can line up anywhere in the lineup and get open. I think we're really going to see Phillip Rivers rely on his guys, and we're going to see those guys who maybe aren't traditional downfield threats, who kind of eat up a lot of the short and intermediate routes.
Starting point is 00:09:01 I think we're going to see those guys really heavily involved this week. Yeah, I'm right there with you. I think a lot of short game from Phil Berger is going to be on tap very early and often for them. But I'm looking at the running back position again here for them, Austin Eckler and Justin Jackson. I feel like Justin Jackson might play a little bit of a role as a power back here versus Marlon Mack and Niame Hines.
Starting point is 00:09:20 I feel like those two combos are very similar here. Who would you give the edge as far as that? Because I feel like the Colts, especially now with Andrew Luck out and Jacoby Brissett in, they're going to, with the offensive line advantage they have over the Chargers, I think they're going to try to establish a run early and often. Yeah, I think they're kind of somewhat similar at the top right now. You know, we talked about Eckler kind of being similar to Hines,
Starting point is 00:09:41 and Justin Jackson is more of a bigger guy, maybe more similar to a Jordan Wilkins. But just from, from depth alone right now, you got to give the edge to the Colts running backs. You know, they, they have their lead back healthy and Marlon Mack, which is huge because he was not healthy to start the year last year. You got him, you got Naheem Hines healthy. He was also more confident coming into this year and looks like he might be shouldering a bigger role.
Starting point is 00:10:07 And Jordan Wilkins looks like he's good to go as well. So I definitely would have to give the edge to the Colts running backs on that one. Let's move on to the playmakers here on the outside. As far as the wide receivers go, JT, Y. Hilton, Devin Funches, and Paris Campbell versus Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Travis Benjamin. That seems like a very similar group as well, and I'm really curious to see how that matches up as well. What do you think about Paris Campbell this week?
Starting point is 00:10:29 Because I feel like he's a guy, if they want to get some quick three-step, five-step drops and quick reads about two, three seconds after the snap, I feel like Paris Campbell might be a guy who really does well this week. Yeah, I'd agree with that because, you know, just like the Chargers might have some trouble off the edges with the Colts, with the Colts' defensive ends, it might be vice versa this week because the combo of Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram
Starting point is 00:10:53 is one of the best pass rushing duos in the entire NFL. So, you know, the Colts might look to get some quick stuff out just as well, which means Paris Campbell from the slot, a lot of quick passes, like you said. We saw that on last Thursday against the Bengals. I charted all of Paris' snaps. I think he had 26. I think all but one of them were from the left or right slot. So I don't think they want to shoulder a huge load onto him already.
Starting point is 00:11:25 But let's just say it's comparable to last week. I think we could see him get several quick passes his way. And, you know, T.Y. is the same way. He can run after the catch. Funchess might honestly be your downfield guy this week, whether it's back shoulders or what have you. But, no, I think the Colts game plan could be pretty similar to Los Angeles' this week.
Starting point is 00:11:52 It's already, you know, been tough for me not to say San Diego. I keep trying to force that out of my mouth. No, hey, it's tough for me, too. It's still kind of shocking, to be honest. There's two teams in L.A., and one's playing in a soccer stadium, one's playing in a 100,000-seat stadium like hundred thousand seat stadium like the rams are i just wonder doing that but let me ask you this about funches as well and ty hill and especially do you expect a lot of deep passes at least attempts this week i know we were talking about bosa and ingram as
Starting point is 00:12:17 far as how terrifying that combo could be off the edge against the colts offensive line but i feel like with bursette's arm i feel like just to gain some confidence early on, they might try a few things deep as well. I think so. I think especially if they can get the run game going a little bit, which can set up some of the play action. I just think, you know, Jacoby, one of his best assets, this is downfield accuracy.
Starting point is 00:12:41 We know T.Y. is capable of that. Paris Campbell is capable of that. They can create mismatches all over the field too. I think Derwin James being out is definitely a big bonus for the Colts because if they can kind of bust those coverages downfield where maybe Derwin would have been able to get there, nothing against the current safeties, but Derwin James is almost in a class of his own. I think the Colts could definitely take advantage of that.
