This afternoon the Colts are out west facing the ole’ Oakland Raiders for the second-to-last week of the NFL season. It’s important for the blue and white to take care of business on the field in hopes to play into the postseason.
Following three straight losses to New England, San Diego and Dallas, the Colts have rallied to win their past two games with the playoffs in mind.
After all, its not how you start the season its how you finish. And this season, the Colts will try their best to be like the 2008 Superbowl Champion Giants who went on a hot streak to close this season.
The horseshoes will be without the services of wide receiver Austin Collie who was placed in injured reserve earlier this week. Collie suffered a couple big blows and two concussions which led to the Colts’ decision. The IR list with 17 members now includes Dallas Clark, Austin Collie, Anthony Gonzalez, Jerraud Powers and Bob Sanders to name a few. Over half of those on IR (9) are defensive backs.
They will also be without RB Mike Hart (ankle), CB Kelvin Hayden (neck), DT Dan Muir (chest) and LB Clint Session (elbow) who didn’t make the trip out west.
No excuses, no explanations.
The Colts are in control of the division race. Tennessee is getting destroyed in Kansas City and Jacksonville is struggling at home against the Redskins.
“The scenario has not changed,” coach Jim Caldwell said. “If we get a couple of victories, we’ll be in basically the same position.”
The defense must step up for another week. Last game the Colts D’ held Maurice Jones-Drew to 46 yards and this week, Darren McFadden will not be any easier after posting back-to-back 100 yard rushing games. He is a force to reckon with and the Colts need to force quarterback Jason Campbell into uncomfortable situations.
At 7-7, the Raiders are an unfamiliar foe. Peyton Manning is 2-2 against Oakland, and in their last meeting, the Colts were victorious 21-14 in 2007.
Running back Joseph Addai appears to be available after missing nearly two months due to a nerve injury in his neck.
If the Colts stick to their plan and play their game, they’ll be just fine. They are on a different level than the Raiders who are 0-5 against non-division AFC foes.
Just like every week, turnovers will need to be kept to a minimum. This Colts team thrives off playing with a lead. Turnovers are big setbacks that can really haunt them.
Despite the injuries, Indy will prevail and improve to 9-6 on the season with the Titans at home next week for the regular-season finale.