How one NFL analyst would defend Colts' Riley Leonard in first start

1 week ago 2

With rookie Riley Leonard getting the start in Week 18 for the Indianapolis Colts, what should the Houston Texans' game plan be?

If you ask ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen, the Texans should play aggressively.

Bowen recently highlighted one key to victory for each meaningful game this week. Although the Colts are out of playoff contention, Houston remains in the mix for the AFC South title.

So Bowen's key to victory for the Texans is to increase their blitz rate against Leonard.

Bowen notes that, typically, the Texans are not a blitz-heavy team, ranking 23rd in blitz rate this season. However, the last time these two teams met, Houston turned that dial up and pressured Daniel Jones heavily -- and it was effective.

Demeco Ryans could take a similar approach this week against the rookie quarterback.

"Of course, Colts coach Shane Steichen can build in quicks, screens, etc. to help Leonard manage pressure," Bowen wrote. "But with Ryans' ability to stem late to his blitz fronts/coverages, while bringing both second- and third-level pressure, the Texans can speed up the internal clock of Leonard and force the young quarterback to make poor decisions with the ball."

Steady pressure and throwing a variety of different looks at an offense can be chaotic for any quarterback, but especially for a first-time starter. That then leads to mistakes.

One of the challenges, however, that comes with facing the Houston defense is that with Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter at defensive end, this defense can create regular pressure without blitzing if needed.

That can be quite problematic as well for a quarterback, if the four-man rush is able to get home while there are seven defenders in coverage, and oftentimes, nowhere to go with the ball.

Getting the run game going to stay out of predictable passing situations will be a must for the Colts.

The Texans' defense ranks first in points per game allowed this season, surrendering just 16.6 points per game.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFL analyst on how Texans should defend Colts' Riley Leonard

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