Bowen and I are up top of Lucas Oil Stadium and just caught wind of the Colts' inactives for tonight. They are:
CB Powers, CB Lacey, LB Conner, RB Addai, DT A. Johnson, WR Collie, S Sanders, OL McClendon.
Here's my take about 20 minutes from kickoff:
1. Contain DE Mario Williams: With Demeco Ryans out, Brian Cushing and Williams become the focus of the Texans' defense. Williams, who has the most sacks against Manning since 2006, switches sides depending on how the Colts line up their slot and receiving personnel. He had his way with Ryan Diem in the first game but don't think the veteran tackle hasn't been in the film room paying attention to what the Colts do best...detail.
2. Get the Texans Out of Their Gameplan: The Texans aren' t used to being in this kind of situation, i.e. contending for a division title at the midway point of the season. With the type of environment that will be present tonight, it wouldn't surprise me if they start to get rattled and get out of their gameplan if the Colts can apply a steady pass rush and hold RB Arian Foster to 2-3 yards per carry.
3. Win the Time of Possession Battle: Don't give Foster the chance to run wild, simple as that.
4. Get The Crowd Into It: Lucas Oil Stadium is the loudest venue in pro football when it wants to be, and the Colts play backs that up. If the Colts get down, the crowd will be a nonfactor.
