Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco, CA – The 49ers are known as one of the NFL’s most talented teams, and their defense is especially stacked. Indianapolis is the underdog by most heading into the Week 3 match-up, especially after seeing the holes in their all-around team against the Dolphins. They have had a week to work on things, and they have also brought in a player that many view as a star, Trent Richardson.
There are three players for the Colts that stand out as players that must step up in order for the Colts to come away with a win tomorrow afternoon. These guys are not the only ones that need to step up, but they are players who Indianapolis will be counting on to have big games.
1. T.Y. Hilton, Wide Receiver
Hilton is coming off of a big game against the Dolphins where he posted six receptions totaling 144 yards. He hasn’t caught a touchdown yet this year, but against a 49ers’ defense that has shown to be a bit weak down the field, Hilton could put up big numbers tomorrow. They are going to need him to step up and provide a good game with San Francisco being a very tough team to run the football against. If the Colts are able to figure out a way to get their passing game going early, that could open up the ground game as well.
2. Trent Richardson, Running Back
Trent Richardson has only been a Colt for a couple days now, and he is already going to be a big piece of what they want to do. The 49ers are a tough team to run the football against, but the physical presence of Richardson could be exactly what the Colts will need to carve out some tough rushing yards.
Many consider Richardson to have “superstar” potential, but there are other critics who don’t believe that he’ll add up to much. This is just his debut, but if he’s able to put up solid numbers, it could bring some buzz to his future. The one thing to consider about his new situation in Indianapolis, is that he has never had a QB as talented as Andrew Luck. It will be very interesting to see how the threat of a passing attack will open up the rushing game for Richardson.
3. Robert Mathis, Linebacker
Mathis is the defensive leader for the Indianapolis Colts, and by far their best pass-rusher. With the option threat of Kaepernick, they’ll need their defense to get into the San Francisco backfield, and Mathis seems to be the best option to do that. He will also shoulder the lead of leading the Colts defense and making sure players are in the places they’re supposed to be. This is one game that the Colts defense will have to step up in a major way.
Overall, this game is going to be one of the most difficult match-ups that the Colts will have all year long. They are an extremely talented team, but they must find a way to shore up the holes in their defense from last week. Andrew Luck and the offense have to step up and take care of the ball as well. This is going to be an exciting game, so don’t miss it!
Evan Massey is an Editor at Naptown’s Finest. Follow Evan and Naptown’s Finest on Twitter.