Indianapolis Colts vs. Bengals 2013: The game will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Indianapolis, on Thursday, October 4, 2013. This NFL Week 15 preview will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each team in this highly anticipated matchup. In addition, we’ll examine which player is the most likely to succeed in this game. In the first half, the Colts struggled to create any real momentum. However, things changed in the third quarter when Andrew Luck connected on a short cross-pattern with Da’Rick Rogers. While the play should have been stopped by surehanded tackling, Reggie Nelson and Adam Jones failed to make the tackle. The Colts missed a great opportunity to regain momentum.
The Indianapolis Colts are still in good shape, but they lost a game to the Arizona Cardinals by 40 points two weeks ago. The Cincinnati Bengals, meanwhile, are having their best home season since 1988. The Bengals won seven of eight home games during that season, including the playoffs. Although the Bengals lost the Super Bowl in San Francisco to the Bengals, they are now in a position for winning the AFC North for only the second time since 2009.
The Bengals are an exciting team. Andy Dalton was named the AFC offensive player-of-the-month in October. Since then, though, he has struggled. He completed six of his seven passes for an impressive 81 yards, including a touchdown pass to Marvin Jones that was 29 yards. However, the Colts never came close to pulling even. The Bengals are now 9-4. Meanwhile, the Colts fall to 8-5.
The Bengals have a similar record as the Colts, and they’re both trying to make a repeat playoff appearance. Both teams’ quarterbacks have made significant improvements this year. Andrew Luck is expected to throw fewer interceptions this year than last. Andy Dalton is expected to set new career records in passing yards and touchdowns. The big question is: Which team will win?
Both teams have impressive running backs. Vick Ballard, the Colts’ top rusher, and Donald Brown, their running back are both highly skilled. Both are capable of scoring touchdowns on a consistent basis. However, a team needs to stop them from scoring points on big plays. Luckily, there are many Colts’ defenders who can slow down A.J. Green.
The Bengals are up by a touchdown with ten minutes left in the first half. But, with the Bengals leading by a touchdown, Andy Dalton fumbled and attempted to scramble. He then tried a draw play and hit Giovani Bernard for six yards. While this play looked to be a turnover, head official Jeff Triplette ruled that the play was in fact a touchdown.
Both teams have an eight-four record and would be in a good position to secure the third seed in the AFC. Cincinnati would tie the Patriots for No.3 seed in the conference if it wins this game. Nevertheless, the winner of the Bengals vs. Colts 2013