THE Indianapolis Colts returning home for a Week 3 matchup with the 1-1 Chicago Bears.
Even though there are still 14 games left on the 2024 schedule after this game, this is a must-win for the Colts if they want to keep their playoff chances alive. Since 2002, only the 2018 Texans have overcome a 0-3 deficit to qualify for the playoffs.
So if the Colts want to get that elusive win, here are three things they need to do on the offensive side of the football.
Launch Jonathan Taylor and the racing game from the start
Through two games, Taylor has 28 total rushing attempts, which currently ranks 20th in the NFL. To some extent, the flow of the game has dictated this, with the Colts often playing from behind and the opposing offense controlling the time of possession.
It will take a concerted effort for Taylor to be able to get going early against Chicago, though. Being able to move the ball on the ground will help support attacks — something the Colts offense has struggled with — and create short-game and distance situations, opening up opportunities in the passing game and taking away some of Richardson’s playmaking responsibilities.
Taylor rushed for 103 yards on just 12 carries against Green Bay.
Short and intermediate passing game
In both games, the Colts have found success in the passing game thanks to deep attempts, like they did against the Texans. This week, they face a Bears defense that has been able to take those opportunities away from their opponents.
The Colts need to find a way to have more success in the short and intermediate passing game to extend drives. On one hand, the return of Josh Downs will certainly help, but on top of that, the receivers need to not drop passes and create more consistent separation. Collectively, that position group had a tough performance against Green Bay.
Shane Steichen and the playmaking could also provide a boost by putting some players in space for easy, YAC-heavy passes. Steichen could also be more willing to use Richardson’s athleticism to get him moving, whether on designed runs or by getting him out of the pocket. Either way, it could help create opportunities in the passing game. For a young quarterback, Richardson has a lot on his plate right now.
Let’s protect football
It’s one of those key elements of victory that you could cite every week. However, this week, the focus may be a little more on the opponent. Through two games, the Bears’ defense has generated four points, the third-most in football.
Last week, after the Packers forced three assists against Philadelphia in Week 1, they had three more — two plus the Hail Mary — against Richardson and the Colts. The Colts’ four assists are currently the second-most. To win this game, the Colts can’t give Chicago’s offense any extra possessions.
This article was originally published on Colts Wire: Colts: 3 keys to the offensive match against the Bears
