This week, Shane Steichen and his Indianapolis Colts staff need to find ways to slow down the powerful Detroit Lions.
The Lions will arrive in Indiana on Sunday with an impressive eight-game winning streak, their longest since they first started in Detroit in 1934. Last week, they crushed Jacksonville 52-6, scoring touchdowns on their first seven possessions.
“They’re tough in all three phases, and it shows,” Steichen said. “It definitely shows. All those guys are flying around, making plays. They’re having fun doing it.”
Detroit (9-1), led by Jared Goff, is currently the highest-scoring team in the NFL, averaging 33.6 points per game. They also lead in point differential, with a plus-159. After struggling with five interceptions in Houston, Goff bounced back by throwing for 412 yards and four touchdowns against the Jaguars.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, the team’s top receiver, caught 11 passes for a season-high 161 yards and two touchdowns. St. Brown has caught a touchdown pass in eight straight games.
The Lions also have a dynamic running back duo in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, who have combined for almost 1,400 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. Montgomery, known for his powerful running style, has scored 10 touchdowns, including two against Jacksonville.
“He’s a throwback. There are throwback principles about him, and I mean that with all due respect,” head coach Dan Campbell said. “His running style is — it’s rare. David is just different, and he’s downhill, doesn’t give up, first guy, he’s not going to let him tackle him, continues to churn his legs, and just violent, violent, never give up, never going down.”
Gibbs, a quick and explosive runner, averages 6.0 yards per carry and has eight rushing touchdowns. He also caught a 54-yard pass last week.
“To me, they’re the perfect combination,” Campbell said.
The Colts are only scoring 21.5 points per game and have reached 30 points just once, in a 37-34 loss to Jacksonville. Last week, they bounced back with a win over the New York Jets after quarterback Anthony Richardson returned from injury.
But Detroit is not just any team. The Lions set a new franchise record last week for points in a six-game stretch with 232.
“Their offense is super-powered, so we’re going to have to do our part, and we’re excited for it,” receiver Michael Pittman said.
Indianapolis (5-6) welcomed Richardson back to the lineup and ended a three-game losing streak. In the 28-27 win, Richardson threw one touchdown pass and ran for two more, including the game-winning score with 46 seconds left.
“Very encouraged,” Steichen said of Richardson’s performance. “I think when you go through a three-game stretch like we had and you go on the road and get a win, and winning in the two-minute drive, you get some momentum — the confidence.
Obviously, coming back at home, we’ve got to continue that momentum and carry that confidence into this week. We’re looking forward to it.”
Richardson didn’t throw an interception in 30 attempts, though he fumbled twice, with the Jets recovering one. He has fumbled eight times this season, losing three of them.
This week, the Colts face a much tougher opponent, though the Lions will be missing one of their top defenders. Linebacker Alex Anzalone suffered a broken forearm last Sunday and was placed on injured reserve.
“Just seeing the toughness from our team. We’re definitely trying to carry that over because we know we’re getting ready to play a physical team,” Richardson said.
“So, they’re going to bring it to us. We got to bring it to them. But just trusting my guys each and every play, like I did in that fourth quarter, and just trust in my ability. I feel like I’m a decent football player, and I like to make plays out there.”
Detroit tight end Sam LaPorta missed Sunday’s game due to a shoulder injury but could return this week. He was listed as a full participant in Wednesday’s walk-through.
The Colts listed only offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann (knee) as a non-participant in their walk-through on Wednesday.
