Denzel Perryman could give the Colts problems
If you’re a fan of football and don’t have a rooting interest for Indianapolis or Las Vegas, the battle between linebacker Denzel Perryman and the Colts’ rushing attack will be one of the best matchups to watch this week.
Everyone knows what Jonathan Taylor and Indy’s offensive line has done all year, dominate everyone. On Sunday, they’ll be facing off against one of the league’s best linebackers.
Perryman, in his seventh season, is having a career year. He was recently selected to his first Pro Bowl and has played in 13 games racking up 138 tackles, with five for a loss. He has been good all around, but he is particularly special against the run.
Perryman plays with great instincts, quickly recognizing run action, and flies downhill delivering thumping blows to lineman and ball carriers.
Denzel Perryman working downhill in run defense is fun to watch on tape. When he arrives, ball carriers go down.#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/0yh8bxw2GZ
— Ryan Holmes (@Rholm22) November 23, 2021
This elite skillset could provide a problem for Jonathan Taylor and the Colts’ running game come Sunday. It’s pretty clear that everything Indianapolis does offensively starts with the run. It’s also evident that when Indy fails to run the ball successfully, it loses.
Perryman is currently on the COVID list but will be eligible to be activated in time for Sunday’s game. If he is in good health, he can disrupt the Indianapolis offense with his gap-shooting ability.
If he is able to force Indy to turn away from the run, this game will be a lot more competitive and the Raiders’ chance of winning will improve.