Titan Sized
FanSided

AFC South Playoff Race Analysis: Week 1

By Max Dambach

NASHVILLE, TN- SEPTEMBER 10: Wide receiver Corey Davis
NASHVILLE, TN- SEPTEMBER 10: Wide receiver Corey Davis /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Quarterback Scott Tolzien #16 of the Indianapolis Colts looks for an open receiver against the Los Angeles Rams in the first quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 10, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. The Rams defeated the Colts 46-9. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Quarterback Scott Tolzien #16 of the Indianapolis Colts looks for an open receiver against the Los Angeles Rams in the first quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 10, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. The Rams defeated the Colts 46-9. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) /

Indianapolis Colts (0-1)

Week 1 Results: Lost 46-9 to the Los Angeles Rams

What it Means: As was expected, the Colts looked utterly hopeless with QB Andrew Luck still sidelined for the next few weeks after offseason shoulder surgery. Backup Scott Tolzien tossed two pick-sixes before he was taken out in favor of second-year man Jacoby Brissett, who had only been with the team for a week. The defense was also shredded by second-year QB Jared Goff, who had never won a game and was considered a potential bust by some following his awful performances last season.

This is the more alarming aspect of the game. The offense was always going to be awful with Luck sidelined, but the defense had to improve for Luck to carry the team into the playoffs, but if they can not contain the Los Angeles Rams’ offense, they will have no chance at stopping the other high-octane offenses in the AFC Playoff Race.

All signs point to the Colts struggling all year long, even after Luck returns. I predict that Coach Chuck Pagano will be on his way out after the Colts “earn” a top 10 draft pick and the Colts won’t be able to get over .500 until they improve the roster around Luck so that they can protect him in the pocket and limit opposing offenses.

What’s Next: The Colts play the Arizona Cardinals, a team with a strong defense and an inconsistent offense that just lost their biggest star in RB David Johnson to a wrist injury. They likely will turn to Jacoby Brissett for the start, but the offense will likely still struggle against a talented Cardinals defense.

Home/Titans News