Colts Season Preview: Weeks 1-4
By Evan Reller
Aug 20, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus (99) celebrates after a sack during the second quarter of a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Week 1
At Buffalo Bills
The Bills have had an interesting off season. Rather than go outside the box, they decided to bring in loudmouth coach Rex Ryan, recently fired from the Jets. Ryan has a great defensive mind, but his offensive game plan consists of running the ball up the gut over and over, a strategy better suited to the 1970’s NFL.
Luckily, Ryan got a great back for a power run scheme: LeSean McCoy. Wait, no he didn’t. McCoy is an elusive runner, not a power back. He is best suited to running in space and off screens. With the Bills currently not having a clear quarterback, opposing defenses are going to stack the box to stop the run and dare the Bills to pass. It also doesn’t help that the Bills offensive line is arguably worse the the injury riddled one the Eagles had last season.
And what about quarterback? It is a three way battle between Matt Cassel, Tyrod Taylor, and EJ Manuel.
Reports indicate that Manuel has fallen to the back of the pack, and has been working with the scout team. Cassel continues his career of mediocrity without Bill Belichick spoon-feeding him the offense. Taylor is headed into his fifth year as a backup, coming over from the Baltimore Ravens (with a Super Bowl ring). None of these players scream “franchise quarterback” something the Bills have lacked since Jim Kelly retired in 1996. One of those three will be attempting to take the pressure off McCoy and fling the ball to Sammy Watkins.
The good news for the Bills is that they have an outstanding defense, and possibly the best front seven in the NFL. This might be the best stress test for the Colts shiny new offense. The Bills allowed just 18.2 points per game last year, but are making the move to a 3-4 scheme (which will put Jerry Hughes and Mario Williams at outside linebacker instead of defensive end). Luckily the Colts are catching them at the right time, the scheme switch and suspension of Marcell Dareus makes the defense more vulnerable.
Defensively, the Colts will be able to keep the Bill in check. On offense, well, the Colts better be able to pass protect.
Next: Week 2