Starting point is 00:13:07 If T.Y. gets matched up opposite of Casey Hayward with Michael Davis, I think that's an advantage they might have. And especially if you get, like, Funchess on Casey Hayward or Desmond King in the slot, because Funchess is 6'4". Those two guys are under 6'0". And we've seen Funchess in the slot. Because Funches is 6'4". Those two guys are under 6'. And we've seen Funches in the slot in the preseason. So there's different things they could do. It's not necessarily huge downfield shots a bunch,
Starting point is 00:13:34 but I think they could hit on several chunk plays. I do think there's several areas where that can match up. And that also goes for the tight ends as well, whether it's Mo or Eric Ebron you know obviously those guys are probably the biggest beneficiaries of no Derwin James I would include Jack but I think we all know he kind of eats up the shorter stuff but no Derwin James could easily mean a bigger roll downfield for Ebron where would you lean on this matchup here between the YRC and tight ends Jake because H, Bunchess and Campbell, you have Ebron and Doyle as well.
Starting point is 00:14:07 Malay Cox, you can also toss in the mix there. Keenan Allen, I feel like is very underrated as far as NFL circles goes, kind of like TY Hilton in that sense. Then you have Mike Williams, the big guy, Bunchess and Travis Benjamin, but you also have Hunter Henry is back as well. Where would you lean as far as that skill position battle goes? I think they're pretty comparable, but the Colts have the depth. I'm a huge Keenan Allen guy, but I think he's probably along the same rankings group
Starting point is 00:14:32 of T.Y. Hilton across the league. I think they're both real high-level guys. They're not your Julio Jones as DeAndre Hopkins, but they're some of the best receivers in the league in their own right. And they're technicians, which I really like. They're good runners. They're not high-weight speed guys. They win with their effort and their craft.
Starting point is 00:14:51 I really like that. But, again, the Colts have the depth in terms of pass catchers. You know, they have six quality receivers, and they have arguably the best tight end room in the whole league. And so it's kind of hard for best tight end room in the whole league. And so it's kind of hard for me to not give them the edge there. The Chargers do have their weapons. Mike Williams is pretty comparable to a Funchess. Travis Benjamin has been kind of a one-trick pony in his career as just a downfield threat. And then we know what Dontrell Inman is capable of, pretty quality possession guy there. Hunter Henry, very good, but we kind of need to see him return,
Starting point is 00:15:26 get his legs under him after missing last year with the ACL. So I'm definitely going to give the Colts the edge there. If not just for the depth alone. The opening week of the NFL is brought to you by Mack Weldon. Mack Weldon is a premium men's essentials brand believes in smart design and premium fabrics. Mack Weldon is better than whatever you're wearing right now. Promo code LOCKEDON gets you 20% at MackWhelan.com.
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Starting point is 00:16:09 and be sure not to miss the NFL listeners' favorite segment. Yeah, I would lean on that as well. I think the tight ends really give me edge here. I really like to be brought in Doyle compared to Henry and also Virgil Green, their backup tight end there. Let me ask you this. As far as the cold side things go, defensive backs, I think this is a big week for them.
