Following their last-minute 38-35 loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts are back on the road as they’ll face the NFC South-leading New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football. Despite their 6-7 record, the Colts are technically still alive in the AFC playoff race.
If there’s anything that should give this AFC South competitor hope, it’s knowing the Saints are capable of being beaten at home. Since Week 10, the Saints are 1-2 at home, including their 26-9 upset loss vs. Atlanta.
Here are three key matchups to watch in the Colts’ Week 15 bout:
WR Michael Thomas vs. Colts’ injured secondary
After engaging in a dog fight with the Buccaneers’ receiving corps in Week 14, the Colts’ secondary is in store for another one as they’ll face the league’s best receiver right now. Whether it’s through his skill-set, size or historic production, the Saints’ Michael Thomas is producing a historic season by all means.
With three games remaining, Thomas is only 23 catches (121) away from surpassing Colts great Marvin Harrison’s all-time record for most catches in a season (143); while also being in a good position to finish with a top-10 highest season total of receiving yards, since he’s currently at 1,424.
Even if fully healthy, the Colts’ secondary was going to have a hard time defending the Ohio State product and now it’s likely the case given their state of injuries. Cornerback Kenny Moore II isn’t playing on Monday and the duo of Rock Ya-Sin and Pierre Desir are banged up with nagging injuries.
RB Alvin Kamara vs. Colts’ defensive front seven
Even though the Colts’ defense has been very solid while defending the run, they can’t overlook their next opponent in that department. While running back Alvin Kamara hasn’t been his often dynamic and versatile self because of injuries, he’s still capable of being the game-breaker in the Saints’ offense. Especially when his backup is also capable of doing the same.
Despite being ranked 16th in rushing yards per game (108), the duo of Kamara and Latavius Murray have combined for 1,000+ yards this season; while also averaging 4.4 and 4.7 yards per carry, respectively. Although their opponent possess a great passing attack, the Colts have to take the chance of stopping the Saints’ running game in order to put them in longer down and distance situations.
QB Jacoby Brissett vs. Saints’ pass rush
Although quarterback Jacoby Brissett has faced his share of tough defensive front four’s and road conditions this season, none will match what he faces on Monday night. Up next for the Colts’ QB1 is not only a road game inside the very loud Superdome but a Saints’ defense whose pass rush is arguably the best in the league.
Led by defensive end Cameron Jordan and his 13 sacks, the Saints are ranked fourth in sacks (43). An underrated aspect of the Saints’ pass-rushing success is depth. Besides Jordan, the Saints have multiple defenders who could finish the season with at least five sacks. At the moment, Marcus Davenport has six sacks and the trio of Trey Henderson, David Onyemata, and Demario Davis all have three or four sacks apiece.
If Brissett wants to have a similar performance to his in Week 14, he must capitalize on big-play opportunities early in the game, in order to quiet down the home crowd. It also doesn’t hurt if Brissett doesn’t commit any turnovers or is forced to convert third downs of long-distance.
