1. Colts must continue to create turnovers
This Indianapolis defense has seen an evolution of what it can be lately. Gus Bradley has his critics (me being one of them) but last week was the best performance of the year, without question. We will give Bradley some credit here as the turnover creation has increased as of late.
Last week we saw the Steelers commit three turnovers against the Indy defense. The Colts have 15 defensive interceptions on the year which is tied for third in the league behind only Chicago and San Francisco, respectively. The Falcons are coming off their worst offensive performance of the year, where Carolina was able to create two interceptions.
In addition to turnovers, the Indianapolis pass rush has 46 sacks this season, which ties the Colts for third-most in the league.
With Heinicke under center for Atlanta this week, his experience will allow the Falcons to commit less turnovers most likely as they will need to lean on his veteran presence to reduce turnovers and keep them in the game. Indianapolis will need to take a similar approach as it did against Pittsburgh.
Atlanta does not have a loss larger than two possessions all season and don’t expect that change in a what should be a playoff atmosphere. Indy must keep up the pressure and try to disrupt Heinicke to create turnovers and get an early lead. Then the Colts must keep their foot on the gas to get win number nine and separate themselves from the pretenders.