Colts vs. Bengals: Keys to the game

As we continue to preview the season opener against Cincinnati on Sunday, here are some keys to the game for the Colts if they want to come out victorious.

The Colts’ season finally starts on Sunday at home against the Bengals. This is a matchup that is fairly even, as neither team lived up to expectations last season and look to bounce back. Here are some keys that the Colts must take advantage of in order to win.

Most importantly, they must protect Andrew Luck. The offensive line is going to be a big question mark all year. Right tackle is still an uncertainty, and Anthony Castonzo is still up in the air about being able to play. If Luck doesn’t stay upright, it could be a long game.

Secondly, the Colts have to run the ball effectively. A good running game is another way to keep Luck from getting hit. They probably won’t have Marlon Mack, so it’ll be up to Jordan Wilkins and Christine Michael to carry the load.

Defensively, the Colts must stop the run. Joe Mixon is a very talented running back who is dangerous in space. The back seven of the Colts is suspect. They can’t let the Bengals get the ground game going because then Andy Dalton would be able to get going through play action passing.

Keeping Dalton uncomfortable is a big key. Dalton has struggled with consistency in the past. He sometimes panics and doesn’t set his feet and makes bad throws. If he does that, the Colts can take advantage.

The last key to the game is the turnover margin. The Colts have to win the turnover battle if they want to win this game. Luck has had an issues with turnovers in the past. The defense isn’t good enough to overcome turnovers from the offense. They have to protect the ball.

If the Colts can follow all of these keys on Sunday, they should come out of their matchup with an early season victory.