Indianapolis Colts

Speaking With the Enemy: Chargers vs. Colts

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Fans of the San Diego Chargers are breathing easier this week after a 24-point victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. Now the Chargers have the Indianapolis Colts in their sights and they’re getting them at a good time. The Colts have been ravaged by injuries on both sides of the ball and after an 0-2 start, the Chargers could deal them a serious blow this Sunday.

Of course, San Diego doesn’t want to hear about injuries. They’ve lost two of their top offensive weapons in each of the first two games this season, and they’re having to find a way to adapt. To this point, they’ve done a better job of that than the Colts have.

With that said, this game will take place on the road at Lucas Oil Stadium and the Colts do still have one of the league’s top competitors in Andrew Luck. To get a better idea of what to expect in the game this weekend, I spoke with Evan Reller of Horseshoe Heroes. To find my interview with him, click here.

Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) talks with teammates in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Q: After an 0-2 start, is the game this week against the Chargers a “must win” situation for the team?

A: “Considering that only five teams in the Super Bowl era have made the playoffs after an 0-3 start, with the last being the Bills in 1998, this would qualify as a “must win.” Couple that with the Texans with a backloaded schedule for the Colts and this game becomes paramount.It is the third straight season the Colts have started 0-2 and in 2014 they came out of it just fine going on to lose in the AFC Championship game. But if the Colts are going to be competitive at all this season it starts with a win against the Chargers on Sunday.”My Opinion: I feel that Evan is correct in his answer here, and most anyone would certainly agree. He points out the difficult statistics for teams that begin the season 0-2, so the Chargers should be wary of a team that plays with a little desperation on Sunday.Next: Donte Moncrief

Aug 20, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts receiver Donte Moncrief (10) runs past Baltimore Ravens defensive back Lardarius Webb (21) and corner back Jerraud Powers (36) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

Q: Donte Moncrief won’t play in this game. Aside from T.Y. Hilton, who are you expecting to see step up in his absence to give Andrew Luck a hand?

A: “Phillip Dorsett is going to have to play big this week with Hilton garnering the bulk of the defensive attention. In two weeks he’s shown that he’s more than just a speedy receiver and the Colts need to get more creative in the ways they use him.

Sep 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) and San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) embrace following the game at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Q: Did last week’s 24-point victory over the Jaguars change your opinion of the Chargers? Or is this a game you felt the Colts could get as soon as the schedule was released?

A: “The Jaguars are perpetually the team that is “almost there” and this season is no different. Any time a Colts fans see the Chargers on the schedule they immediately have flashbacks to ’07 and ’08, and all the other times they beat Peyton Manning. This season feels different with the Chargers sort of being either an unknown or flying under the radar heading into the season. The losses on offense certainly don’t help San Diego’s chances but the Colts defense is an absolute mess right now. Being at home, this is a game Indy should (and needs to) win.”

My Opinion: It doesn’t sound like Evan was too impressed by the Chargers’ big win over Jacksonville and he would know, his team faces the Jags twice a year. Still, Jacksonville has been touted all offseason as the best young team in the league and San Diego was having none of it last week.

Evan does point out the success that the Chargers have had against the Colts. On his own, Rivers is 5-1 against Indy.

Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) stretches for first down reception as Indianapolis Colts cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) tackles in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.The Broncos defeated the Colts 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Q: The Colts seem snake-bitten by injuries this year. At this point, what are your realistic expectations for the team for the rest of this season?

A: “Snake-bitten is a vast understatement. There seems to be no end to all of the injuries this team has suffered (and there are surely more to come). Even without any injuries this roster isn’t very well constructed. There really aren’t enough playmakers on defense and the offense is one dimensional (with a coach who doesn’t like to play to their offensive strengths). Had they been healthy, the Colts would probably be 1-1 right now but with an improved division, 2016 was always going to be an uphill battle. A 7-9 or 8-8 year wouldn’t surprise me one bit but neither would Luck going on a tear late in the season and carrying them to the playoffs.”

My Opinion: This is a very fair assessment. The Chargers are a team that many may look at in the exact same light. This game will be important to allow one of those teams to change that potential fate.

Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) celebrates with offensive guard Jack Mewhort (75) after his touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Q: OK, prediction time. Who are you taking in this game and why?

A: “I’m picking the Colts to win a close one. For one, they have to win this game to have hope of making the playoffs (and staving off front office ugliness). Two, they should be getting a few players back on the defensive side of the ball. Three, Luck always bounces back from bad performances and the Chargers don’t have the same caliber defense as the Broncos.”

My Opinion: It’s no surprise to see Evan pick the Colts here, but I agree with his logic. I see this game going either way, so I’m not going to jump on him over this prediction. We should all expect a highly competitive game on Sunday.