Colts vs Washington: Behind Enemy Lines
By Evan Reller
The Indianapolis Colts host the Washington this Sunday hoping to extend their winning streak to two games. I spoke with Maurice Barksdale, editor of Riggo’s Rag, to get some behind the scenes information on this week’s opponent.
1. How is the team focusing with all the drama surrounding Robert Griffin? After Colt McCoy‘s big game, did Jay Gruden really think starting Griffin was the right move? Is this the end for Griffin in Washington?
I think the Redskins are used to dealing with the drama surrounding Robert Griffin III, so with him no longer the starting quarterback I think the team will be able to focus more on the task at hand. I think Jay Gruden did believe that starting RGIII was the right move, because he had to see if he could make a difference with the offense and to gauge where Griffin was as a player. Right now it seems it might be the end for Griffin in Washington. It all depends on how the season ends. RGIII is still the backup, so it’s possible he could play again this season and get another chance to prove himself.
2. Is there still concern regarding the team name? It seems to have died down nationally, but is there still pressure to change it? Does Dan Snyder really not believe the name is racist?
There’s no concern on behalf of the Redskins and most Americans aren’t concerned either for that matter, as according to an ESPN poll earlier this year, 71% of Americans don’t think the name should be changed. And there are many Native Americans who are Redskins fans and have no problem with the name. So I’m not sure how people of other races can tell them they’re wrong to feel the way they do. And Racism is the hatred of another race. The Redskins don’t promote hatred of Native Americans. You name your team after something you admire, not hate. And obviously Dan Snyder doesn’t believe the name is racist.
3. What can the Colts expect from Washington on defense? This team has struggled in coverage, how do they plan on stopping Andrew Luck?
I don’t think you can stop Andrew Luck, but you can slow him down a little. The Redskins need to get the Colts into third and long situations and try to stiffen up in the red zone. Andrew Luck will get his yards, but if the Redskins can hold the Colts to field goals instead of touchdowns, then they will have the chance to keep the game close.
4. What needs to happen for Washington to leave Indy with a win? Is there a particular player who needs to step up on either side of the ball?
The Redskins will need to run the football well, so running back Alfred Morris will have to have a big game. If the Redskins can control the time of possession then that will increase their chances to win by limiting the opportunities that Andrew Luck has to touch the football. Also, quarterback Colt McCoy will need to be efficient in the passing game. He doesn’t need to try to win a shoot out with Andrew Luck, but he needs to take care of the football and consistently find the open man. Something that Robert Griffin III was unable to do.
5. What is your prediction? Who wins the game and why?
The Redskins will be more efficient on offense as Colt McCoy should be able to keep the chains moving with more consistency, and put some points on the board. But I think the Colts are simply the better team. They are hard to beat at home, and they are motivated to stay in the lead in the AFC South. The Colts will win: 27-20