A critical matchup awaits the Indianapolis Colts in Week 14.
The 8-4 Colts are on the road, facing the 8-4 Jacksonville Jaguars. The winner of this game will have sole control of the AFC South with only four games to play.
For the Colts, it’s not only the division lead that is on the line this week, but the numbers say that the outcome of this game will have a major impact on their playoff chances.
After taking a look at which of these teams has the advantage in key areas, let’s now explore three areas of potential concern for the Colts in this game.
Defending TE Brenton Strange
Strange brings a do-it-all presence to the Jaguars’ offense. He can be moved around the formation, is a willing blocker in the run game, and a reliable presence through the air. Strange being on the field unlocks more of the playbook for Liam Coen.
In the passing game specifically, Strange has caught 28-of-33 passes for 342 yards with a touchdown. He was sidelined from Weeks 6-11 with an injury.
This season, opposing tight ends have found success against the Colts’ defense. According to CBS Sports, Indianapolis is allowing 6.5 receptions per game to tight ends and 72.08 yards — the second-most in football.
The Colts’ kicker position
I certainly get why the Colts moved on from Michael Badgley, but change doesn’t guarantee success either. Until we see Blake Grupe in action, there are going to be unknowns.
On the year, Grupe has made all 15 extra point attempts, but he was just 18-for-26 on field goals. For his career, Grupe is 86-of-88 on extra points and 75-of-94 on field goals.
In a game that could very well go down to the wire, every extra point and field goal could very much matter.
Can the Colts’ offense get back on track?
Over the last several games, the Colts’ offense hasn’t operated at the level that we saw from this unit through the first half of the season.
There are, of course, a number of factors that have contributed to this. But when it comes to getting back on track, getting the run game going will be an important part of that equation.
Along with the big plays and production that Jonathan Taylor brings, a steady run game keeps an offense in manageable down-and-distances and opens up opportunities in the passing game.
Kansas City and Houston have both prioritized limiting the Colts’ running game by playing with heavier boxes.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 3 concerns for Indianapolis Colts in Week 14 game vs. Jaguars
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
