Colts Defense Faces ‘Toughest Test’ yet with Packers’ Prolific Connection Coming to Town

On Wednesday, Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich noted that his defense will face its ‘toughest test yet’ with Green Bay Packers superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his favorite target Davante Adams coming to town—headlining the Cheeseheads’ offense:

One of the league’s best quarterback to wide receiver connections has already amassed 61 receptions for 741 receiving yards and 9 touchdown receptions during 7 games in 2020—including this ridiculous touchdown snag last weekend:

While Adams isn’t a lock to play on Sunday with an ankle injury, it looks like he’s more likely to play than not at this juncture.

The Colts secondary is banged up itself, as both starting standout slot cornerback Kenny Moore (ribs) and rock solid safety Khari Willis (ribs) were working with rehab staff on the sidelines—as neither actually participated in team practice on Wednesday.

If both of those Colts’ defensive backs are out, the bad news is that Adams has done quite a bit of damage in the slot this season for the Packers offense, catching 26 receptions for 257 receiving yards (9.88 ypr. avg) and 5 touchdown receptions in 68 slot snaps (via PFF).

Moore has surrendered a mere 25 receptions for 295 receiving yards (11.8 ypc. avg.), a touchdown, and 2 interceptions, as well as an NFL passer rating of 72.4 during 280 coverage slot snaps.

Meanwhile, Willis has also performed well in slot coverage, holding the opposition to 9 receptions for 55 receiving yards (6.11 ypr. avg.), 3 touchdowns, an interception, and an NFL passer rating of 74.8 during 302 slot coverage snaps.

The good news is that backup cornerback T.J. Carrie has filled in admirably in Moore’s absence, limiting opposing receivers to just 1 reception for 5 receiving yards and an NFL passer rating of 42.4 on 19 total coverage slot snaps.

However, regardless of where Adams lines up, he’s going to be a tough problem for the Colts’ secondary to solve.

So is his quarterback too, 2x NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, who needs no introduction and at age 36, is playing about as well as any top quarterback in the game right now—with 26 touchdowns to 3 interceptions on the season.

Rodgers still moves well for his advanced football age and can make any throw from seemingly every platform—having as much arm talent as any quarterback out there (besides maybe the Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes prime):

To their credit, the Colts know with their frequent Cover 2 and Cover 3 zone looks that it’s going to take a total team effort to slow down Rodgers, Adams, and the rest of the Packers’ prolific attack.

That means pass rush, coverage, and having the Colts defenders stay disciplined and play fast, smart, and instinctive winning football:

For the Colts, it’s ‘Game on!’ against the Green Bay Packers come Sunday late afternoon—and it’s going to take each and every Horseshoe defensively.