NFL Wild Card Preview: Colts vs. Chargers

The Chargers & Colts ride winning streaks into a rivalry rematch in the AFC Wild Card round in sunny San Diego.

Colts vs. Chargers Overview:
The San Diego Chargers and Indianapolis Colts are used to being the centers of attention as they have ruled the NFL for years. Both faded into the background thanks to teams like the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans stealing all the media attention. Injuries hit the San Diego Chargers hard and hampered both the defense and offense. The Indianapolis Colts played in the shadow of the streaking Tennessee Titans, with Peyton Manning putting on a quiet MVP season. Fans with Indianapolis Colts playoff tickets were surprised their team’s nine-game winning streak went unnoticed.

Indianapolis Colts Offense:
The Indianapolis Colts roster has not been the picture of health, but injuries to the running backs and offensive line have been overcome thanks to the play of QB Peyton Manning. Franchise cornerstone Peyton Manning has carried the Indianapolis Colts on his back with 4,000 yards passing and 27 touchdowns. TE Dallas Clark has become an elite player and opens up WRs Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, and Anthony Gonzales. Fans with Indianapolis Colts playoff tickets are glad to have RBs Dominick Rhodes and Joseph Addai healthy again.

Indianapolis Colts Defense:
The Tampa-2 defense of the Indianapolis Colts have been playing great as of late, and their ability to force turnovers and sack the QB has really helped preserve the nine-game winning streak. Fans with Indianapolis Colts playoff tickets love DEs Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, two of the best pure pass rushers in the NFL who have combined for 22 sacks. Former NFL Defensive MVP S Bob Sanders is back from injury, and his renowned hitting ability scares RBs, TEs, and WRs. In their cover-2 zones, the Indianapolis Colts secondary specializes in keeping the big plays under control and picking off errant passes.

San Diego Chargers Offense:
Running back LaDanian Tomlinson has many injuries over his body but has fought through the pain to amass 1,500 total yards and 12 touchdowns. The injuries have really forced the San Diego Chargers offense to evolve, however, and now a whole new group of playmakers have stepped in to help L.T. when the going gets tough. QB Phillip Rivers has developed into a franchise QB, and his mental toughness influences the entire team. WR Malcolm Floyd is not a big name, but he has produced big numbers. Fans with San Diego Chargers playoff tickets are happy TE Antonio Gates is healthy.

San Diego Chargers Defense:
The San Diego Chargers defense struggled early after losing OLB Shawne Merriman for the season, but new defensive coordinator Ron Rivera has the 3-4 alignment blitzing and hitting once again. NT Jamal Williams anchors a front three that weighs nearly 1,000 pounds combined and controls the running lanes. ILB Stephen Cooper leads the San Diego Chargers in tackles and is glad to have the beef in front of him. OLB Shaun Phillips is the leading pass rusher but needs a bookend to step up. Fans with San Diego Chargers playoff tickets love watching CB Antonio Cromartie in action as he is a feared DB who picks off any pass near him.

Indianapolis Colts Keys to Victory:
The San Diego Chargers defense ranks second to last in the NFL against the pass, and this paints a huge bull’s eye for Peyton Manning to hit. The weakness is not the brilliant secondary but the lack of pass rush. If the Indianapolis Colts offensive line can slide to protect against OLB Shaun Phillips, then Peyton Manning should have all day in the pocket. In their first meeting, slot WR Anthony Gonzales had his way with rookie CB Antoine Cason and the Indianapolis Colts will be looking for this match up again. Fans with Indianapolis Colts playoffs tickets could see an unfettered passing attack.

Even if he is far from 100 percent, RB LaDanian Tomlinson is still dangerous, and the run is the key weakness of the Tampa-2. The San Diego Chargers took to the air in their first meeting with the Indianapolis Colts and nearly defeated them however. The return of Bob Sanders means that the deep ball and the run will not be as easy for the San Diego Chargers and the Indianapolis Colts can focus on the passing game more. DEs Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney need a constant pass rush on Philip Rivers to bait him into mistakes.

San Diego Chargers Keys to Victory:
Pro Bowl TE Antonio Gates needs to have a big game if fans with San Diego Chargers playoff tickets want to see their team move on. The freak athlete has had a history of great games against the Indianapolis Colts, and his physical gifts let him play havoc in the zones. Antonio Gates can also draw the safeties off and let LaDanian Tomlinson get behind his burly offensive line, following their push up the middle for solid gains. LT Marcus McNeil had a great game against DE Dwight Freeney and must do so again to protect Philip Rivers in passing situations.

Peyton Manning looks a little more human when he faces a 3-4 defense, but the terrible pass rush that has characterized the San Diego Chargers will not be acceptable. Since none of the San Diego Chargers LBs will turn into Shawne Merriman overnight, it will be up to Ron Rivera to scheme a way to get pressure on Peyton Manning. If OLB Jyles Tucker can match the production of Shaun Phillips, then there is a chance to let ballhawks like Antonio Cromartie and Quentin Jammer make plays. Fans with San Diego Chargers playoff tickets know that the CBs will have to jam their men at the line to give their pass rushers time to work.

Colts vs. Chargers Outlook:
The first meeting of the Indianapolis Colts and San Diego Chargers was predicated on several injuries. The Indianapolis Colts have adjusted to these injuries, and this is a big reason for the nine-straight wins. It took much longer for the San Diego Chargers to compensate for their losses, but the defense has really responded to a new defensive coordinator. Fans with NFL playoffs tickets can write off the early meeting of the teams as both have adapted their game plans. The same basic strategies remain, but the weaknesses have generally been addressed.

Momentum favors neither team, but the San Diego Chargers might have an advantage from the last four wins as it forced them to earn their playoff spot. Fans with San Diego Chargers playoff tickets knew that the 52-21 beating of the Denver Broncos for the AFC West Championship was a statement game. The key that will give the Indianapolis Colts the victory is the Chargers’ total lack of pass rush. No matter how good their secondary is, no team can let Peyton Manning choose his spots. Fans with NFL playoffs tickets will see the elder Manning deliver a 12th-straight win.