The Indianapolis Colts are in search of their first win of the season on Sunday against the 1-1 Chicago Bears.
Each week there are always a myriad of factors that end up determining the outcome of the matchup. But what are the critical matchups that carry more weight than the others?
Here are the three key matchups for Sunday’s game that will go a long way in determining the winner of the Colts versus the Bears:
Jonathan Taylor vs. Bears defensive front
I go into greater detail here, but a point of emphasis for the Colts this week should be getting Jonathan Taylor going early against the Bears. That’s something that they’ve been unable to do in the first two games but accomplishing that will have a positive trickle-down effect to Anthony Richardson and the rest of the offense.
Taylor is coming off an impressive performance against the Packers, totaling 103 rushing yards on only 12 carries. The Bears’ run defense, meanwhile, is allowing 4.5 yards per rush this season, which ranks 15th in the NFL. This includes giving up eight runs of 10 or more yards–the sixth-most this season.
Josh Downs vs. Kyler Gordon
Downs will make his 2024 regular season debut on Sunday after missing the first two games with a high-ankle sprain. The Colts’ passing game has been boom or bust through two games, able to capitalize on some downfield opportunities, but struggling on the short to intermediate routes to help them sustain drives.
The return of Downs will certainly provide a big boost in that part of the field. After a highly productive rookie season, Downs was off to a very good start in training camp, having built a strong rapport with Richardson.
At the nickel for the Bears is Kyler Gordon. Through two games, Gordon has given up five receptions on eight targets for 59 yards with one pass breakup, according to PFF. Whoever wins this matchup on Sunday–Downs or Gordon– I believe will give their side of the ball an upper hand.
Colts’ run defense vs. D’Andre Swift
As we’ve discussed before, any chance of turning this season around for the Colts starts with much improved play against the run. A poor run defense has such a negative ripple-effect to the rest of the team that oftentimes it is too much to overcome–or at least consistently. When it comes to improving in this phase of the game, there is no simple fix–everything and everyone has to be better.
The Bears, however, have struggled in the run game on offense these first two games. Collectively, the Bears are averaging just 3.5 yards per carry as a team, which ranks 29th. Swift–their primary ball carrier–has totaled only 48 yards on 24 attempts.
Containing the Bears in the run game will put more of a burden on their passing game, which is averaging just 99.0 yards per contest through two weeks, and allow the Colts’ pass rush to get after an offensive line unit that ranks ninth in pressure rate.