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Indianapolis Colts/Houston Texans Week 1 Preview
Soccer is lastly again! Week 1 is right here! Indianapolis travels to Houston for his or her Week 1 matchup. Final season the Colts swept the Texans with a 31-3 victory in October and a 31-0 shutout in December. Anybody who follows the Colts as intently as I do know they by no means open the season nicely. Colts have misplaced their season opener 8 straight seasons now courting again to 2014. Week 1 is all the time vital within the NFL. It units the tone for the season. Much more vital this week for Indianapolis, they open on the highway in a division sport. Most Colts fan suppose this will probably be a simple win however with our historical past, this isn’t a group you are taking calmly.
The Colts will begin with a brand new chief beneath heart in Matt Ryan. He takes over for the very underwhelming Carson Wentz. This may mark the 6th beginning quarterback in as a few years for Indianapolis. They return their anchor Johnathan Taylor at operating again. Coming off his sophomore season, the place he claimed the dashing title for the primary time in his profession. Michael Pittman Jr leads a really younger however gifted receiver group. The offensive line returns 4/5 starters from final season. If Johnathan Taylor stays wholesome, this group will probably be a run first group. The depth on the talent positions is my solely concern however they’ve proven a historical past of staying wholesome. Search for “hybrid again” Nyheim Hines to have an enormous yr this season as Frank Reich has made it recognized he needs him to have him extra concerned within the offense.
The Colts Protection
On the defensive aspect of the ball the brand new additions embody Yannick Ngakoue, Stephon Gilmore, Brandon Facyson, and rookie Nick Cross. Colts have a brand new defensive coordinator with Gus Bradley becoming a member of the teaching employees. Bradley arrives right here from Las Vegas and replaces Matt Eberflus, who’s now the top coach in Chicago. Security Khari Willis retired and DB Rock Ya-Sin was traded to Oakland. The Colts protection will probably be sturdy once more this yr if All Professional’s DeForest Buckner and Shaquille Leonard can keep wholesome. Each handled nagging accidents all yr final season and Leonard has practiced all week and is on tempo to play within the opener on Sunday.
Additionally search for a brand new scheme this season with Gus Bradley main the Colts protection. We are going to nonetheless see the bottom 4-3 however will even have some Cowl-3/Nickel protection. Final season the Raiders (beneath Bradley) had the bottom blitz fee and solely produced 35 sacks. There will probably be much less blitzing this season and extra zone protection. Search for Nickel Cornerback Kenny Moore to have one other massive yr if that involves fruition.
The 2022 Houston Texans
The Texans are coming off a depressing 4-13 marketing campaign final season. They’ve a brand new head coach in Lovie Smith, changing David Culley, who was relieved of his duties after the season. The Texans iare led by 2nd yr QB Davis Mills and WR Brandin Cooks.
The brand new title to observe for the Houston Texans is rookie RB Dameon Pierce from the College of Florida. He had an amazing preseason and has solidified his beginning place. Marlon Mack was launched final week making him the undisputed lead again. On protection they’re led by captain Jerry Hughes and rookie DB Derek Stingley Jr. This protection lacks superstars however with Lovie Smith overseeing the protection together with head teaching duties, the Texans will make enhancements by seasons finish.
Recreation/Playing Prediction:
Indianapolis (-7) 31 Houston 10
Indianapolis ought to win (and canopy) this sport very simply regardless of the standing of Shaquille Leonard. We must always have extra readability on this by gametime if not sooner. Indianapolis is best at each single place and are the favourite to win the AFC South this season. I anticipate this sport to be over early and the streak to finish for Indianapolis.
You will discover our different week 1 previews right here!
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Who do you suppose will come out on prime in week 1? Will the Colts discover a rejuvinated Matt Ryan or will the Texans rookie operating again shock the NFL world? Tell us your ideas within the feedback under!
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