The third and most important game of preseason gives the Indianapolis Colts a much needed opportunity to fix issues that popped up in the previous game against the Chicago Bears. All eyes will likely be on the offense, but not because of the weapons that Andrew Luck has in his arsenal. No, it is because they will be on the offensive line. To say that the line has had issues is an understatement and the Colts will be facing a much better defensive line in the St. Louis Rams.
Game Notes:
The Colts O Line vs Rams D Line will be the biggest thing to watch for in this game. It will be hard to imagine that the team will be able to fix all their issues since last week, but improvement will be something to watch. Right tackle Jack Mewhort struggled protecting Luck as did the team’s best lineman, left tackle Anthony Costanzo. The guards of Lance Louis and Todd Herremans proved unable to open holes for the running backs and center Khaled Holmes hasn’t been able to get much of a push either. I don’t think it’s realistic to think we’ll see a different line out there, but the Rams should provide a good opportunity to see what needs adjusted before the season opener.
Rookie running back Josh Robinson has continued to impress in preseason and will be given some opportunities with the first team offense. Fans who follow the team seem to think the kid has something special and should be given more of a showcase for those talents this game gives him a perfect opportunity to see how he can perform against a very good offensive unit. Frank Gore and Dan Herron are known commodities and both seem ready to go for the regular season, so Robinson should get some carries to figure out where he will end up on the depth chart. Should he should be taking carries away from Herron? That’s what the team needs to find out before the season opener.
The Colts Defense was not particularly sharp against the Bears, especially when trying to stop the run. To be fair, the first team held the Bears to three field goals, but the Bears seemed to be able to move the ball, especially using Matt Forte, who is one of the better backs in the league. How will the defense fare against the Rams rushing attack? Erik Walden played well when in the game, but the biggest question remaining concerns the ability to get pressure on the quarterback. Robert Mathis likely will not be playing the first few games, which means someone will need to step up and there are many who can help. Trent Cole, Arthur Jones, Kendall Langford, Bjoern Werner, and Jonathon Newsome are the prime candidates to apply pressure on the opposing team, but will any of the above answer that call well enough?
These are the areas that I will be interested in for the Colts vs Rams. Let us know what you are interested in.
