Inside The Shoe: Week Six Colts Update
The Indianapolis Colts have three wins and two losses so far this season. Unfortunately, our rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson has been placed on the injury reserve. Richardson has a Grade 3 AC joint sprain. However, I am optimistic about Gardner Minshew. Zach Moss has been playing great this season, but Jonathon Taylor is officially off the Physically Unable to Perform list.
Jonathon Taylor's Back
Jonathon Taylor has returned and has been paid. Taylor received a three-year, $42 million contract extension. I have faith in his abilities and I hope he will perform as well as he did in 2021 when he led the league with 1800 rushing yards. If he can replicate that performance, I believe we can win the AFC South. However, I don't think he will immediately return to his top form. Based on what I saw last week, it seems like he is being slowly integrated into the team's play-calling. It might take him some time to get back into the groove, but I am hopeful that he will eventually get there. I do think he will have a larger workload this week. Jonathon Taylor seems excited to be back in recent interviews.
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Minshew Mania
The Minshew Mania is finally here! He has brought to the team an energy that was much needed during the last four to five years. Gardner Minshew is electric and exactly what the team needed. He prepares every week like he is the starter, and that's why he can come in and win games when Anthony Richardson has gone down.
Although there is still work to be done, he has done an excellent job so far. This game against Jacksonville is crucial for the team as it's for first place in the division. However, it means even more to Gardner Minshew as this is his first game back in Jacksonville. The Colts haven't won an away game against Jacksonville since 2014, but Minshew is the quarterback to break this streak.
Colts Defense: Far From Perfect
The Colts defense has been performing well by limiting their opponents to an average of just 3.82 yards per carry. Although the defensive line and Zaire Franklin have been impressive, Shaquille Leonard has been struggling lately. He missed the previous game due to a groin injury, but he has fully participated in practice this week. However, the defensive issues don't end there.
It is obvious that our cornerbacks are inexperienced and young, which results in their struggle to defend against opposing teams. That is why I'm a little worried the Jaguar's wide receivers could be able to have another great performance against the Colts this weekend. However, they have been improving little by little and I think eventually they'll be great but right now we just need them to play well this weekend.
In order for the Colts to win this weekend, a few things need to happen. Firstly, the defensive secondary must step up and contain Trevor Lawrence and the wide receivers of Jacksonville. Secondly, it is crucial that Leonard and Jonathan Taylor are healthy. Leonard should play to his true self, and I expect Taylor to have a larger role in the offense this week.
Lastly, Gardner Minshew must make the easy reads and take what the defense gives him. I am surprised by the team's performance, and we have a chance to take the division lead with a win on Sunday. It's time to remind our ringless division rivals who the best is.
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