3 Things the Colts Offense Must Accomplish to Defeat the Ravens

The Indianapolis Colts offense will have their work cut out for them on Sunday as they travel to M&T Bank Stadium to face the Baltimore Ravens.

Week 3 for the Indianapolis Colts isn’t going to be as easy as the heavily injured Houston Texans were in the previous game. This time, it’s Lamar Jackson and the 2-0 Baltimore Ravens, who also have home turf as their advantage. 

With the Ravens defeating the Texans and Cincinnati Bengals to start strong, the Colts must play smart and turnover-free against a difficult defense. It’s time to look through three goals that can’t go unchecked if the Colts want to pull off the upset.

#1.) Run the Ball Effectively (Again)

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Like last week against the Texans, the Colts have to continue a strong ground game. This comes regardless of whether or not Anthony Richardson clears concussion protocols and starts. Even with Gardner Minshew under center, it’s the same for both QBs.

Last week, Zack Moss was the only back with carries. He would stash 18 rushes for 88 rushing yards and a score on the ground. I don’t think this is possible against the Ravens’ strong defense for him to do it alone again.

The Colts currently have Moss, Deon Jackson, and Jake Funk on the 53-man roster at running back. For this offense to flow, there will likely need to be a bit of contribution from either Jackson or Funk.

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The Ravens’ run defense ranks fourth in the league in rushing yards per game allowed (69) and fifth in points allowed per contest (16.5). Also, players like defensive tackle Michael Pierce and linebacker Roquan Smith play the run on high alert and get to the ball. The Colts’ offensive line will need to keep up the efficient ways that it’s shown in the first two contests.

While Richardson gives the ground attack a huge boost, the goal remains the same for either QB who starts. That goal is to get the running backs active but with Moss as the leader. This will make life easier for the offense and open up other possibilities.

#2.) Overcome Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen

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An overlooked linebacking duo in the league, Smith and Patrick Queen are a force in the second level. Currently, Smith has 21 tackles, one sack, and two tackles for loss. Queen has put together 19 tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, and a pass deflection.

Something else that’s forgotten is how great each of these backers is in pass coverage. Currently, Smith ranks eighth on the team in pass coverage grade per Pro Football Focus with 68.1. He’s right behind Queen, who puts up a 69.4. For linebackers, these are solid numbers.

Receivers like Michael Pittman Jr. will still have to deal with these two, even when winning and getting over the middle of the field. The same goes for Josh Downs and any of the running backs coming out of the backfield for a pass. But the player who will likely see this Ravens duo the most is tight end Kylen Granson.

Can Granson’s speed and separation ability get him wins against these rock-solid defenders? Both Richardson and Minshew could use Granson’s support, as well as the rest of the receiving corps. We’ll see if Shane Steichen can game plan for them.

#3.) Richardson-Mobility/Minshew-Quick Passes

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It must be addressed. If Richardson starts, it’s all about getting his legs into the offensive equation to deceive the aforementioned Smith and Queen while also opening up chances for the rest of the offensive game plan.

But if Minshew suits up, it’s all about getting the offense in rhythm with short and quick passes. Without the mobility of Richardson, this Ravens defense can tee off on Moss and co. The best way to relax them is initially with short passes or simple-read RPOs.

Whoever starts will need to be alert. The defensive secondary for the Ravens wasn’t even mentioned earlier. The likes of former All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey, safety Kyle Hamilton, and corner Ronald Darby can also make life hard for any passing attack.

Will the Colts be able to keep things clean on offense and overcome a top-ten-caliber defense? It will take a great game from either Richardson or Minshew, but also from the entire team from top to bottom. 

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