Chuck Pagano and the Indianapolis Colts are set to take on the Detroit Lions in Week 1 NFL action. After a disappointing 2015 season, the Colts are hoping to bounce back and be serious contenders in the AFC.
Last season was a brutal year from an injury standpoint for the Colts. Andrew Luck missed the majority of the season with injuries, including a lacerated kidney. There is no guarantee that the team will figure things out in 2016 and get back on track, but having Luck back will certainly help their cause.
Detroit is entering the season looking to bounce back and prove themselves as well. They will be without superstar wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who surprisingly retired this past offseason. It isn’t going to be easy for the Lions to walk in Indianapolis and take down the Colts, but they have a lot of talent to work with.
All of that being said, which three players are the main keys for the Colts’ chances to knock off the Lions to begin the season?
Andrew Luck, Quarterback
Obviously, everything will start with Andrew Luck for the Colts this season. They need their franchise quarterback to step up and prove that he is still one of the best players in the NFL. He will be going up against a fairly weak Detroit secondary and should be able to put up a huge game if he plays up to his potential.
Antonio Cromartie, Cornerback
Vontae Davis will miss the game for the Colts after suffering an injury during preseason action. Antonio Cromartie was signed soon after the injury and will take over as the No. 1 cornerback in Indianapolis. Pagano and company need Cromartie to be a playmaker for the defense and it will be interesting to see if he can rise to the challenge this week against the Lions.
Dwayne Allen, Tight End
One player who hasn’t been talked about enough this offseason, is tight end Dwayne Allen. The Colts decided to allow Coby Fleener to walk in free agency and hold onto Allen, which shows how much they value him. If Allen is finally able to stay healthy, he will make life a lot easier for Luck and can be a major weapon for the Colts’ offense.
Which players do you think the Colts need to step up the most? What are your final score predictions for their Week 1 game against the Lions? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!
