4 key matchups in Colts-Broncos that aren’t Luck vs. Manning
Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck won’t even be on the field at the same time. Let’s take a look at some players who will be.
Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
In the oversimplified world of NFL media, nothing makes a snappier headline than quarterback comparisons, especially when it's a future Hall of Famer facing the up-and-comer who replaced him in his former city. The Colts are heading to Denver for a Divisional round showdown with the Broncos Sunday, which means you're going to see a lot of Manning vs. Luck III promotions this week.
"The quarterback versus quarterback thing, we're not on the field at the same time," Andrew Luck told ESPN when asked about facing Peyton Manning for the third time in his career. "I have a lot of respect obviously for what he does, what he still does. He's a stud. I'll worry about the Denver defense. That's what I'll worry about."
Will Luck and Manning play major roles in the game? Of course. Will they be the two most important players on the field? Perhaps. But to boil the complexities of Sunday’s playoff game down to quarterback vs. quarterback is an insult to the rest of the players and to the sport itself.
"It's not like a prize fight," said Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri, one of 11 Pro Bowlers not named Luck or Manning who will be suiting up Sunday. "Obviously you'll have the stats and comparisons and all that, but there are a lot of good players over on that team."
So how about we take the novel approach of analyzing players that will actually line up against each other on the football field?
Colts LT Anthony Castonzo vs. Broncos DE DeMarcus Ware
Luck won’t be able to do much of anything if he has Ware breathing down his neck like he did when the Colts lost to the Broncos in Week 1. The Pro Bowl edge rusher tallied two of his 10 sacks that game, adding three quarterback hurries. But neither of those sacks came against Castonzo, who grades out as a top-12 offensive tackle at Pro Football Focus. He’s been the rock on an injury-riddled O-line that’s had 10 different combinations of starters this season, the most of any playoff team.
Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas vs. Colts CB Vontae Davis
If the Week 1 matchup is any indication, Davis won’t be lined up on Thomas every play. But when he is, it’ll be a battle between Pro Bowlers. Thomas is Manning’s favorite target, finishing second in the league in receptions and receiving yards while tacking on double-digit touchdowns for a third consecutive season. But Davis, who has held quarterbacks throwing into his coverage to an absurd 38.8 passer rating, has yet to give up a score this season. Thomas had a rough game against the Colts back in Week 1, dropping three passes and going for just 38 yards. None of his four catches came when Davis was on him.
Colts WR T.Y. Hilton vs. Broncos CB Chris Harris Jr./Aqib Talib
Denver’s secondary is littered with Pro Bowlers, including two at cornerback. Harris is the only corner in the league graded above Davis at Pro Football Focus and Talib led the Broncos with four picks. Hilton has had a breakout season -- 1,345 yards and seven touchdowns -- but had little success against the Broncos in the opening game. While being covered by Harris or Talib, he caught just two of his eight targets for 15 yards.
Colts RB Dan Herron vs. Broncos LB Brandon Marshall
The Colts ditched Trent Richardson against the Bengals, turning instead to third-year man Herron, who came into that game with just 66 carries on the season. He was impressive, toting the ball 12 times for 56 yards and a touchdown while adding 10 catches for 85 yards. But the going won't be easy against the Broncos' second-ranked run defense. Marshall is the anchor of the front seven, leading the team with 133 tackles and tallying 30 run stops this season.
★★★
See More:
