5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Indianapolis Colts – Week 2
By Chris Schad
Minnesota will have a tough time pressuring Rivers
One of the biggest reasons for the Vikings’ demise in Week 1 was a rough performance from the defensive line.
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers enjoyed a clean pocket on 37 of his 44 dropbacks and he completed 30-of-37 passes on those plays for 332 yards and four touchdowns. Minnesota needs to be better up front to have a chance on Sunday.
The issue is that the Colts offensive line is one of the best in the NFL in pass protection. Three of Indianapolis’ starters recorded a pass protection grade of 75 or better from Pro Football Focus and Philip Rivers was kept clean on 41 of 47 dropbacks in Week 1.
Much like Rodgers, Rivers thrived when the Colts were able to keep opposing players off of him. The 38-year-old completed 32-of-41 passes with a clean pocket and racked up 330 yards and a touchdown. Rivers also threw two interceptions on those plays, but it shows that he can do damage when his offensive line lets him do his job.
While Yannick Ngakoue is still getting his feet wet, veterans Ifeadi Odenigbo, Jaleel Johnson, and Shamar Stephen have to find a way to get penetration and make Rivers sweat this week. If they don’t, they’ll be in for another performance where the opposing quarterback looks like he’s playing catch in his backyard.