Horseshoe Huddle

Colts Matchups May Decide Clash with Jets

These matchups could decide the winner as the Indianapolis Colts travel north to take on the New York Jets.

Sean Ackerman

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) celebrates a 59-yard run Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) celebrates a 59-yard run Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. / Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
In this story:

The Indianapolis Colts refuse to stay out of the headlines as quarterback Anthony Richardson was named the team's starter once again earlier this week by head coach Shane Steichen. The move came after the Colts lost two consecutive games in abysmal offensive performances led by veteran QB Joe Flacco.

Sitting two games under .500 heading into Week 11, the Colts need a lifeline to keep their playoff hopes alive. Indy will travel to MetLife Stadium to take on the New York Jets on Sunday afternoon in what many consider a must-win game for Steichen's squad. Three matchups could decide the winner, starting on the defensive end for the Colts.

1. WR Davante Adams vs. CB Jaylon Jones

Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones (white uniform) celebrates after making a big play.
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones (40) celebrates breaking up a Tennessee Titans pass in the fourth quarter of their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. / Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Experience vs. Inexperience is the theme of Sunday's game as the Colts go toe-to-toe with longtime duo Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams. It seems Colts fans have come to terms in 2024 with a young secondary led by former seventh-round pick Jaylon Jones.

Jones' NFL development will be put to the test by Adams as he continues to rekindle his chemistry with Rodgers. In four games with his old Packers friend, Adams has totaled 20 catches for 206 yards and one touchdown. Jones needs to keep Adams quiet if the Colts want to have a chance at ending a treacherous losing streak.

What happens next for the Colts? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Colts news delivered to your inbox daily!

2. RB Jonathan Taylor vs. LB Jamien Sherwood

Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (blue jersey) tries to run through a defender.
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) rushes the ball past Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3) on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. / Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

On the other side of the ball, the Colts must establish a strong run game to avoid putting the ball back in Rodgers' control. Jonathan Taylor has had a strong season through ten games and his numbers look best when Richardson is at the helm. Indy's pass success relies on Taylor's legs, meaning he's the most influential player in the offense by a mile.

Defensively, the Jets have the NFL's fifth-leading tackler on their roster in linebacker Jamien Sherwood. In his fourth year of professional football, Sherwood has assumed much of the responsibility in terms of stopping the run. He's tallied five games with double-digit tackles and has two sacks on the season.

Taylor's enemy in the trenches is clear. If he can get past Sherwood, the Colts might find success in the ground game.

3. OG Quenton Nelson vs. DT Quinnen Williams

New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (green jersey) gets pumped up before a game.
Oct 31, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (95) is introduced before a game against the Houston Texans during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Quenton Nelson and Quinnen Williams are both considered the cream of the crop at their respective positions. Nelson has allowed just one sack this season, earning him an 83.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.

Lining up across from him is Williams, one of the most efficient defensive tackles in all of football. His five sacks this year separate him from almost every other DT in the league as he'll try to chase down Richardson this weekend.

If the Colts want to find success for the first time in a few weeks, limiting Williams' presence will be key. Giving Richardson time in the pocket and opening a few lanes for Taylor will benefit the efficiency of Steichen's play calling after some horrible games.

Even though this game was originally scheduled to kick off on Sunday Night Football, the league flexed the start time to 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday. The Colts will hunt for their first win in nearly a month while the Jets look to build some momentum.

Want more Colts content? Check out the latest episode of the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast!

Follow Horseshoe Huddle on Facebook and X, and subscribe on YouTube for multiple Colts live-stream podcasts per week.

Published
Sean Ackerman
SEAN ACKERMAN

Home/News