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NFL: Most interesting matchups to watch Week 2

By Rucker Haringey

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 13: Field judge Adrian Hill #29 separates Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots and Kyle Van Noy #53 of the Miami Dolphins after their game at Gillette Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 13: Field judge Adrian Hill #29 separates Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots and Kyle Van Noy #53 of the Miami Dolphins after their game at Gillette Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 13: Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts makes a 35-yard reception for a first down in the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on September 13, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

3. Jonathan Taylor vs. the Vikings run defense

The Colts are concerned that Marlon Mack may have torn his Achilles in their Week 1 loss to the Jaguars. That thrusts Jonathan Taylor squarely into the spotlight for their upcoming game against the Vikings.

Taylor’s NFL debut wasn’t all that exciting. He only managed to grind out 22 yards on nine carries against the stingy Jacksonville front seven. That forced the Colts to put too much pressure on Philip Rivers and the passing game.

Look for Frank Reich and his offensive staff to get back to physical football in this one. Trying to do that against Mike Zimmer’s defense isn’t an ideal matchup, but Indianapolis has to get back to winning games the way they want.

That means Taylor is going to get the ball early and often in this one. Yes, Nyheim Hines will get his share of touches, but Taylor is the guy who needs to be borderline great if Indianapolis is going to make a deep postseason run. The former Wisconsin star has the talent, but this might not be the week for him to really break out. If Minnesota’s physical front seven can shut Taylor down they could win this battle of 0-1 teams.

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