Starting point is 00:16:26 Pierre Desir, Rak Yassin, Quincy Wilson, Kenny Moore, who has a broken thumb. I think he's a player of the cast or one of those, if I'm not mistaken, a club. What do you think is how valuable or how vital it is for the defensive backs to have a good week this week? Because I feel like Rivers, even though he's going to maybe have a little short amount of time compared to years past
Starting point is 00:16:44 the offensive line, he's going to maybe have a little short amount of time compared to years past the offensive line, he's going to test those defensive backs pretty early. Yeah, absolutely. And, again, it's another good position the Colts are in, having that depth, especially at cornerback. It was one of the toughest position battles throughout camp. You know, there's some really talented guys out there. And it's good the Colts have that because, like you said,
Starting point is 00:17:08 Phillip Rivers does know exactly what he's doing. He's going to put his receivers in the right position. I think this is especially a good matchup. It's a good time to have a guy like Kenny Moore who plays at a high level both on the boundary and in the slot because Keenan Allen moves around from the slot to the boundary as well. And so if – wide receiver, then it's good for you to have a top-level corner who can play inside and out and follow him around a little bit. I don't know that he's going to shadow him,
Starting point is 00:17:37 but it might look like that in some instances because Pierre Desir as the bigger cornerback bigger cornerback it's going to make sense for him to be lined up on Mike Williams and then you know I'm not sure whether they're ready to have I mean Inman just rejoined them so I'm not sure if he's already gonna be their third guy but that'll be a good test for Rocky Sin and Quincy Wilson as well especially Quincy who already has practice reps against him in the second half of last season. So this definitely – it's definitely a good nod to the Colts because I think they match up well with the Los Angeles Chargers pass catchers.
Starting point is 00:18:19 Let me ask you this, because I feel like we've seen a little bit in training camp and we saw not much of it, I think for a good reason, and Priest did not show much of it. But how curious are you to see just the new kind of tweaks that Manny Garfus does to this defense? Because I feel like we're going to see a lot more exotic looks this year. Yeah, very curious. We'll see how much man coverage is done this year
Starting point is 00:18:40 as opposed to the heavy zone they did. We saw a whole bunch of nickel blitzing late in the season. You know, Kenny Moore turned into almost a pass rush specialist out there for a while. So yeah, there's a lot of things they can do. I'm kind of intrigued to see what they do with safety now that they've kind of got the toys to play with there. Do we see Malik go single high and become kind of a center fielder while Clayton Gathers and Kari Willis kind of play the box, play closer to the run?
Starting point is 00:19:12 There's a lot of things they can do. Some things we saw in training camp, like you said, that could really be effective wrinkles for them. I'm pretty excited. I agree with you there. Moving on to I think the most intriguing battle of this game. I think most NFL games are won this way anyway, but especially this week, it's going to be a big emphasis for whoever wins in the trenches is going to win this game, in my opinion. Where do you land as far as the Colts offensive
Starting point is 00:19:37 line versus the Chargers defensive line? Because I think that's going to really decide this game on Sunday. Well, you could arguably say it's strength versus strength because, I mean, a lot of people still say the Colts have the top offensive line in the league. I mean, I think they have to prove it again this year. It's great they have all starting five guys back, but they're going to get a really tough test. It's one thing to face a team that has one premier rusher, but when you have a team that has two of them it means your tackles have to be on their a game every single snap because we all know you know one one blown assignment or one sack can change all it can change the whole game
Starting point is 00:20:17 so it definitely means the Colts are going to have to bring it every single snap you know the guards might have to to help as well on occasion you might have to have to bring in every single snap. You know, the guards might have to help as well on occasion. They might have to have some extra tight ends. I actually heard that Jack Doyle did a radio interview that was played this morning, and he said he honestly likes to block more than he likes to catch passes because there's no better feeling than, you know, opening up a hole when him and Mo Alleycox are kind of out on the edge and they open up a big hole for Mo Mack.
Starting point is 00:20:50 I said that's a really good feeling. So the Colts definitely have the luxury of having tight ends that love to block because they're probably going to need it this week. Oh, for sure. Yeah, it's definitely – do you expect maybe more than ever, Jake? I mean, probably just week one, we'll have to see moving forward. But with Melody Cox's resurgence in this OTA and off-season period, I feel like we might see a little bit more three tight end sense
Starting point is 00:21:13 than we saw last year. Yeah, I think it just kind of depends on what Jacoby winds up being most comfortable with, like what formations and packages. I think in general, you know, they said they're not going to change the offense. But, you know, they are going to kind of – there's things that Andrew really liked and there's things that Jacoby is going to like. So we'll see how all that goes. But, I mean, if you have the weapons, then use them.
