The Indianapolis Colts (2-1) are back home for a Week 4 matchup against the Oakland Raiders (1-2) and while they are strong favorites, there is a matchup that could be exploited to their detriment.
It is an understatement to say the Colts have been awful against tight ends. It’s not only in 2019. They were also one of the worst defenses defending the position in 2018. And in Week 4, they will have their hands full with the Raiders’ secret weapon—Darren Waller.
Don’t be fooled because his name largely unknown to fanbases of other teams. Waller is a weapon that has taken the league by storm to begin the 2019 season. In an offense that lacks consistent weapons, Waller is shining in Oakland.
Through three games, Waller has recorded 26 receptions on 29 targets for 267 receiving yards. He’s yet to record a touchdown this season, but the Colts have been more than generous in that area since the start of the 2018 season. And they just allowed Austin Hooper to score two touchdowns on Sunday.
Waller’s 26 receptions are second-most among pass catchers in the NFL while leading the tight end position through three weeks. His 267 receiving yards are third-most at the tight end position behind only Travis Kelce (284) and Evan Engram (277).
As the Colts struggle with covering tight ends, there is also major concern that they will be down not one, but two major pieces on the defensive side of the ball. Safety Malik Hooker has already been ruled out for a few weeks due to a torn meniscus while linebacker Darius Leonard is still in the league’s concussion protocol and hasn’t returned to practice as of Wednesday.
Those are two key pieces in a Colts’ pass defense that has struggled to begin the season.
The Colts are favored heavily in this matchup—by more than a touchdown—but they will need to make Waller a priority in the gameplan if they want to find consistent success on the defensive side of the ball in Week 4.
