Game Preview: Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins

The Indianapolis Colts face a must-win situation today against the Miami Dolphins. With their first 0-3 start in a decade, Indianapolis must avoid another loss in order to really have a back-breaking maneuver one month into the season.

Let’s officially dive into our preview going over the keys to victory, plus previewing both sides.

Dolphins

Jacoby Brissett, the Colts starting quarterback in 2017 and 2019, faces off against his former team. We all know the drill when it comes to Brissett, so expect a conservative short-passing strategy with a heavy emphasis on running the football. If the Colts are able to generate consistent pressure on Brissett, Indianapolis holds a major advantage in corralling the Dolphins’ offensive attack.

Keep an eye on the Dolphins’ playmakers, led by a fun trio of Jaylen Waddle, Will Fuller, and DeVante Parker. If the Colts’ secondary struggles, even a quick-rhythm game could make them in trouble with theYAC advantage Miami holds.

The Dolphins’ defense will be their calling card today. Head coach Brian Flores has built a disciplined unit that feasts on turnovers. It will be imperative for the Colts not to make any mistakes in this one, especially quarterback Carson Wentz.

Colts

Run the football a lot, please. The Colts must establish the line of scrimmage early and often in this game in order to win this one. Jonathan Taylor was limited throughout practice this week due to fluid buildup in his knee. Nyheim Hines might be the true x-factor today for that reason.

Will the Colts be able to generate turnovers on Brissett? In what’s expected today be a very low-scoring game, Indianapolis must win the turnover battle. Shockingly enough last week, the Colts won this department 3-0 and lost by nine points to the Tennessee Titans. It needs to follow a similar game script, but this time Indianapolis must capitalize on opportunities in the red zone.

Speaking of the red zone, head coach Frank Reich must fix these longstanding issues in the money area. The Colts have converted less than 40% of their opportunities, which isn’t going to cut it. Reich needs to not overthink these situations, or else the Colts indeed will be 0-4.

Prediction

Prepare for an ugly game, Colts fans. The defenses for both teams hold the advantage today, so the first one to 20 points likely wins this game. Hammer the under in this one, especially because of a hobbled Wentz and Brissett under center.

Hopefully, I’m right on this one, but the Colts win the turnover battle and establish the run effectively, even without All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson.

A Colts W is in store. If not, the worst-case scenario of rock bottom will have officially arrived for Indianapolis.

Colts 20, Dolphins 13