The 2019 season is just about here as the Indianapolis Colts take a trip west to battle the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1 at Dignity Health Sports Park on Sunday afternoon.
Even with the season just beginning, there have been storylines and drumbeats taking place throughout the offseason and preseason. Now, we get to see if they will have any impact on the game.
Here are four storylines to watch in Week 1:
First game without Andrew Luck
The Colts have had to play games without Luck before, but this time it’s different. There is no expectation that he will be returning after announcing his retirement during the preseason. Now, the Colts must move forward with Jacoby Brissett as the starter.
Though it has become less prominent as the weeks go by, Luck’s retirement and the impact it will have should continue to be a storyline to monitor throughout the season. That begins in Week 1 when the Colts find themselves on the road.
The Chargers defense is a strong unit—even without safety Derwin James. How Brissett deals with life as the full-time starter will certainly be something to watch in Week 1.
Melvin Gordon’s holdout
The Colts won’t have to face one of the best running backs in the NFL on Sunday as Gordon’s contract holdout will continue on through the first half of the season. In his place, Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson will run the backfield.
Gordon has been an integral part of the Chargers offense ever since he was selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Yet, he will be looking for a new contract, and his holdout is expected to last six to eight weeks.
The Colts didn’t allow a single 100-yard rusher in 2018, and they are hoping to continue that in Week 1 against the Chargers.
Justin Houston’s debut
Colts fans didn’t get to see much of Houston during the preseason, but the prize addition of the offseason will be on the field ready to set the edge on Sunday. While veteran Jabaal Sheard will be inactive due to a knee injury, Houston will have a major role to play in the Colts’ pass rush.
The Chargers are dealing with some offensive line issues that should give Houston and the rest of the defensive line a strong matchup all day. We will finally get to see just how impactful Houston can be in a scheme that simply asks him to pin his ears back and get after the quarterback.
How injuries impact the game
Both teams are dealing with some injuries heading into the regular-season opener on Sunday. The Chargers will be without star safety Derwin James due to a foot injury and left tackle Russell Okung. Their absences should have a massive impact on the matchups for the Colts on both sides of the ball.
The Colts aren’t without their injuries, though. Defensive end Jabaal Sheard and running back Jonathan Williams are already listed as out. Defensive end Kemoko Turay is dealing with a neck injury and is questionable for the matchup. He didn’t practice Friday, which puts his status in doubt.
Injuries always wind up having an impact on the game, and this Week 1 matchup will be no different.
