The Indianapolis Colts don’t have much margin for error heading into Sunday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs, and that means the spotlight could land on a few names that weren’t front and center in Week 1.
With the Colts stuck in an eight-game losing streak dating back to last season, Shane Steichen is under pressure to find answers fast. The stars are the stars, but games like this often hinge on whether the rest of the roster can hold up. Against a Chiefs team that should test them in plenty of ways, Indianapolis may need a few lesser-known players to punch above their weight.
Bryce Boettcher is one of the more interesting wild cards. He logged 23 snaps in the opener and had a shaky start, missing a couple of tackles and looking a little sped up at times.
Still, there’s reason to think he settles in after shaking off the first-game nerves. He brings nonstop energy, plays with range, and can cover a lot of ground at the second level.
That sideline-to-sideline style could matter if the Colts need someone to keep a player like Kenneth Walker III in front of him. If Boettcher gets a longer leash, he has the kind of motor that can turn into a productive day and maybe even a team-high tackle total.
The Chiefs’ passing game also gives him a chance to contribute in coverage.
Deion Burks is another name worth watching, especially with Alec Pierce again showing up on the injury report. Even if Pierce is active, the expectation is that he’d be limited and more of a decoy than a featured option.
That opens the door for Burks, who is likely the fastest player on the roster. Kansas City’s cornerback group is young, and rookie Mansoor Delane barely played in Week 2 while also dealing with a shoulder injury.
Jones did not take many deep shots in his first game back, but this matchup calls for a more aggressive approach. Burks will still be behind Keenan Allen, Josh Downs, and Tyler Warren in the passing-game hierarchy, but his big-play ability after the catch gives him a real chance to pop.
Then there’s Seth McGowan, who may be the most natural fit for a specific game situation. The Chiefs’ pass rush looked better than expected in Week 1, and their defensive tackle group already gives them some heft up front.
Jonathan Taylor should still see plenty of work, but Kansas City’s size, including Khyris Tonga and Chris Jones, can make life tougher when the field shrinks near the goal line. That’s where McGowan comes in.
He’s the bruiser in the backfield, the kind of runner who keeps driving until the extra yard is his. After not getting a carry in Week 1, he could be much more involved here, especially if the Colts need a power answer close to the end zone.
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