Colts vs Jets: Keys to the Game Preview

Aug 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) calls a play against the New York Jets during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The Colts host the New York Jets tonight on Monday Night Football in their home opener.

Colts players, coaches and fans alike are still licking their wounds from a disappointing week one loss in Buffalo. The Colts enter week two with an opportunity to bounce back at home in a primetime match up against the Jets. Indianapolis is likely to face a similar game plan as they did against the Bills. As highlighted by our own Scott Stewart, in our ‘Three Talking Points‘, the Colts need to perform at a higher level across the board. The offense, defense and special teams all received a wakeup call in week one.

–= Related: Colts Game-by-Game Predictions =–

Jets coach, Todd Bowles has a 3-1 record as a head coach – he was the interim head coach in Miami back in 2011 – and is a disciple of the Bill Parcells/Wade Phillips philosophy of defense. Which means the Jets are likely to dial-up the blitz early and often to make Andrew Luck get rid of the ball faster than he might want.

The injury bug has emerged on the defensive side of the ball. Three of the top four cornerbacks on the Colts roster are out. Greg Toler and Darius Butler will not play tonight and rookie D’Joun Smith was just sent to IR/DTR and will be out for a minimum of eight weeks with a knee injury. On the bright side, there is a chance that Robert Mathis and T.Y. Hilton will play, both are game time decisions.

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Should Mathis play, the Colts will have opportunites to protect their defensive backs with a rejuvenated pass rush. Hilton’s presence is essential to keep the Jets secondary honest in their man coverage and prevent them from double-teaming the other receivers. Offensively, the Colts are chomping at the bit after such a poor performance against Buffalo.

They will likely look to strike early and often and challenge the Jets secondary to make plays. This is not an easy task when facing Revis Island. Looking at the matchups for the Colts and Jets there are a few that will make or break this game for either team. The following matchups will be the keys to victory for their respective teams.

Next: The Jets Key Matchups