To say that the Indianapolis Colts haven't had the start to the season they hoped for would be a massive understatement. They're drifting, and it looks like Shane Steichen's days in charge of the team are numbered.
Unfortunately for them, they can't just skip to next season. They still have nine regular-season games left and no first-round pick, so they might as well try to win as many games as they can while they're at it.
At least facing the Dallas Cowboys gives them a golden opportunity to bounce back. They have struggled mightily on defense, and as long as they answer these four questions, they should be able to beat them.
4 burning questions the Indianapolis Colts must solve vs. the Cowboys
Should they favor winning over development?
The first thing this team must do is be honest with themselves. Will they continue to try to compete until the final whistle, even if that means having the youngsters sit? Or will they finally come to terms with the fact that they must see what they have in their hands with their first- and second-year guys?
This will be the final game before the November 10 trade deadline, and the Colts will probably continue their fire sale. Maybe they'll try to win this one before finally letting the youngins roam free and grow through their mistakes in Week 10 and onward.
Will they take risks with Jonathan Taylor?
That leads us to another uncomfortable topic. The Colts are adamant that they don't want to trade Jonathan Taylor, and he's also reaffirmed his commitment to the organization. That said, maybe wearing him down on Sunday won't be the wisest way to approach his situation.
The Colts should keep him off the field for most of this game, just to keep their options open. Maybe they don't trade him, but that way, they won't take any unnecessary risks and hurt his potential value with an injury. Let Seth McGowan do his thing.
How long a leash will they give Daniel Jones?
Daniel Jones has proved time and time again that he's not the right guy to lead this team back to the top. Unfortunately, he's just another name on Chris Ballard's list of failed veterans, and he shouldn't be back next season.
So, as much as Shane Steichen continues to have his back, how many more chances will he give him before turning to Anthony Richardson Sr.? They should at least consider making that move if he struggles against one of the league's worst defenses.
Can they keep the offense off the field?
The Cowboys can't get a stop to save their lives; they give up the third-most total yards per game (396.9) and rank 17th in scoring defense (26.6 PPG allowed). They are, however, capable of moving the chains when Dak Prescott gets into a rhythm.
Brian Schottenheimer's team ranks 4th in successful third-down conversion rate (47.5 percent), and while the Colts have been solid in those situations (32.6 percent conversion rate allowed, seventh in the league), they don't have DeForest Buckner to stuff the run anymore.
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