Colts vs. Falcons: Top 3 keys to win
By Ryan Stano
This is a good philosophy for most games, but especially this one. Ridley is a fast receiver and can blow the top off a defense. So too can Jones. The Colts have to be careful to not let this happen. Getting beat deep is a recipe for disaster in this one.
Typically, this isn’t a problem because Malik Hooker roams the secondary like a center fielder. He does a good job not letting anyone get behind him. That will be key to keep this game close. It also might allow Hooker to actually get someone to throw at him for once.
Keeping everyone in front of him creates its own set of problems. Allowing a team to throw the ball for 5-7 yards every play isn’t ideal, but it won’t kill defense. The Colts have a bend but don’t break philosophy on defense. They want teams to settle for field goals.
Not getting beat deep is a big key to that. As long as they can keep Jones and Ridley in front of them, they will take that every day of the week. Blitzing will also help keep the offense in front of them. You can’t throw it deep if the quarterback is getting hit in three seconds.
The last key to victory is very specific for this game, and hopefully it’s a moot point by the time kickoff gets here. But it’s a possibility the Colts have to deal with.