Indianapolis Colts: 5 reasons they can knock off the Broncos
By Evan Massey
3. Veteran Leadership On Defense
The Indianapolis Colts may not have the best rankings on the defensive side of the football, but they do have the veteran leaders that are ready to step up in a huge game. They finished the year ranking 12th against the pass and 18th against the run, but have the playmakers necessary to knock off the Broncos if they play their game.
Peyton Manning is one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game, but he has had issues winning in the playoffs. If the Colts are able to put pressure on Manning, they could capitalize with a turnover.
D’Qwell Jackson has been a major addition for the Colts this year, and he has totaled 140 tackles on the year. He is going to be asked to step up and make some plays, and he has already taken over the leadership role on defense. Vontae Davis is one of the best cornerbacks in the game with four interceptions and 19 defensed passes, while Mike Adams has been huge for them as well with five interceptions and 87 tackles.
Rookie Jonathan Newsome led the team in sacks this past season with 6.5, with Erik Walden right behind him recording 6.0 sacks. The Colts know that they have to put pressure on Manning, and they are going to throw everything they have at him on Sunday.
Next: 4. Andrew Luck's Continuing Emergence