Stampede Blue
Bradley used to do well against rookie quarterbacks in the past, and I would be really confident for this matchup, but the last game against Drake Maye and the Patriots left me with a ton more doubts than certainties. Bo Nix is the favourite for winning OROY, and has led this solid Broncos’ offense right to the doorstep of a playoff spot. I have to admit I did not expect Nix to be best looking rookie quarterback this season, but his ability to hit the deep ball and make things happen with his legs could prove problematic for the Colts.
As is usually the case with Denver, they have a stingy defense that can rush the passer in a ton of different ways. Nik Bonitto leads the way for the team, racking up 43 total pressures and 11 sacks. Matt Goncalves will once again start in the place of Braden Smith, who is unclear whether he will suit up again this season, or even after that. This is an excellent opportunity for the rookie swing tackle to show he has what it takes to take over the right tackle spot in the long term.
Over his last six games, Sutton has averaged close to 10 targets, over 100 yards, and has scored three touchdowns. He has emerged as the go-to guy for his quarterback, and Nix clearly trusts him. Jones & Womack have been solid for the Colts so far, though unspectacular, and have struggled against #1 receivers
Buckner has been the Colts’ best defensive player so far this season, and the only player on the defensive line that has the ability to completely take over games. The Broncos’ offensive line has been rock solid this season, and Meinerz and Wattenberg are really difficult objects to move around, but if the Colts’ defense is to have any success then stopping the run early, and forcing Nix into uncomfortable situations is imperative.
What can we say here, Richardson is something like a Targaryen in the quarterback world. One quarter he is throwing dimes, running over guys, and orchestrating long sustained drives, and then the other he throws to boneheaded interceptions or fumbles a snap. You never know what you are going to get, but what is clear to me, is that if the Colts manage to help AR put together four quarters of his good side, there is no way that the team loses this game.
