The Colts will be up against a familiar face this week as they travel down to Charlotte, NC to face a young Panther’s team coached by Frank Reich. Reich was the head coach for the Colts just last season and up until his firing this offseason, he led the Colts to a 41-40-1 record, no division titles, and a 1-2 record in the playoffs.

Now as head coach for the Carolina Panthers, Reich is off to a very slow start with a 1-6 record, keeping in mind that he does have a rookie quarterback. That being said, though, the Panthers are a team led by an offensive minded coach and so far, the offense has been their weakest link. They are giving up sacks 8.24% of the time, they struggle to rush the football, and they struggle to complete passes down the field. (they are worst in the league in yards per pass at 5.0).

Two polar opposite offenses will be squaring up this weekend, so for the Colts it will be their defense being able to shut things down and play like a Gus Bradley, aggressive style, zone defense that will propel them to a much needed victory.

The Pass Rush Has to Be Disruptive

The Colts do not have a true #1 pass rusher, but they do have playmakers that can, though inconsistent, get to the QB. DE Kwity Paye is having a slow 2023 season so far with 3 sacks, DE Samson Ebukam has 4 sacks and 1 forced fumble, and DE Dayo Odeyingbo has 2 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. All around, the pash rush has been hit or miss for the Colts and a lot of their success in getting home comes with blitzing. Historically, Gus Bradley does not blitz very often and therefore, getting pressure with just 4 has been a struggle. The Colts will be going up against a struggling offensive line in Carolina, so if any game was a good matchup for this front 7, it would be Carolina. We’ll see if Gus Bradley and company can take advantage.

The Secondary is Still a Massive Problem

It is without question, that the Colts secondary has been the primary concern on this team and the primary reason why this defense has been struggling as much as it has. Unfortunately, the Colts did not pick anyone up during the trade deadline and it still is unlikely that they will pursue anyone at this point. Regardless, the point remains that the guys currently in this Colts secondary are getting manhandled and it isn’t pretty. The Colts will face a young QB in Bryce Young who has struggled to throw down the field, so if everything is left at quick passes underneath and checkdowns, the secondary should do just fine. Anything over the linebackers, though, will pose a problem.

It’s hard to even say these kinds of things but the evidence is clear. The Colts are very thin at cornerback and when the young guys, particularly Tony Brown, Jaylon Jones, and Darrell Baker Jr. are in coverage, chunk plays get completed. That being said, if the Colts pass rush can be disruptive and get home, that is the ultimate recipe for a successful secondary.

The Final Down

The Colts are one of the best offensive teams going up against one of the worst. The Carolina Panthers are not a particularly good defense, but neither are the Colts. The two big concerns for Indy is their inconsistent pash rush and the ineptitude as cornerback. The two areas where Carolina has struggled has been protecting their quarterback and throwing down the field. All in all, this matchup is a good one for the Colts, but something is telling me that this game might be closer than expected.

The Colts are only 2.5-point favorites and I believe that is due in large part to the inefficiency with the Colts defense. Carolina, at home, has looked better on defense only giving up 18-points her game whereas on the road, they give up 36-points per game. This will certainly be a interesting matchup and all roads will point to the Indy coming out with the win. The Colts will get off to a quick start, take the lead, and never look back. Carolina will make a game out of it, but ultimately it will not be enough for this Shane Steichen offense.

Colts – 24

Panthers – 17

The Colts will face the New England Patriots in Germany next Sunday (11/12)