The Indianapolis Colts (2-1) are riding high coming off their first home-opening win since 2013 when they defeated the Atlanta Falcons (1-2) at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday.
Entering Week 4 of the season, Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire has the Colts ranked No. 15 in the NFL. Here’s what he had to say about their spot in the power rankings:
The bad news for the Colts in their 27-24 win over the Falcons, safety Malik Hooker, perhaps the team’s best defensive player, was ruled out for four to six weeks with a torn meniscus. That’s a huge liability for Matt Eberflus’ defense with the Chiefs coming up on Oct. 6 and the Texans the week after that. The good news? Head coach and offensive play-designer Frank Reich and his staff have every reason to believe in quarterback Jacoby Brissett after his performance on Sunday. Brissett completed his first 16 passes and finished with 28 completions in 37 attempts for 310 yards and two touchdowns. Add in yet another strong performance by running back Marlon Mack (74 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries), and the Colts have the offensive talent to overcome Hooker’s injury … at least, against every team but the Chiefs.
The Colts are looking like a team that can compete for the AFC South. The injury to Hooker really hurts the defense, but they will get a good look at rookie Khari Willis.
In the AFC South, the Houston Texans (No. 6) lead the way following by the Colts (No. 15), the Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 16) and the Tennessee Titans (No. 19).
The Colts are set to host the Oakland Raiders in Week 4 at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 29.
