The Tantalizing Ten: Steelers 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 take on the Steelers this weekend?
Davis is playing at a Pro Bowl level and his presence on an island has contributed to the Colts defensive success in 2014. Sunday could be Davis' toughest matchup yet with Antonio Brown, the league's leading receiver lining up across him. The last time Davis allowed a touchdown in coverage came more than 700 snaps ago (Week 14 of last season).
The status of Reggie Wayne remains a mystery heading into the weekend. If Wayne can't go on Sunday, the role for Nicks will certainly increase. While the snaps and targets have dwindled a bit for Nicks, there's no doubt he will see plenty of those if Wayne is absent. Colts fans are eager to see a Nicks coming out party and Sunday could be that before the six-year vet returns to his old stomping grounds next Monday night in New York.
The Steelers are dealing with some questions at the tackle position heading into Sunday and that could mean for some favorable matchups for Bjoern Werner and Walden. On Sunday, the Colts will see a formidable running back duo meaning Walden's presence in setting the edge will be a high priority.
The slippery Brown is the league's top pass catcher and has plenty of game breaking ability as a punt returner. The Colts have handled pretty much every pass catcher just fine in 2014 but Brown provides unique challenges they have not seen. It will be great to watch two of the game's best players at their respective positions go at it on Sunday in Brown and Vontae Davis.
Through seven weeks of the season, Luck continues to lead several NFL passing categories by a wide margin. Another 300-yard passing game for Luck would mark a franchise best sixth straight game reaching that mark. For Luck to continue to be mentioned the MVP race, the Colts offense must be a bit more efficient when getting chances in opponent's territory.
The Colts head into Week Eight of the NFL season leading the league in opponent field position start. McAfee is a major reason why with himself and the punt coverage unit tops in the NFL in net punting average and also holding the top spot for the most kickoff touchbacks. With Steelers punt returner Antonio Brown know for highlight reel type plays, McAfee will once again be a key weapon this weekend.
Bell makes up the other combination of two Steelers skill players ranking top-five in the NFL in yards from scrimmage. "Patience" is the word you kept on hearing from Colts defenders this week in describing the dual-threat Bell. The challenge of Bell will be the unlimited challenge from a running back standpoint before the Colts encounter some unproven backs in the weeks to come.
Similar to Nicks, Hilton could see his workload increase a bit if Wayne doesn't suit up. Last year at this time, Wayne was lost for the season and Hilton was thrust into a No. 1 role. It took some time but Hilton eventually showed that he could handle everything that comes with being a team's top target. Can Hilton now take that act into a hostile, outdoor, road environment?
Listening to the Colts offensive guys talk this week, they know that where No. 43 lines up is something to account for each snap. While Polamalu is getting up there in years, he's still a nuisance to opposing offenses and can alter what a quarterback does just based off his pre-snap alignment.
Jones has now practiced for a second straight week, this time being a full participant from all week. The trajectory is pointing to his return to the lineup for the first time since the Colts played the Eagles in Week Two of the season. The presence of Jones in the interior of the Colts defense could come at a critical time considering the running back duo of Le'Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount the opposition this week.
