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After an inauspicious 0-2 start, the Indianapolis Colts have gained some momentum, winning the last two games by a combined 51 points. On Sunday, they’ll face the 3-1 Baltimore Ravens (1 p.m. Eastern on CBS), who themselves have won three straight.
After an inauspicious 0-2 start, the Indianapolis Colts have gained some momentum, winning the last two games by a combined 51 points. On Sunday, they’ll face the 3-1 Baltimore Ravens (1 p.m. Eastern on CBS), who themselves have won three straight.
The Colts are being fueled by perhaps the hottest quarterback in the league. In just four games, Andrew Luck has already thrown for over 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns (against four interceptions).
“He’s in the zone right now,” Colts head coach Chuck Pagano said. “Anytime you go out there and play fast and you’re not thinking, usually the result is the numbers, you know the yards and touchdowns he’s producing right now.”
Luck has been a huge difference-maker, but this team will live and die by its defense. In their two wins, the defense made a number of game-altering plays, forcing six turnovers and sacking the quarterback seven times.
“Right now these last two games we’ve put together, getting off the field, getting after the quarterback, creating turnovers — it’s probably one of the best stretches I’ve been a part of,” said veteran cornerback Darius Butler. “So hopefully we keep that going this week.”
Meanwhile, the Ravens can attribute their success to many various factors, but perhaps none more surprising than the fantastic play of 35-year-old wide receiver Steve Smith.
Smith torched his old team, the Carolina Panthers, last week to the tune of 139 yards and two touchdowns. He leads the AFC in receiving yards at 429.
Baltimore’s defense has also been really good, allowing just 15 points per game, which is tied for the league’s second best. Of course, stopping Andrew Luck and the Colts’ high-octane offense will be another task altogether.
The home Colts are currently a 4.5-point favorite in this one. The over/under is at 46.5.