Starting point is 00:21:39 I think we'll probably continue to see plenty of three tight end looks, especially in short yardage things. I think we know that Frank to see plenty of three tight end looks, especially in short yardage things. I think we know that Frank very much is a trickster, and he likes to give exotic looks. So while it might be third and fourth and short with three tight ends on the field, that play could go for 30 yards because it looks like a heavy package of three tight ends out there. And, I mean, the good news for them is they have two of those three tight ends that can get downfield and they can threaten a defense from
Starting point is 00:22:09 anywhere on the field. And Jack in his own right, he's arguably, you know, not even arguably, he's one of the best blocking tight ends in the league. And he's very sure handed. So these this tight end group is very, very talented, and they can do pretty much anything that you would want a tight end to do. So I don't see why we wouldn't see, you know, a lot of three tight end looks again this year. Switching to the other side of the trenches here for a second, Jake, and it's the Colts defensive line versus the Chargers offensive line. I looked at the Chargers offensive line earlier this week,
Starting point is 00:22:41 and I honestly, outside of Pouncey, I couldn't really name almost any of them because Okung is out this week with a blood clot issue. Might be out the first six weeks or more of the season. I feel like that's a place where Justin Houston, who's very familiar with his Chargers team after playing for years with the Chiefs, and Kamoko Ture as well, maybe Ben Banigou, Danico Autry, that could be a field day for them if they really take advantage of that mismatch.
Starting point is 00:23:03 Yeah, this is one where I would stress to exercise caution just because the matchup looks so good in the Colts' favor that you almost don't want to let down because it goes back again to Anthony Lynn and Phillip Rivers. They're smart guys. They know that the Colts have this advantage defensive line versus offensive line this week. But that being said, just stripping it down for what it is,
Starting point is 00:23:29 Trent Scott at left tackle, Sam Tevey at right tackle. I mean, the Colts have that advantage. Justin Houston at defensive end. And I know Kamoko Touré popped up on the injury report today, but even Al-Qaedin Moh Muhammad has become a better pass rusher. Ben Banigou, Jabal Sheard, you know, he hasn't practiced yet, but the Colts have, you know, they've got a good group of pass rushers. Who knows if we see Tyquan Lewis on the edge, you know,
Starting point is 00:23:57 Danico Autry and Margus Hunt, just powerful up the middle. The Colts absolutely have the advantage here, but I just try to tell myself to hold on a little bit because the Chargers also know the Colts have this advantage. It's time to celebrate. Football is finally back. And DraftKings, a leader in one-day fans football, has huge week one contests.
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Starting point is 00:26:03 from the linebackers especially, I'm really curious to see how Darius Leonard is in coverage this year. He was really good last year, but they're going to try to exploit the linebackers, I think, early and often in coverage as far as quick game over the middle. What do you think from the linebackers as far as this rotation goes this year? I think we might see more Bobby Okereke. I know we didn't really see him much in preseason, but if we're going to do all these quick passes, I feel like Okereke's athletes might be an advantage for them to have this on Sunday in LA. Yeah, I'm kind of interested to see what they'll do with that
Starting point is 00:26:31 because I know they have their starting lineups, but at the same time, it's all about matchups. And Matt Iberflus is definitely all about the matchups, all about the wrinkles and the different things they can do. Bobby Okereke, probably a little more rangier than Anthony Walker, but Anthony Walker is the absolute cerebral captain of that defense when it comes to making sure, as a Mike linebacker, that he knows what's going on.
Starting point is 00:27:04 Him and Darius have very good chemistry also. So I think that might play into it as well. They know where each other are going to, you know, where they're going to be. But you also look at Sam. You know, Matthew Adams is listed as the starter. But at the same time, EJ Speed, again, rangier guy. What do we see them do out there? Do we just see them kind of run their normal
Starting point is 00:27:29 base look of Walker, Leonard and Adams or do they run almost exclusively out of this kind of unique dime they have? They also have a lot of nickel looks that will be interesting. I don't have a great answer for that, but I think you and I both know the possibilities of what they could do.
