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
Indianapolis, IN – The day has finally arrived. The Seattle Seahawks are in town to face an Indianapolis Colts team that is hungry to get another big win against a premier NFC team. This game is going to be a fun one to watch, especially with young star quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Andrew Luck going head to head. Let’s take a look at which three players from the Colts must step up to help secure an Indianapolis victory.
1. Andrew Luck. Quarterback
This type of game usually comes down to the offense, and the ability to move the football. Luck will have to be very careful this afternoon against one of the strongest defenses in the NFL. The Seahawks have playmakers everywhere on their defense, and Luck will have to be careful not to try and force passes into tight areas.
He has shown great improvement in the turnover category this season so far, but this is going to be a game to keep an eye on. He hasn’t faced a defense that is capable of making this kind of impact in the secondary. Andrew Luck must stay calm and collected to lead the Colts to their second straight big win over an NFC West team.
2. Robert Mathis, Linebacker
One way to get young quarterback Russell Wilson out of sync would be to get pass-rush on him. Mathis is coming off of a game against Jacksonville last week where he recorded three sacks. The Seahawks will be without both of their starting offensive tackles on the line this afternoon, and that makes Mathis an interesting player to keep an eye on.
Expect the Colts to rush Wilson and try to force him to make mistakes. He’s a very mobile quarterback and he plays beyond his years with great poise, but if Mathis is able to play up to the level that he has been playing at all season, this could be a key to the Colts pulling out the win.
3. Trent Richardson, Running Back
As we mentioned earlier in this article, the Colts must find a way to move the football against this Seahawks defense. Andrew Luck is the main key piece to keep an eye out for, but Trent Richardson is beginning to feel comfortable in the Colts’ offense. Ahmad Bradshaw is missing his second consecutive game due to a neck injury, which makes Richardson the featured running back once again this week.
He may not put up a 100-yard game against Seattle, but he does need to chip in with 60+ yards to force the Seahawks to respect the ground game.
Those are three guys that must step up this afternoon against the Seahawks in order for the Colts to come away with a 4-1 record. This is going to be one of the best games for the Colts all season, so don’t miss it!
Evan Massey is an Editor at Naptown’s Finest. Follow Evan and Naptown’s Finest on Twitter.