NFL Indianapolis Colts

Ahmad Bradshaw Will Be X-Factor For Indianapolis Colts In Week 4

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By @nick_villano

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John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts are taking on their second straight AFC South opponent this week as they welcome the Tennessee Titans to Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts are coming off their first win of the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week.  They cannot afford to lose this game and start the season off 1-3.

There are many keys to a win in this game. Of course, Andrew Luck is the biggest x-factor from week to week. The quarterback position is the most important in the league, and Luck is quickly becoming one of the better passers in the country.

This week, however, Ahmad Bradshaw is the x-factor to a win against the Titans.

The Titans currently have the 24th ranked rushing defense. That is compared to the second-best (statistically) passing defense. Some may point to the fact that they have two blowout losses, but they still faced Alex Smith, Tony Romo and Andy Dalton in the first three weeks.

If the rushing attack could get going like it has, this could be an easy day for Indy. Despite coming off of a serious neck injury, Bradshaw has been great to start off the season. He is averaging six yards per rush, including 7.2 in last week’s win. He also has three receiving touchdowns as Luck’s check-down option. He is becoming one of the most underrated options in the league.

The Colts could have an easy day on Sunday if they utilize their weapons properly. Trent Richardson is still seeing the bulk of the carries, despite being a much worse option than Bradshaw. Despite being ahead by 30 at halftime, the Colts still threw the ball a preposterous 43 times during the game while Bradshaw only saw nine carries.

Bradshaw is the x-factor to this game if the Colts let him be. He can make this a game where the starters get to sit at halftime. If head coach Chuck Pagano makes his QB throw into a very good secondary over 40 times again, then it may not turn out as they had hoped. They need to control the clock. They need to keep the ball away from Jake Locker, in case he obtains a hot hand during the game. They need Bradshaw to be the guy they lean on in Week 4.

Nick Villano is the New Jersey Devils writer for Rant Sports.  He also adds to the site’s NBA, MLB and NFL content.  You can follow him on Twitter or add him to your Google circle.

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