The Indianapolis Colts (6-6) are getting ready to hit the road for a Week 14 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7) at Raymond James Stadium hoping to keep their playoff aspirations alive.
Though the Colts face a tough road to the playoffs and are far from making that a reality, there are some reasons for optimism Indy could get back on track with a road win.
Here are three reasons for optimism in Week 14:
Jameis Winston is still turnover prone
The No. 1 overall selection from the 2015 NFL Draft has been shaky this season. That could probably the synopsis for his entire career. While Winston still has the massive play ability, the defense should be in for an opportunistic game.
Winston has 20 interceptions on the season and six(!) games with at least two interceptions thrown. He has thrown eight interceptions in the last four games, but the Buccaneers are still rolling. With the defense playing well over the last five or six games, they could find plenty of opportunities to swing the momentum.
Bucs secondary is exploitable
While the Buccaneers have a stout run defense and a solid pass rush led by the career revival of linebacker Shaq Barrett—who has 14.5 sacks already this season—the Colts can move the ball through the air. That might not be all that encouraging given the struggles Indy has had this season with the deep ball, but this gives them a chance to do something about it.
Jacoby Brissett has a chance to show off the incredibly strong arm he has. The Bucs are allowing the second-most passing yards per game (281.8) and the third-most passing touchdowns (27) to opposing offenses. Even without T.Y. Hilton and Eric Ebron, Brissett should be able to find ways to move the ball through the air. If he can’t, there are bigger issues at hand than losing to the Bucs.
Marlon Mack’s potential return
We still don’t know what the status of Mack will be for this game, but there is a chance the third-year back makes his return from a fractured hand for the first time in four games. The Bucs are one of the best run defenses in the NFL and the Colts are coming off of an outing that resulted in the backfield taking 3.8 yards per carry in the home loss.
With the weapons on the offense dwindling down each week, Mack’s potential return could spark some production for the unit. If anything, Mack’s presence might be able to open up some opportunities for Brissett in the passing game.