3 ways the Colts can pull off the upset against the Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 12: Running back Damien Williams #26 of the Kansas City Chiefs rushes up field during the second half of the AFC Divisional Round playoff game against outside linebacker Darius Leonard #53 of the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 12: Running back Damien Williams #26 of the Kansas City Chiefs rushes up field during the second half of the AFC Divisional Round playoff game against outside linebacker Darius Leonard #53 of the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /
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Quenton Nelson #56 of the Indianapolis Colts stands in a huddle against the Jacksonville Jaguars. (Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images)
Quenton Nelson #56 of the Indianapolis Colts stands in a huddle against the Jacksonville Jaguars. (Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images) /

2. Offensive line figures out their issues with the run game

There have been a lot of issues with the offensive line to start this season. This is something many fans in Indianapolis have not seen in quite a while since drafting Ryan Kelly and Quenton Nelson. With two new starters on the offensive line, there have clearly been some trust issues in the pass protection.

The Colts need to focus on what they do best and that is opening lanes for All-Pro running back, Jonathan Taylor. The offensive line needs to get back to the days of beating up the defensive line and holding the trenches long enough for the quarterback to get throws off.

Opening up the run game early against the Chiefs will speed up the clock and keep the offense on the field. By tiring out the Chiefs’ defense, this is going to also open up RPOs and play-action to get better pass protection for Ryan and the wide receivers.

Indianapolis needs to see Quenton Nelson be the leader and monster that he has been in the past and start ruining defensive line players’ souls by crushing them early in the game.

The offensive play will get better when the offensive line can come back to its full potential. It starts by trusting each other so that the new guys like Matt Pryor, Danny Pinter, and Bernhard Raimann have a chance to be better players.

If you zoom in on this photo, you see the issues very quickly. Both Braden Smith and Danny Pinter are guarding one player. Quenton Nelson and Ryan Kelly are also guarding one player.

Meanwhile, Josh Allen was easily able to get around the line and get to Matt Ryan for the sack. This level of play must elevate for the Colts to have the chance at winning.