Darius Butler Will Be X-Factor For Indianapolis Colts in Week 5
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
After losing their first two games of the 2014 NFL season, the Indianapolis Colts have back-to-back victories over AFC South opposition, winning each of those games by over three touchdowns. Quarterback Andrew Luck leads the NFL in touchdown passes thrown (13), as well as total passing yards (1305) and average passing yards per game (326). Needless to say, the Colts’ offense seems to be clicking on all cylinders.
Next up for the Colts are the streaking Baltimore Ravens, who have won their last three games and look to be in prime position in the hunt for a playoff berth in the AFC. Steve Smith has been playing lights out for the Ravens, and it will take a concerted effort by the Colts’ defense to stop Baltimore’s balanced offense.
Baltimore’s efficient offense is the reason the x-factor for Indianapolis this week isn’t Luck, but Darius Butler.
Butler has 14 tackles and three pass deflections on the season, but will have to make much more of an impact for Indianapolis’ defense if they are to win this game. The Ravens are going to run the football; it’s what they do. However, Butler cannot get fooled in the play-action game, because one wrong move and Smith is in a very winnable one-on-one situation with one of the Colts’ cornerbacks.
The Colts have allowed over 250 passing yards and 100 rushing yards per game so far this season. A balanced offense like Baltimore’s is exactly the type of offense that could tear the Indianapolis defense to shreds.
Butler not only has to be a leader in the back, but he must keep one eye on Smith at every moment of the game. This could be a high-scoring game that comes down to one big play by the defense; Butler is the type of player who can make that big play.
Taylor Sturm is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TSturmRS, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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