The Indianapolis Colts have their backs against the wall right now. Firing general manager Chris Ballard signaled the start of change, and it should be a clear message to head coach Shane Steichen: Either win, or you're next.
Unfortunately for them, a road matchup with the undefeated Minnesota Vikings clearly isn't what the doctor ordered for a team desperate to bounce back. Even if the Vikings' offense has struggled and their record might be misleading, they still have a tough, hard-hitting defense.
The Colts are banged up, their offense has been up and down, and the pressure is officially on. Will they sink or swim in Week 7? Only time will tell, but it will most likely depend on whether they can answer these three questions.
3 questions the Indianapolis Colts must answer to beat the Vikings
Can Daniel Jones get back at Kevin O'Connell?
The Vikings had Daniel Jones in the building after the New York Giants let him walk. He didn't play a single game for them, though, sitting behind Sam Darnold and trying to get his career back on the ground under Kevin O'Connell's tutelage.
Ultimately, the Vikings didn't seem too interested in keeping him around, choosing J.J. McCarthy over him. That decision aged terribly for the Vikings and not so much for Jones, who landed a big payday in Indianapolis. Now, will he show some pride and remind the Vikings what they could've had if they had chosen him?
How to hide Cam Taylor-Britt?
Star cornerback Sauce Gardner is listed as doubtful for this game with a calf injury. It would be more accurate to say that he's considered week-to-week. That means the Colts will get a heavy dose of Cam Taylor-Britt in coverage, and that can lead to disaster.
Taylor-Britt was borderline unplayable in the humiliating loss to the Tennessee Titans, and he's a massive downgrade from Gardner. So, what to do here? Lou Anarumo has a 'mad scientist' reputation, but so far, he's only looked mad. It's time to justify his salary and sort out how to make sure his beloved pupil isn't a liability again.
Will the offensive line hold up?
Brian Flores is a madman. He's blitzing early and often, even when everyone knows it's coming. His exotic blitz packages keep offenses guessing, and with Daniel Jones' latest decisions, the offensive line will have to work overtime to keep him out of harm's way.
This line has usually held its own pretty well, but they were just obliterated in the interior in the loss to the Titans. Can they do any better against one of the hardest-hitting units in football? And if so, can Jones make the most of a clean pocket? He's completed 61.2 percent of his passes for 1 touchdown and 0 picks when blitzed.
Add us as a preferred source on Google