3 Things Colts Offense Must Accomplish to Defeat Browns

The Indianapolis Colts are heading into Week 7 to face a Cleveland Browns defense that is one of the best in the NFL.

The reality has set in that the Indianapolis Colts must finish 2023 without their rookie signal-caller Anthony Richardson on the field. 

It was announced that the No.4 overall pick with have shoulder surgery for the injury suffered in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans, ending his rookie campaign before it could pick up steam.

After consultation with our medical staff, Anthony, and those close to him, it has been determined that he will undergo surgery to repair his injured shoulder, which will end his season. Anthony is a competitor, and we know how difficult and disappointing this is for him and our…

— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) October 18, 2023

This means that backup QB Gardner Minshew will be the leader of the offense for the remainder of Shane Steichen’s first season as the Colts' head coach. With Minshew on tap to start, and the Colts coming off of a bad offensive showing last week, here are three goals that need to be the top priorities to defeat the rock-solid defense of the Cleveland Browns; and ultimately, get the win.

#1.) Limit Turnovers to Help the Ground Game Take-Off

© Hali Tauxe/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Last Sunday was an awful showing on the ground from Indianapolis. The Colts would only gain 44 rushing yards as a team. Jonathan Taylor (19 rushing yards), Zack Moss (21 rushing yards and 1 TD), and Minshew (4 rushing yards) were who contributed, but in an overall measly performance.

This was mostly due to the 4 turnovers from Minshew (3 interceptions and 1 fumble lost), which put the Colts’ defense in unfortunate field positions to try and stop Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars from scoring. Ultimately, the Jaguars would score 17 points off of Minshew’s turnovers, which is the same margin of points they would get the victory by.

The Browns are superior defensively to Jacksonville, currently posting the following ranks as a team in the NFL (5 games played w/ bye):

• Total Yards Allowed Per Game: 200.4 (1st)

• Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 121.4 (1st)

• Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game: 79.0 (4th)

• Total Points Allowed Per Game: 15.4 (5th)

• Total Sacks: 15 (T-15th)

This is a team that will make life difficult if the Colts turn the ball over, especially early like they did against the Jaguars. It also won’t be easy to move a great run-defender like Browns defensive tackle Maurice Hurst, who’s been among the best at stuffing runners for Cleveland.

Look for Steichen to have Minshew ready and prepared to take care of the ball better so that the one-two punch of Taylor and Moss can have the time to get going, unlocking the full offense for the rest of the game. 

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#2.) Get More Receiving Help from the TEs

© Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

So far this year the Colts have had solid production from their tight end room with Jelani Woods recovering from a hamstring injury. Names like Kylen Granson, Drew Ogletree, Mo Alie-Cox, and Will Mallory have been able to step up and make things happen.

However, this wasn’t the case on Sunday in the receiving game. Only Granson would contribute, snagging 3 catches for 67 receiving yards on the day. Ogletree and Mallory would see 1 target a piece, but no results.

The Browns are simply nasty to deal with when it comes to formulating a passing offensive. Safety Grant Delpit, along with linebackers Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Anthony Walker, make life tough for TEs. Not to mention former Colts safety Rodney McLeod and cornerback Denzel Ward also play perfectly into the Browns’ defensive scheme.

To help Minshew out with bigger targets to throw to, look for Steichen to try and potentially put these tight ends in winnable situations. Then, they can use their size, quickness, and separation to get open and create easy throws for Minshew. 

#3.) Contain DE Myles Garrett

Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The most destructive force on Cleveland’s defense is on a different level than most pass-rushers. The seven-year pro and four-time Pro Bowler, as well as two-time All-Pro, has been destroying offensive lines since he stepped foot in the league.

Currently, he’s on a torrid streak of sacking the QB, with 5 straight seasons (2018-2022 and counting) of 10 or more sacks. Through 5 games in 2023, he’s already leading the Browns with 5.5 on the season. He’s also the top-graded defender on the active roster per Pro Football Focus (91.7) and leads the Browns in QB pressures with 26.

It’s quite simple, if the Colts can’t contain Garrett and his end-counterpart Za’Darius Smith, then look for Garrett to have himself a day. Similar to when the Colts faced Aaron Donald and the Los Angeles Rams, they must stop Garrett from sacking Minshew at all costs. If they don’t it could get ugly in Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 

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