Colts Primetime Football: Open Thread

Brent Smith | Reuters

Today has been a great day of football with a couple upsets.

Sundays results to this point:

Tonight’s game is a very interesting match-up, with some big keys to the game and interesting story-lines.

1. Pass Defense: Cornerback Kelvin Hayden and strong safety Aaron Francisco need to limit or shut down the long ball.  The Colts are facing a quarterback in Donovan McNabb that has the arm and accuracy to get the ball down field.

* Another big match-up is Trent Williams against Dwight Freeney, who will try to sack his old college teammate.

2. Run Offense: Backup running back Mike Hart could make an impact in this game as he will likely get a lot of carries.  If the Colts can get him going up the middle against the Redskins 3-4 defense it will open up the middle of the field a lot for slot receiver Austin Collie and tight end Dallas Clark.

3. Pass Offense: After all of the Colts’ wide receivers practiced this week, there should be noticeably better timing with Manning, and fewer drops.

4. Angerer: Second round draft pick Pat Angerer will get his first start at middle linebacker and will have a chance to show coaches and fans what he can do.  Gap discipline has been a common problem for the linebackers much of this season, so keeping an eye on this facet of the rookie’s game could be an important indicator for the Colts chances to win.

Active/Inactive news: Both Haynesworth and Brackett are out for the game.