The Browns are going to try to feast against the Colts without Anthony Castonzo on Sunday.
Though their run blocking has come into question through the season’s first four games, the 3-1 Indianapolis Colts are, and have always been, built around continuity on the offensive line.
After all, that’s the reason Philip Rivers chose Indy to cement his Hall of Fame legacy.
Unfortunately, for the first time in 20 regular season games, the Colts will be trotting out a unit up from that doesn’t include Anthony Castonzo among the fivesome. Buoyed by that remarkable streak featuring the same quintet ad infinitum, Indy’s allowed the second-fewest sacks in the game (behind the Saints) since 2018.
And without AC, the whole Colts mechanism just doesn’t hum quite the same way, which will be doubly painful on Sunday as they both attempt to get the running game established and block one of the game’s versatile pass rushing greats in Myles Garrett.
Colts 3-9 without Anthony Castonzo over the years.@mchappell51 often calls him among the most irreplaceable players on the team; I tend to agree. AC has quietly been terrific the past few years.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) October 9, 2020
We'll see if Le'Raven Clark is ready. Colts saw some improvement during camp.
With Castonzo out, it’ll be up to Le’Raven Clark to fill in the gap, an unreasonable request for any man, and a momumental ask of the 2016 third-round pick, who’s never grabbed a full-time role during his time under the tutelage of Indy’s other greats.
And, as expected, the Browns are prepared to take full advantage of the unit’s least-experienced member.
Not only will Garrett be rested and ready for the challenge, but he’ll be floating unpredictably, attempting to target Clark any chance he gets. Look for extra pressure on Jack Doyle and Trey Burton in the blocking game, too, with Mo Alie-Cox hardly relied upon to do that type of thing.
Frank Reich says the Colts know the Browns will move Myles Garrett from side to side, and that they'll test Le'Raven Clark to see if he's up to the task.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) October 9, 2020
Indy's been prepping for this scenario. Gonna have to keep TEs to help Clark at times, I'd think. Still might not always work
After a few victories over bottom feeders and a hard-fought, yet hideous, win over the Bears, the Cleveland Browns (no, seriously) will be the biggest challenge of the Colts’ young season.
Unfortunately, one of their biggest matchup advantages has been neutralized, too.
Colts QB Philip Rivers mic’d up against the Jets will have you in stitches
Indianapolis Colts QB Philip Rivers was absolutely hilarious when he was mic'd up this past Sunday against the New York Jets.