The Tantalizing Ten: Bengals Edition
Intro: Each week, we will take a look at 10 players that will have a big impact in the game. Who are the "Tantalizing Ten" when the Colts host the Bengals in their Wild Card matchup?
For the third straight season, Luck will lead his team into the postseason with the hope of extending previous years runs. Protecting the football is the top priority for Luck, knowing that he has to improve on those past playoff numbers for the Colts to move on. Luck will see an opportune Bengals secondary on Sunday with five former first-round picks at the cornerback position.
Newsome finished the year with 6.5 sacks, the most on the team. Whether it's Boom Herron, Donte Moncrief or Newsome, the Colts have seen some young guys emerge down the stretch. Outside of Herron, Newsome is probably the most important of that trio. The Colts pass rush has been critical to the team's success all season long and getting to Andy Dalton is something the Indy defense did effectively back in Week Seven.
There is no running back in the NFL hotter right now than the rookie Hill. Cincinnati offensive coordinator Hue Jackson has been adamant in talking about the need to commit to the run often on Sunday. That means a large dose of the 238-pound Hill, who has shown a second gear that has allowed him to rush for more than 140 yards in four separate games this season.
Fleener quietly put together one of the best years this franchise has seen at the tight end position. Once Reggie Wayne suffered his triceps injury in Week Seven, Fleener's numbers rose significantly in several receiving categories. Fleener can be a forgotten man from opposing defenses and the Colts have taken advantage of that on several occasions in 2014.
The hamstring injury for Freeman seems to be healed after he participated in practice this week. Freeman's contributions in the run game are obvious. However, it's Freeman's ability to cover tight ends that is also key. In the team's first meeting, Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham had 10 catches in 12 targets.
I'm not sure if there's a player in the playoffs who will be scrutinized more than Dalton. He's struggled in his three previous playoff appearances, losing all three contests and throwing just one touchdown compared to six interceptions. Unless the Bengals run for more than 200 yards on Sunday, Dalton is going to have to make some key throws late for Cincinnati to get their first playoff win since 1990.
Whether or not A.J. Green suits up on Sunday, Davis has to be the Pro Bowl corner he's been for virtually the entire season. Having Davis eliminate Green or Mohamed Sanu would allow for the Colts to commit an extra guy to stopping the Bengals heavy emphasis on the ground.
Back in 2013, Herron was the Bengals starting running back in the team's preseason finale against the Colts. His career comes full circle on Sunday by starting in a playoff game, with the Colts, against his former team. Establishing the run in playoff time is something Chuck Pagano always preaches and Herron is the lead back heading into January.
Sunday will be the one-year anniversary of T.Y. Hilton's historic 13-catch, 224-yard game against the Chiefs. The Pro Bowl wide receiver seems to be recovered from a Week 15 hamstring injury but in the regular season finale he did not catch a pass in his half or so of action. Hilton's ability to stretch a defense is vital for the Colts trying to open up the Bengals defense.
While the status of Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Green carries into the weekend, Sanu's role could be feast or famine come Sunday. Sanu had a stretch from September-November where he consistently hovered around 8-9 targets a game. Since Week 13 though, Sanu has been targeted three times or less each week. The Bengals have used Sanu in a Wildcat role as of late, completing some huge plays.
