The Indianapolis Colts are now riding an eight-game losing streak dating back to last season. Shane Steichen's seat might be getting blazing hot, and he'll have to get in his bag to flip the narrative in his favor again.
This roster is much better than it showed in Week 1, but being good on paper is irrelevant if you can't back it up on the gridiron. Everyone knows what the stars are capable of, but a team is only as strong as its weakest link.
Considering that, the Colts might have to turn to some lesser-known weapons in this one. The Kansas City Chiefs will be a tough opponent to get past on Sunday Night Football, but these unusual suspects can make a big difference.
3 potential surprising contributors for the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2
Bryce Boettcher
Bryce Boettcher played 23 snaps in the season opener, and he was, understandably, a bit of a mixed bag. He missed a couple of tackles and seemed to be over his head at times, but that should be better after getting the first-game jitters out of his system.
Boettcher is still a work in progress, but he's a never-ending source of energy and a big spark in the second level. He's a sideline-to-sideline guy who might be crucial to keep a player in front of the explosive Kenneth Walker III.
If given an extended run, he can be a highly productive player and even lead the team in tackles. He'll have to earn the reps by getting the job done, but with the Chiefs' passing game that's far from explosive, the table is set for him to make an impact in coverage as well.
Deion Burks
Once again, Alec Pierce's name headlines the injury report. Even if he suits up, he'll likely be limited and used more as an expensive decoy. Someone will have to step up, and it might as well be the team's other big-play threat.
Deion Burks is probably the fastest guy on the team. The Chiefs have one of the youngest cornerback tandems in the game, with rookie Mansoor Delane barely playing in Week 2 and currently dealing with a shoulder injury.
Jones barely attempted deep shots in his first game back in action, but this matchup requires a more aggressive approach. Burks will be behind Keenan Allen, Josh Downs, and Tyler Warren in the pecking order, but he's an explosive YAC threat to keep an eye on in this one.
Seth McGowan
The Chiefs' pass rush looked better than expected in Week 1, and they already have a stout defensive tackle tandem. Jonathan Taylor is swift and shifty, and he should be on the field as often as he can handle.
That said, Khyris Tonga and Chris Jones, and the Chiefs' heavy personnel, can give him trouble once the field gets shorter near the goal line. That's when Seth McGowan, the ultimate bruiser, can be a legitimate weapon.
McGowan is the type of aggressive guy who won't be denied that additional yard. He's tailor-made to bruise his way into the end zone and keep leaner guys like Taylor out of harm's way. After not getting a carry in Week 1, he might be much more involved against Kansas City.
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