Sep 29, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) passes the ball during the first half of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
After disposing of their division rival last week, the Colts go back to Lucas Oil Stadium to host a team favorite to win the NFC in the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks had a huge comeback win on the road against Houston last week and look to have a repeat performance against one of the AFC’s best teams in the Colts. With both teams doing well, one can argue that this a potential Super Bowl preview. This game also pits two of the best rookie quarterbacks in the 2012 Draft Class in Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson.
Why the Colts will win
- The run game has to dominate the Seattle front seven. The Texans ran all over the Seahawks last week and the Colts have a better statistical rushing attack than the Texans thus potentially meaning it’ll be a big day for Trent Richardson and Donald Brown. The Colts have to dictate the pace and establish a run game early. If they are unable to do so, it could very well spell doom for the Colts.
- Andrew Luck has to be tactical and precise to pick apart the Seattle secondary. He shouldn’t force the issue because the ball hawks of Seattle’s secondary are very prone to take advantage and force a turnover. Matt Schaub threw for over 350 yards last week against this same Seattle team, I believe Andrew Luck is able to do the same.
- The offensive line has to keep Luck upright throughout the entire game. The Seahawks get Bruce Irvin back from his four game suspensions and he became a huge impact player in rushing the passer. They need another performance akin to the one they had against the 49ers two weeks ago in order to get a win.
- The Seahawks have not been explosive offensively yet and that can be beneficial to the Colts defense. The Colts defense has been superb the last two games despite the losses of LaRon Landry and Ricky Jean Francois. The Seahawks’ offense is similar to the 49ers in that they both run the read option. The Colts now have big experience against it and should see more of the same from the Seahawks. The Seahawks offensive line has been hurting all season and the Colts pass rush should take full advantage of it in stopping the run and eliminating Russell Wilson from the pass and run game.
Why the Colts will lose
- If the Seahawks secondary plays lights out and blanket the Colts receivers, it’ll be a very low scoring game. Luck would force the issue and try to make something out of nothing which can usually equate to a turnover or two.
- Marshawn Lynch will be the best running back the Colts face all season. The Colts have yet to allow an opposing running back to rush for over 100 yards on them and if anybody can do it this season against Indy, it would have to be Lynch. Lynch has been up and down this year statistically but you cannot deny his talents. If the Colts are unable to stop him, it’ll be a long day in Indianapolis. Erik Walden is a key player, if he gets mangled by the run game, it’s going to pay dividends for the Seahawks.
- Although the Colts negated Colin Kaepernick from the game two weeks ago, you still have to respect Russell Wilson and his athletic ability. His skills helped keep the Seahawks in the game last week and if the Colts don’t effectively negate it, Wilson can work his magic again if the game is close in the later portions. As mentioned earlier, the Seahawks don’t light up the scoreboard so keeping it close throughout the game can be detrimental to a potential Colts win.
Verdict
This game proves to be another huge test for the Colts to see f they can hang with the big boys of the NFL. The Seahawks are just getting better with suspended players like Irvin coming back and Percy Harvin coming back in a month or two so if the Colts want to make another statement, this is the game to do it. I think the offensive line woes for the Seahawks will be too much to handle as the Colts should have their way with the Seahawks offense. Seattle doesn’t have a sure-fire #1 receiver and the Colts secondary should do a good job blanketing them throughout the game similar to the 49ers game. Russell Wilson will also be solved by the Colts like they solved Kaepernick which will give the Colts a 4-1 record.
Seahawks 10 – Colts 30
GO COLTS!!!
Frank McMahen is a Staff Writer at Naptown’s Finest. Follow Frank and Naptown’s Finest on Twitter.