The Lions can score. Will the Colts be able to keep up?
No.
The answer is no.
The Indianapolis Colts won’t be able to keep pace with the Detroit Lions when they come to town if they allow the Lions to play their game. The Colts have broken 30-points once all year. The Lions have broken 40-points four times and 50-points twice. A track meet on Sunday does not bode well for the Colts. If they try to match the Lions score for score and are forced to run up and down the field throughout the game, they will assuradley lose. Just because the Colts can’t hang in a shootout doesn’t mean they can’t win. There are a few things they can do to secure the win.
No Turnovers
Anthony Richardson and the offense have to protect the ball. The Lions can score at will. Giving them extra possessions will spell absolute doom. Richardson did a better job protecting the football against the Jets but still wasn’t perfect. He needs to make the smart play and avoid forcing the ball into traffic.
Get off the Field on Third Down
The Lions don’t need help moving the ball. The Colts have to be sure when they get the Lions into third down that they get off the field. Turnovers would be great, but forcing three and outs or stunting drives can be equally effective. The Colts offense isn’t one to put up high scoring numbers, so providing them with as many chances as possible will be key. Given enough cracks at it, Richardson will be able to put points on the board.
Finish Halves
Right before the end of a half is not the time to give up points. The Lions have made it a habit over the last few weeks driving down the field for game winning field goals. While less back breaking, giving up points right before the half can be crucial as well. When playing a potent offense it seems like those types of teams always seem to manufacture drives to steal some points right before the end of halves. That is something the Colts won’t have the luxury of allowing if they want to keep up. Cheap points on long field goals as time expires will be a no-no.
Discipline will be huge in this one. Making the right plays on offense to protect the ball, while not giving up cheap third down conversions on broken coverages or penalties will also be crucial. Add in situational football to protect the end of halves and the Colts might have a recipe for success. It is a lot to put together, but the Colts have to find a way if they want to win on Sunday against the Lions.