The Kansas City Chiefs hit the road this weekend to face the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 3 of the 2022 NFL season. It’s the first time these two teams have faced off since the 2019 NFL season.
To learn more about Kansas City’s opponent, we spoke with managing editor Kevin Hickey over at Colts Wire and asked him a few questions.
Chiefs Wire: It looks like the Colts should be getting some players healthy this week. Which player’s return will be the most impactful and why?
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Colts Wire: The Colts missed the presences of both linebacker Shaquille Leonard and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. in Week 2. Both players hold equal value on either side of the ball. Leonard is the heart of the defense. His motor, energy and elite status in the middle of the defense helps everything flow. In a new scheme under Gus Bradley, the Colts’ defense needs its heart more than ever. Meanwhile, Pittman Jr. is the strongest piece of the passing attack. He had 33.4% of the team’s yards in Week 1 while the wide receiver room combined for just 102 yards in Week 2. Pittman Jr. has been limited all week entering Friday so he could be a game-time decision. Leonard has practiced in full for two consecutive weeks but was still ruled out in Week 2. We’ll see what their statuses say on the final injury report Friday, but they are needed in the worst way.
Chiefs Wire: The Colts have struggled to replace Andrew Luck since he retired. Have you seen anything from Matt Ryan that makes you think he can be the guy?
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Colts Wire: The short answer: No. But it’s still very early, and the issues the Colts are dealing with make it difficult to judge. Despite the tie in Week 1, Ryan had a solid outing. Two of his passes were dropped touchdowns, and he still tossed 357 yards. The following week was a completely different story. Ryan was under pressure constantly due to an underperforming offensive line, and the receiving corps struggled to get open. We shouldn’t absolve Ryan completely, because he made some egregious mistakes, including three interceptions. It’s still too early to make a judgment either way, but nothing should stop the Colts from targeting a quarterback in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft. So I guess that somewhat answers it.
Chiefs Wire: Do you get the sense that Frank Reich and Chris Ballard are on the hot seat?
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Colts Wire: Yes. And this is coming from one of their staunchest supporters. I’ve been a fan of them since they arrived. It should be noted that I believe both are very good at their jobs. However, the cycle is getting exhausting. After all the moves they made this offseason, preaching how this year would be different, it all remains the same. They still play down to lesser competition, and they only thrive as the underdog. That’s fine in most cases, but it keeps them from truly making progress. Ballard is an incredible talent evaluator, but his fear of missing on the potential of a young, elite quarterback could wind up being his downfall. I’m a big fan of both Reich and Ballard but if they miss the playoffs again, changes probably need to be made.
Chiefs Wire: Are there any standout rookies or new faces for Indy that Chiefs fans should be aware of in this game?
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Colts Wire: There are quite a few. Starting with the rookies, safety Nick Cross quickly became a starter despite turning 21 years old the day before the start of the season. He’s a nasty blend of size, speed and athleticism at the strong safety position. Wide receiver Alec Pierce should be back from the concussion protocol and will likely serve as the WR3 behind Michael Pittman Jr. and Parris Campbell. In terms of the new additions (outside of Matt Ryan), defensive end Yannick Ngakoue was brought in via trade. He hasn’t done much to begin the season, which is concerning, and now he’s dealing with an injury, but his talent makes him noteworthy. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore also was brought in this offseason, and he’s been serving as the starter on the boundary. Both players haven’t quite lived up to expectations, but it’s still early.
Chiefs Wire: What’s your prediction for the game? Will the Colts get their first win of the season?
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Colts Wire: I have no idea what to make of this team. On paper, the Colts look solid. But they have been playing like a team closer to the No. 1 pick than a playoff contender. Given their offensive line issues and clear lack of depth at the skill positions, I find it difficult for the Colts to keep up with Patrick Mahomes, who is playing at an MVP level. I think the Chiefs handle this one pretty easily. Chiefs 31, Colts 20.
