Through this weekly series, we’ll be making an analysis as to what matchups will be the most relevant for the game. This week the Colts face a tough matchup against the Washington Redskins in D.C. The game will be played in tough weather conditions due to hurricane Florence.
T.Y Hilton (WR) Vs. Josh Norman (CB)
The chemistry between T.Y and Luck gave Colts fans many happy moments. In Luck’s return to action last Sunday the two connected on a 5 yard touchdown that gave the fans flashbacks to the 2014 season.
This Sunday though, Hilton will be matched up against one of the toughest shutdown corners in the NFL. Norman has made a name for himself as a top 5 corner in the League.
Hilton will have to fight fiercely in every route, and for every catch. Norman will not make it any easy for him.
Jabaal Sheard (DE) Vs. Trent Williams (OT)
Williams is one of, if not the best left tackle in football. He displays both physical and technical dominance on every snap.
Matched up against him will be defensive end Jabaal Sheard. Sheard has developed into a nice pass rusher for the Colts during the course of last season and will look to build on it.
In D.C, however, Sheard will have to get past Williams in order to get to Alex Smith, and that is no easy task.
Quenton Nelson (OG) Vs. Daron Payne (DT)
Nelson played a solid game on his debut against the Bengals, going out against Pro-Bowl caliber players like Geno Atkins or Carl Lawson.
This Sunday he will face perhaps an easier test against fellow rookie out of Alabama Daron Payne.
It will be interesting to see if Nelson dominates Payne, as should be expected from him, or if Payne gets past him a few times.
Colts front 7 Vs. Redskins running backs
Adrian Peterson and Chris Thompson racked up 161 yards and a touchdown on 31 carries (5.1 YPC) to go along with 6 receptions for 63 yards and another touchdown (all by Thompson).
The Colts front 7 struggled against a worst Bengals rushing attack and allowed Mixon to run all over them in the second half.
On a game that will be played on sloppy conditions, forcing the Redskins offense to put the ball in the air will be crucial for the Colts success.