Following a much-needed win against their divisional rival Tennessee Titans, the Indianapolis Colts (1-1) will return home to host the Atlanta Falcons (1-1) on Sunday. These last two weeks have witnessed the Colts play in very competitive road games against AFC playoff contenders.
The Falcons will present a unique challenge as they’re arguably more experienced and talented at some of the game’s most important positions. Even with their early “Jekyll and Hyde” performances after two weeks of play, the former NFC champion is nothing to take lightly at all.
Here are three key matchups to watch in the Colts’ Week 3 bout against the Falcons:
WR’s Calvin Ridley, Julio Jones vs. CB’s Kenny Moore II, Rock Ya-Sin
Amongst all of the receiving duos the Colts will face this season, the Falcons’ Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley are arguably the best on that list. Between Jones being an All-Pro talent and Ridley’s emerging status, the Falcons have no worries as both players have already produced 23 catches, 306 receiving yards, and five touchdowns to begin this season.
Even though the Colts’ secondary has improved, they could be missing a key piece on Sunday. Starting cornerback Pierre Desir is currently nursing a knee injury, which means No. 1 and No. 2 on the cornerback depth chart currently belongs to Kenny Moore II and 2019 second-round pick Rock Ya-Sin.
With Moore II being known more his ability to defend the slot and Ya-Sin still being so young in his NFL career, one must wonder how the AFC South competitor will defend Jones and Ridley. Will Ya-Sin go toe to toe with Jones? Could Quincy Wilson play more snaps, thus meaning Moore II stays primarily as a slot corner? We shall see.
DT Grady Jarrett vs. LG Quenton Nelson
Now before diving deeply into this key matchup, let me say this. There is a legitimate chance, we don’t see these two, ultra-talented linemen compete head to head often on Sunday. Why? Because while Jarrett is good enough to win his share of battles against Nelson, the Falcons will likely move him around on the defensive line in hopes of exploiting weaker matchups.
But with that said, the looming battle between Jarrett and Nelson can easily determine which team dominates the trenches. Both players are incredibly strong, quick and set the tone for their fellow linemen, which then impacts their passing and running games.
This is one of those OL vs. DL matchups that are constantly highlighted before, during and after the game.
Kicker Adam Vinatieri vs. Kicker Matt Bryant
Listen, I know how random this matchup is, I really do. But in all seriousness, the kicker’s competition between Vinatieri and Bryant will have everybody watching on Sunday. With both teams establishing an early trend of settling for field goals or missing them (combined 2/5 on field goals) this game could come down to the right legs of either future Hall of Famer.
Both men have had their struggles in recent months, between Bryant’s desire to return to the NFL and Vinatieri slumping in his last five games. So if the Colts and Falcons aren’t exchanging touchdowns and have to settle for three points, we will witness either fanbase loudly cheer or groan when it’s all said and done.
