Photo Credit: Chris Asbrock (FTI Sports)
by Chris Asbrock
Indianapolis Colts (2-5) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)
Paul Brown Stadium
Sunday, 10/29/2017
1:00 P.M. EST
CBS
This is a matchup between two teams that are separated by just two hours. Their standing within the AFC isn’t much different either as both teams are a combined 4-9 on the season. Things have not gone well for either team so far, so a victory in this matchup will be big. A victory for the Bengals could get them back on track as they have three very winnable games on the road to follow. The Colts face a tough few games with Houston and Pittsburgh so a win in this game will be crucial. Let’s take a look at this matchup between these two regional rivals.
It has become a bit of a broken record when talking about the weapons that surround quarterback Andy Dalton. Utilizing those weapons to their fullest capability is a different story. When the Bengals made the change at the coordinator position, things looked to be heading in the right direction. They have, for the most part. However, there were issues last week against the Steelers when Joe Mixon and AJ Green weren’t involved in the second half. It is situations like this that cause everyone to shake their head. Dalton comes into the game 121-189 for 1360 yards and nine touchdowns. Green has hauled in 545 of those yards with a third of those touchdowns. When it comes to the rushing attack, it has been nothing short of pathetic. The rookie Mixon has rushed 74 times for 235 yards. The failure to use Mixon more has caused a bit of an uproar from fans and pundits alone. This should be the game that gets the offense back on track.
On the other side, the Colts come into this game with one of the best quarterbacks in the league, Andrew Luck, on the shelf. Without Luck, the Colts will certainly struggle. Backup Jacoby Brissett has done an ok job, considering the circumstances. With a rushing attack that features Frank Gore and Marlon Mack, Brissett can hope they can help shoulder the load. Gore has rushed for 322 yards on 94 carries so far with just two touchdowns. T.Y. Hilton is one of the better receivers in the league and is one of the top players on the Colts. Donte Moncrief and Jack Doyle have each brought in over 250 yards receiving. Look for Brissett to continue to spread the ball around. As expected, this offense is much different without Luck. Clear advantage to the Bengals.
Advantage: Bengals
Defense
The Bengals defense is impressive and smothering. While they did not play the best last week against Pittsburgh, they are still one of the best defensive units in the league. The comparison between these two teams and their defensive rankings isn’t even close. The Bengals come into this game giving up an average of 289 yards per game while the Colts are giving up an average of 425.4 yards per game. Both rush defenses are solid, giving up just over 110 yards per game. The Bengals pass defense is clearly much better than the Colts. The Colts have been torched for an average of 300.7 passing yards per game compared to the Bengals 177.7 average. The Bengals will get pressure on the quarterback but the key for the Colts is to make Dalton as uncomfortable as possible in the pocket.
Advantage: Bengals
Special Teams
When it comes to special teams, this one is a push. The Bengals have one of the best punters in the league in Kevin Huber, while the Colts have arguably the greatest kicker ever in Adam Vinatieri. Both teams know what they are going to get from each of these special teams superstars. Kevin Huber is one of the best in flipping field position and pinning teams deep inside the 20 without the touchback. With field position a key, Huber is a valuable weapon for Marvin Lewis. If this game comes down to a crucial kick, there is nobody better, with ice water in their veins, than Adam Vinatieri.
Coaching
Marvin Lewis is one of the most maddening coaches out there. A coach who has some of the most ridiculous post conferences is the one who is leading the Bengals. Lewis has been known to do a horrific job of making halftime adjustments and it seems to cost this team a few games. Whether it’s clock management or adjustments, sadly you know what you’re going to get. Colts coach Chuck Pagano has had a successful stint in Indianapolis. Since taking over in 2012, the Colts racked up three straight 11-5 playoff seasons, each falling short in the playoffs. The last two seasons has seen Pagano and the Colts fail to make the playoffs with consecutive 8-8 seasons.
Advantage: Push
This is the perfect rebound game for the Bengals. Look for the Bengals to dominate the Colts defensively keep the Colts struggling for offense. The Colts were shut out at home last week by a good Jaguars team. Look for much of the same in this matchup. Dalton should have a good game and with John Ross returning, that is another playmaker that could really help get the Bengals offense moving.
Prediction: Bengals 28-6
Impact Sports Cincinnati 