Must win game in Week 2?
Yeah, pretty much.
This is a big game not just for the Colts team, but for head coach Jim Caldwell. While the Browns are clearly moving in a better direction than in years past, the fact is they aren't very good, especially on defense. Thus, if the Colts struggle, if they lose against a Browns team many felt would be in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes, then Jim Caldwell could be a 'dead man walking' as head coach in Indianapolis.
I wrote this little preview for National Football Post on Friday:
Impact Injuries: Middle linebacker and defensive captain Gary Brackett is out. It's likely that second-year outside linebacker Pat Angerer will move inside and play MIKE while Philip Wheeler will return to starting at SAM backer.
The X-Factor: Kerry Collins. He had his first game as the new Colts quarterback, but it was on the road against a division opponent. Now, he's at home playing a Browns team with issues on defense. He should be better, and if Collins plays well, the Colts will win.
Don’t be surprised if: The Colts bounce back. They looked like a team looking for the No. 1 overall pick last week, but they have too much talent to be that bad. They should rebound this week. If they don't, then Jim Caldwell should start updating his resume.
This is your open thread. Enjoy.