The Philadelphia Eagles (8-1) travel to Indianapolis to battle the Colts (4-5-1) on Sunday. Under Interim Head Coach Jeff Saturday, the Colts looked inspired on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. In the Colts' first home game under Saturday, the atmosphere will be intense. And something the Eagles will need to deal with for the victory.
Series Record: The Eagles and Colts are tied 10-10 in their all-time meetings. Philadelphia is 1-0 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Opponent Scouting Report
Offense
QB: After trading Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders this offseason, the Colts pulled off another trade and brought in veteran Matt Ryan from the Atlanta Falcons. After early struggles for the Colts, the team opted to turn to second-year quarterback Sam Ellinger for its matchup with the New England Patriots. But it was back to Ryan last Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, a 25-20 victory in which Ryan passed for 222 yards and one TD. He also had a TD run on a career-long 39-yard rush. Heading into this matchup, Ryan, the Exton, Pennsylvania native, will once again be the starter for Indianapolis.
RB: Jonathan Taylor, the 2021 NFL rushing champion, is the name in Indianapolis' backfield. After starting the season slow and missing time with an ankle injury, Taylor had another one of his patented monster performances with over 140 yards Sunday against the Raiders. With his ability to be a bell cow back and with the Colts playing hard for Jeff Saturday, Taylor will be a focal point of the Colts' offense on Sunday.
WR: The focus of the pass game in Indianapolis is Michael Pittman Jr. The 6-foot-4 receiver has deep speed which allows him to beat bigger CB and his size allows him to bully smaller CB. Since coming into the league out of USC, Pittman Jr. has taken over the offense where T.Y. Hilton left off. With the addition of Alec Pierce in the second round this season, the Colts have an incredibly young, incredibly talented receivers group that looks to grow together for many years to come. With slot receiver Parris Campbell in the fold, the top three receivers for the Colts can compete with most of the groups in the NFL when on the field together.
TE: Mo Alie-Cox brings a size advantage over any player who attempts to cover him off the line. Playing in 10 games so far in 2022, Alie-Cox has caught only 13 passes for 149 yards and two TD. With the WR being so good and Jonathan Taylor in the backfield, Alie-Cox does not need to produce at an elite level to be an important part of the offense. He plays a small but vital role for the Colts.
Defense
Defensive Line: Since arriving from San Francisco for a first-round draft pick, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner has been a monster in the middle. He has allowed the Colts to shore up their run-stopping ability and has allowed the secondary to make plays in the pass game. Buckner is one of the top DTs in the NFL. The Colts will be without starting edge rush Kwity Paye due to an ankle injury.
Linebacker: Shaq Leonard, one of the top LB in the NFL, is on Injured Reserve and will miss the game for Indianapolis this week. In his absence, E.J. Speed and Bobby Okereke will be forced to step forward and make plays. The Colts are hoping for the front of Buckner, Grover Stewart, and Yannick Ngakoue will allow the linebackers to be less stressed in this game.
Secondary: Former Eagle Rodney Mcleod and former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore provide a veteran presence for the Colts in the defensive secondary. McLeod brings smarts and leadership, while Gilmore provides great cover skills for the Colts. With Isaiah Rodgers Sr. at the opposite corner spot and free safety Julian Blackmon both being 2020 draft selections, the presence of Gilmore and McLeod will be effective against the Eagles' talented group of receivers in this game.