Starting point is 00:27:50 Yeah, they're certainly deaf at that position now for the first time in a long time for the Colts, and that's a weakness under Ryan Grixen. They've turned quickly into a strength under GM Chris Ballard. But being close to the show here for our last few questions here, Jake, appreciate the time as always. What's your three keys if you had to pick three specifically for Sunday's game for the Colts, Pop and Upset? Well, I think they have to take advantage of their advantages that they have this week. They have to get to the quarterback. Those two offensive tackles that it looks like the Chargers are going to be
Starting point is 00:28:23 putting out there, the Colts have the advantage there. They have to capitalize on that. They have to get to rivers and disrupt him, which could also mean, you know, forcing turnovers. If, if rivers is,
Starting point is 00:28:36 you know, shuffling his feet, having to make quick decisions that he's maybe not prepared to make in the moment, they have to force those turnovers. And that's kind of the backbone of the Colts defense is forcing turnovers, hustling to the ball, you know, getting strips on, on everyone. I think next, I think they just need to,
Starting point is 00:28:55 I think they need to take the offense in stride and find out what it is that their strengths are going to be. You know, Jacoby isn't Andrew, and that can be okay because Jacoby is a very good quarterback in his own right. What are his strengths in this current offense going to be? Because we haven't seen him as a starter in this offense. And then probably the last thing I would say is to just do what you can to establish the run. If it's not going great early, don't abandon it.
Starting point is 00:29:26 See if you can get it working because that can open up a lot for some of the weapons that they have on this offense. You know, think of what they'll be able to do with T.Y. Hilton and Paris Campbell if the play action is working effectively, you know. So I think establishing the run will be another big thing. It doesn't mean they have to, you know, that Marlon has to have 80, 90, 100 yards, but Coach Reich talks a lot about just dictating the pace and the flow of the offense.
Starting point is 00:29:58 It doesn't mean getting huge numbers, but it means running the ball when you want to run the ball, you know, not being shut down from doing any of the things you want to do. Those are good points to bring up there. And I think those three are going to be certainly stuff to watch for on Sunday in LA. And luckily, I'm going to be there. We actually bought tickets, I believe, a few months ago. And so luckily, I'll be seeing it really for the first time in a long time.
Starting point is 00:30:23 Just the most intrigued with this team. I've been a long time because Jacoby Brissett's understated instead of Andrew Luck so what do you think Jake DeColette to show here give me your prediction and also since the Indiana Unlegalized Sports Bank might as well ask you as well the spread of six and a half do you think the Colts cover that and what is your prediction? So I'm gonna give the Colts a lot more love than than they've been getting from the outside because i i don't know if you caught it but i put out my fantasy my weekly fantasy piece today and the the fantasy experts are not digging the colts so far i'm actually going to say they've got a pretty good shot at winning because i think the advantages they have are very important i just
Starting point is 00:31:04 think people see the change in quarterback and they panic. I'm going to give them a pretty good shot to win. I think they should win. So, you know, the spread is six and a half chargers, you said, right? Yeah, correct. That's what I saw. I believe they won the circle downtown. Yeah, I mean, I see the Colts winning.
Starting point is 00:31:23 And even if they don't, I think it will be very close. So unofficial betting advice there. I'm taking the Colts on that one. I agree with you there. I think 24-17 is what I've been saying all week. I could see 24-20, but I think it's going to be maybe a sloppy game as far as scoring points goes. First game of the season, injuries on the Chargers side and a new quarterback. I think the Colts will win this one one but it's going to be close like you mentioned your jake if you haven't already go ahead and follow jake on twitter at jake arthur nfl also digest his content whenever you can you see it on his twitter colts.com go ahead and do that already so i know you listeners probably already have but go ahead and follow jake and read all this content or colts.com appreciate
Starting point is 00:32:01 the time jake we back to you next next thursday for our next show absolutely brother can't wait

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