Colts keys to victory: What to do to beat the Jets

The Colts head into a critical matchup against the Jets on Sunday. This is a game they need to win. This is how they can do just that.

The Colts and Jets play on Sunday. Both teams could use a win, but the Colts need it more. They’re only two games back in the divisional standings in a relatively weak division. But in order to get that win, they’ll have to do a few things.

Maybe the most important thing they have to do is have an effective pass rush. Being able to make Sam Darnold uncomfortable is paramount to success. If you can rattle the young rookie, he is a turnover machine waiting to be turned on.

Another thing the Colts must do is run the ball well. They have not stayed committed to the run all year long. But without T.Y. Hilton or Jack Doyle available, they are going to need to be a balanced offense in order to compensate. They will need Marlon Mack to play well.

Mack should play after missing 4 of the first 5 games of the season. His hamstring seems to have healed enough where he can play. That is key, because he is a dynamic playmaker when he gets the ball in open space. The Colts will need that as well.

Protecting Andrew Luck is also extremely important to success. Allowing Luck to have a clean pocket means he can have enough time to find his open guys. Those guys still have to catch the ball, but at least that will give them a chance.

If the Colts can do all of these things, they will give themselves a good chance to win on Sunday. If they don’t, they might be looking at a 1-5 record once Sunday is over.