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The Indianapolis Colts’ playoff prospects are hanging in the balance as they face the 8-5 Denver Broncos in a game that they absolutely must win. Though they’ve only played in a few games together so far this season, head coach Shane Steichen and quarterback Anthony Richardson would both consider this victory to be their greatest to date if they can pull off the upset at Mile High.

With so much riding on this AFC tilt and Indianapolis’s prospects taking a nosedive if they lose, pulling off the impossible at Mile High would be an astonishing achievement. The Broncos, though, will make it tough for Steichen and Richardson to achieve their greatest triumph to yet.

Denver has cultivated and added a plethora of exciting talent since Sean Payton became head coach. Several players stand out, including rookie quarterback Bo Nix, veteran wide receiver Courtland Sutton, linebacker Nik Bonitto, and cornerback Pat Surtain II. Whether Indy faces Steichen or Gus Bradley, these players will certainly pose the greatest challenge.

Steichen and Richardson face a new and, maybe, their greatest challenge: the high altitude and intense environment of Mile High, neither of which they had encountered in their time working for the NFL. Indianapolis may be the clear underdog going into Sunday’s matchup, but they’ve got the talent to pull off the upset.

Opportunities for the remaining playmakers in Indianapolis arise as Richardson takes shape as a weapon for Steichen. Richardson has thrown for 1,511 yards on 102 of 215 attempts (47.4% completion percentage), seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions. These statistics don’t paint a whole picture of Richardson’s struggles to receive regular offensive support, but they aren’t good either.

The bright side is that Denver will have to figure out how to stop Richardson’s legs, which are a threat to any NFL defense. To establish offensive traction against Denver’s elite run defense, the second-year quarterback must be effective on the ground, as he has 70 carries for 383 yards (5.5 average) and four running touchdowns. In the event that two players pose a defensive threat, it will also aid in releasing running back Jonathan Taylor.

To counter Vance Joseph’s tenacious defense, Steichen will most likely employ the quick-passing approach. The absence of Denver’s starting cornerback Riley Moss makes the return of the Colts’ leading receiver Josh Downs all the more important. It is the responsibility of Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce to provide intermediate and deep passing opportunities for Richardson.

But if Indianapolis’ offensive line doesn’t play well against Denver, Steichen’s firepower won’t matter. Due to the lack of opposition, Indy cannot utilize the protection’s bounce-back performance against the lowly New England Patriots as motivation. Winning in the trenches is crucial since Denver will have a significant advantage up front.

With defensive backs like Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, and Malcolm Roach on the field, Tony Sparano Jr. should have the Indianapolis offensive line, including Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, and the others, ready to go. It will be much easier for Richardson, Taylor, and the remainder of Steichen’s game plan if Indianapolis’ offensive trenches can defeat Denver.

The Final Verdict

Things are beginning to fall into place according to Steichen’s vision when he took over as coach of the Indianapolis Indians in 2023, after an up and down existence. Richardson is proving to be an effective field general as the offensive irons out its flaws and discovers its true potential.

Denver is a solid and surgical squad on offense and defense, and the Colts cannot afford to make any mistakes. The Colts would rather not see their postseason hopes dashed at Mile High because they are staring them in the face. Winning the NFL championship game is the magic bullet; with this win, the Steichen-Richardson era in Indianapolis may take a step closer to the playoffs.