The Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing for their Week 1 opening matchup at TIAA Bank Field on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET.
Through a long offseason that was disrupted by a pandemic and with teams working without a preseason, there are plenty of storylines to keep an eye on for Sunday’s matchup.
>>>Colts Wire staff makes Week 1 predictions<<<
Here are five pregame storylines to watch in Week 1:
How Philip Rivers runs the offense
Arguably the biggest storyline for the Colts this season will be revolved around the veteran Rivers. Signing a one-year deal in free agency, Rivers and the Colts are hoping this match will result in the team making the playoffs for the second time in the last six years.
The offense shouldn’t change too much with Rivers running it. How it will differ from 2019, though, is that we may see more shots down the field, especially when it comes to T.Y. Hilton breaking free.
The Colts are still an offense that wants to run the ball and they are likely to do so in neutral game scripts, but it will be interesting to see how the offense will perform will Rivers commanding it.
DeForest Buckner’s impact on the pass rush
The Colts made a big move this offseason trading their first-round pick for Buckner just before the start of free agency. Buckner will be working from the three-technique defensive tackle position, a spot the Colts have needed production from for a while.
Buckner’s presence should be felt early. He’s an elite talent in the B gap and should make an impact all on his own. But how much more will his impact reach? How much attention will the Jaguars offensive line give him, potentially freeing up the lanes for other pass rushers like Justin Houston and Denico Autry.
Buckner may be in for a strong game himself, but his impact could go well beyond his own stat line.
How will the backfield split look?
Since the Colts drafted Jonathan Taylor in the second round back in April, everyone has been wondering what kind of spilt the offense will feature in the backfield with him and incumbent starter Marlon Mack.
As it stands right now, it appears Mack is the clear lead back to begin the season. After a strong training camp and with a limited offseason for rookies, the Colts are going with the veteran. But Taylor is still expected to see some work in Week 1.
Add in the fact that Nyheim Hines will be working on early downs, and it can easily be a solid mix of all three backs. How the Colts divide the work is certainly one of the bigger storylines of the week.
Break the streak
The Colts haven’t had too much success during the regular-season opener. In fact, they have lost each of their last six Week 1 games. That dates back to 2013. While the Colts are heavily favored in this matchup, they will need to ensure a victory to get off to a hot start.
With the Texans already 0-1 after their Thursday night loss to the Chiefs, the Colts have a chance to get to the top of the division right away to begin the season. The Jaguars on paper aren’t projected to be a strong unit, and it’s why the Colts are favored so heavily.
But if they want a shot at the division title, they have to make sure they win division games. And in doing so would break a six-year streak of opening-week losses.
Who will step up in the secondary?
While the Colts could have a potentially scary front seven, the secondary faces any question marks as the season arrives. Second-year cornerback Rock Ya-Sin is looking primed for a breakout while Kenny Moore II is one of the best slot cornerbacks in the league.
But behind them are several question marks with Xavier Rhodes coming off of a down year, T.J. Carrie working on the outside and the rookie in Isaiah Rodgers missing time during camp. Then there is the question of Malik Hooker and whether he can prove to the Colts he deserves another contract.
The secondary should get some help from a strong pass rush, but there are several questions that need answered.
