The NFL season is finally here, and the Indianapolis Colts have a chance to win their first home game since October 16 of last year. As sad as that sounds, there's a rejuvenating energy coursing through the Colts' organization as fourth-overall pick Anthony Richardson prepares for his NFL debut.
Indianapolis is hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars in their season opener, and it's no easy matchup. After rebuilding their roster, the Jaguars are poised to take a leap and are seen as the heavy favorites to take home the division title for the second year in a row.
With a rookie head coach and quarterback, nobody knows how the Colts will fare in 2023. Fans are excited to watch an offense that is near completely revamped compared to years prior. A youthful team could grow into an elite offense that sees success for years to come with Richardson at the helm.
A home victory would get things started the right way for Indianapolis and the organization is ready to turn itself around entering the season. The question is: what do the Colts need to do to come out victorious against Jacksonville?
3. Don't let Trevor Lawrence get hot
Over the past few years, Jaguars quarterbacks have had career high performances against the Colts. Last year, Trevor Lawrence threw for 400 yards with an 86% completion rate while tallying five total touchdowns over two games against Indianapolis.
Jacksonville was recently chosen as a top five offense in the league by writer Adam Schein, showing how analysts and fans alike expect Lawrence to make himself a bonafide star quarterback with one of the most lethal receiving corps in football.
A young Indianapolis secondary is likely to struggle against skilled WR2's and WR3's in Jacksonville. The Colts' veteran defensive line will NEED to create pressure on the quarterback early to keep Lawrence on his toes in the pocket. If edge rushers such as Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo can collapse the pocket quickly, the Colts will find success against one of the NFL's most poised quarterbacks.