INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 19: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the Las Vegas Raiders stretches before the start of a preseason NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on August 19, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
How the Indianapolis Colts Can Beat the Los Angeles Raiders
Following a disappointing loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the Indianapolis Colts will look to get a much-needed win against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Indianapolis Colts will face the Las Vegas Raiders at home in Week 17. Last season, the two teams met, with Indianapolis winning 25-20 on the road.
Saturday’s victory was the only one for interim coach Jeff. Jonathan Taylor rushed for 147 yards and Matt Ryan scored on the ground in the win.
The Colts are coming off a heartbreaking 29-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Gardner Minshew, the Colts’ quarterback, finished with no touchdowns and an interception. Taylor rushed 18 times for 43 yards after returning from a three-game injury.
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Meanwhile, the Raiders defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in an impressive Christmas Day victory. They won despite quarterback Aidan O’Connell failing to complete a single pass after the first quarter. In seven seconds, the Raiders scored two defensive touchdowns.
The 8-7 Colts are tied for the best record in the AFC South with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans. This is a critical game for Indy as they attempt to reclaim sole possession of the division lead.
This is also a must-win game for the Raiders, who are 7-8. They will be officially eliminated from playoff contention if they lose.
How the Indianapolis Colts Can Defeat the Raiders
The Colts’ defense must improve.
The Colts were ranked third entering Week 16.
End of the defensive line The Colts’ lone sack was recorded by Kwity Paye. Early in the second quarter, he sacked quarterback Taylor Heinicke.
Indianapolis missed tackles left and right, particularly against Bijan Robinson of the Falcons. This year’s eighth-round pick finished with 122 all-purpose yards, including 72 rushing yards (six yards per carry).
Robinson ran 32 yards on his first carry, leaving defenders in the dust. In the game, Atlanta running back Tyler Allgeier also had a 31-yard run.
During the Raiders’ upset road win over the Chiefs, running back Zamir White ran all over the Chiefs’ defense. The second-year pro rushed for 145 yards and averaged nearly seven yards per carry.
The Colts’ defense must perform admirably against the Raiders. The Raiders, who scored 63 points against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15, can be a force to be reckoned with at times.
Michael Pittman Jr. delivers a strong performance.
Michael Pittman Jr., a wide receiver, is having a fantastic season. He’ll be the first Colt since Reggie Wayne (2012) to finish a season with at least 100 catches and 1,100 yards receiving. This season, the USC product has 99 receptions for 1,062 yards.
Pittman was sidelined for the Falcons game due to a concussion. Minshew and the Colts’ offense struggled greatly in his absence.
Fellow receivers were unable to complete the task. Josh Downs only had six catches for 39 yards.
Pittman is expected to return for the New Year’s Eve matchup with the Raiders. He is still in concussion protocol, but progressing well. The Colts need him to be healthy. They also need him to come through with a big-time game and spark the offense.
Main Photo: [Robert Scheer/IndyStar] – USA Today Sports
