If the Indianapolis Colts are going to come away with the Week 1 win over the Baltimore Ravens, what must happen on Sunday?
Here are three keys to victory for the Colts.
Get Jonathan Taylor going
Admittedly, this could be a key to victory each week. However, that doesn't make it any less important. Taylor brings obvious big-play ability to the Colts' backfield, but it's his ability to steadily churn out four- or five-yard gains that is also very valuable.
This keeps the Colts' offense ahead of the sticks and out of predictable passing situations, opening up the playbook for Shane Steichen and the passing game for Daniel Jones. On the flip side, when the run game struggles, an offense finds itself in predictable passing situations, where the defense has the upper hand.
The Colts pass rush
Do
the Colts have enough pass rush juice around Laiatu Latu to consistently get after the quarterback? That's been one of the big questions facing this team all offseason and training camp didn't provide any answers.
If the Colts are unable to get after Lamar Jackson, that leaves him with time and clean pockets to throw from, where he can hurt opponents with his arm, or he could extend plays with his legs, leading to big plays either on the ground or through the air.
It's the little things
It's cliché, but the Colts can't beat themselves. An abundance of penalties can be difficult to overcome, as can losing the turnover battle. So keep mistakes minimal and take care of the football.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts 3 keys to victory in Week 1 vs. Ravens
