The Indianapolis Colts head back home for a Week 3 matchup with the 1-1 Chicago Bears.
Although following this game, there are still 14 games remaining on the 2024 schedule, this is a essentially must-win for the Colts when it comes to keeping their playoff chances alive. Since 2002, only the 2018 Texans have overcome an 0-3 deficit to make the playoffs.
So if the Colts are going to get that elusive win, here are three things they must do on the offensive side of the football.
Get Jonathan Taylor and the run game going early
Through two games, Taylor has 28 total rush attempts, which currently ranks 20th in the NFL. To a degree, the game flow has dictated this with the Colts often playing from behind and the opposing offense controlling the time of possession.
However, there needs to be a concerted effort to get Taylor going early on against Chicago. Being able to move the ball on the ground will help sustain drives–something the Colts offense has struggled with–and set up short down-and-distance situations, opening up opportunities in the passing game, and take some of the playmaking responsibilities off Richardson.
Taylor went for 103 rushing yards on only 12 carries against Green Bay.
Short and intermediate passing game
Through two games, the success that the Colts have had in the passing game have come on downfield attempts, which came against the Texans. This week they are facing a Bears defense who has done well to take those opportunities away from their opponents.
The Colts have to find a way to have more success on the short to intermediate passing game to be able to extend drives. For one, getting Josh Downs back will certainly help, but in addition to that, the receivers have to not drop passes and create more consistent separation. Collectively, it was a rough showing for this position group against Green Bay.
Shane Steichen and the play-calling could provide a boost as well by getting certain players in space for easy, YAC-heavy completions. Steichen also could be more willing to use Richardson’s athleticism to get him on the move–whether that be on designed runs or getting him outside the pocket. Either way, in turn, this can help to create some opportunities in the pass game. For a young quarterback, there is just a lot on Richardson’s plate right now.
Protect the football
This is one of those keys to victory that could be listed every week. However, perhaps this week there is a bit of an added emphasis given the opponent. Through two games, the Bears defense has generated four takeaways–the third-most in football.
Last week, after the Packers forced three takeaways against Philadelphia in Week 1, they had three more–two plus the Hail Mary–against Richardson and the Colts. The Colts four giveaways are currently the second-most. In order to win this game, the Colts cannot give the Chicago offense extra possessions.