The Tantalizing Ten: Bills 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 travel to Buffalo for the 2015 regular season opener?
Johnson's Colts debut on Sunday is going to come against a Bills secondary with some questions after No. 1 corner Stephon Gillmore. Buffalo's second cornerback this week is expected to be second-round pick Ronald Darby. Typically, Gillmore follows the opposing team's top wide receiver around. If that happens Sunday, Johnson and company could have some more favorable matchups coming their way.
The Colts will start two rookies on their defensive line in Week One. Anderson will be occupying the defensive tackle position, previously manned by Arthur Jones. In gaining 15 pounds this offseason (up to 305 pounds), Anderson feels that he's physically able to handle a slightly more demanding defensive tackle spot. The Colts defensive line will be tested this weekend in facing the electric LeSean McCoy.
Since entering the NFL in 2009, McCoy ranks third in the NFL with 9,074 yards from scrimmage. McCoy's hamstring injury doesn't appear to be hampering him too much this week as he fully participated in Wednesday and Thursday's practice. With Taylor making his first NFL start on Sunday, a heavy dose of McCoy should be expected.
Mewhort's last action of the preseason was his best work seen in August. Facing a formidable Rams front, Mewhort helped fortify the right side of the Colts line during the third preseason game. Whether it's the powerful Mario Williams or the quicker Jerry Hughes, Mewhort is going to see quite the end tandem in Buffalo on Sunday.
The last time Tyrod Taylor started a football game, he matched up against Andrew Luck at the 2011 Orange Bowl. After four seasons as a backup in the NFL, Taylor won the starting job in Buffalo. Taylor is known as a runner but his 77 percent completion percentage this preseason is a major reason why he is under center on Sunday.
There's little doubt as to who the most disruptive Colts starting defender was this preseason. Walden and all of the Colts edge rushers on Sunday must maintain discipline in their rushing of Tyrod Taylor. Setting the edge applies every week but probably not at a higher level than for LeSean McCoy.
Andrew Luck will commence his fourth NFL season against a head coach known for an aggressive nature of defense. At his Wednesday press conference, Rex Ryan pleaded for Bills fans to be loud on Sunday knowing the challenge that comes with facing Luck. How the Colts quarterback handles the Bills exotic defensive looks on Sunday is a definite story line.
With Vick Ballard missing practice this week, the backup running back role looks to be Josh Robinson's on Sunday. Robinson's last carry in the preseason was a mishandled exchange between him and Andrew Luck. Before that, Robinson showed why many people thought the Colts found a steal when they took the bowling ball style runner in the sixth-round of May's draft. What is the role for a Colts backup running back behind Frank Gore?
With Greg Toler's health in question this week, the Colts will rely on the Pro Bowler in Davis. There was talk this offseason of Davis potentially shadowing top wide receivers this season, something he didn't do last year. Could that happen this weekend with Sammy Watkins the certain No. 1 for the Bills?
Like Vontae Davis with the Colts, Jerry Hughes has revived his career in his second NFL stop. The Colts 2010 first-round pick, Hughes has produced 20 sacks in his two seasons with the Bills. With three other Pro Bowlers along the defensive front, Hughes often sees one-on-one matchups that he's clearly taking advantage of.
