The Indianapolis Colts’ success seemed to hit some bumps in the road on Sunday in Pittsburgh with injuries, turnovers and missed opportunities. The team failed to find an identity on offense and struggled in key spots on both sides of the ball.
With a chance to bounce back at home this week against Miami, here are four Dolphins the Colts must gameplan for to get their season back on track and get back atop the AFC South.
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
Say what you want about the ageless journeyman, but the old man can still ball. After some quarterback controversy earlier in the season with Josh Rosen, Fitzpatrick has reclaimed the starting job and it looks like he will hold it for the remainder of Miami’s rebuilding season.
With limited action and six starts this season, Fitzpatrick has totaled 1,195 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. He has struggled against talented secondaries but the 15-year veteran still has some tricks up his sleeve. The Colts young defense has to get after him early if they want to have success.
WR DeVante Parker
With rookie sensation Preston Williams being placed on injured reserve this week, the Dolphins are thin at receiver. Quietly Parker has pieced together a solid bounce-back season with 28 catches for 400 yards and four touchdowns.
The big-body receiver has had a rather disappointing career through his first four years but seems to be a reliable target even with inconsistent quarterback play. The Colts secondary who has struggled in recent weeks needs to make sure to account for Parker whenever he is on the field to limit his production.
TE Mike Gesicki
The second-year tight end out of Penn State has finally found some success in this struggling Miami offense. With 21 catches for 248 yards on the year, Gesicki is finally learning how to use his size and athleticism in the passing game.
As a talented blocker and route runner, the Colts have to be careful not to let him get into open space. As a defense that has struggled with stopping tight ends all season, it is imperative that Gesicki is limited. Look for Darius Leonard and Khari Willis to play a big part in the pass game this week as well because of Gesicki.
LB Jerome Baker
The second-year linebacker has been the Dolphins’ best defensive player this year with 55 total tackles, which leads the team. On a defense that has given up 256 points this season, Baker’s athleticism and tackling ability has kept Miami in games.
The young linebacker will definitely be a hassle with the Colts run game, which is hoping to get back on track after just 139 yards on the ground total against Pittsburgh. If the Colts offensive line can keep Baker away from the ball, Marlon Mack and company should have a great day.
