Over the past month, Jonathan Taylor’s performance has dipped. He’s averaging just 3.7 yards per rush, down from 6.0 in the first ten weeks. The Colts’ rushing success rate has also plummeted to 26.6%, ranking 25th in the league. This stark change can be partly attributed to facing some of the toughest run defenses recently.
Daniel Jones’ injuries have certainly created challenges for teams, but the Colts have seen a tough schedule too. This Monday, they face the 10-4 San Francisco 49ers, who have a surprising vulnerability. Since Week 7, they’ve allowed a league-worst rushing success rate of 37.1%. That’s notable because it coincides with the injury of linebacker Fred Warner, who was a crucial part of their defense.
San Francisco’s injury woes extend beyond Warner. Key players like Nick Bosa, Brock Purdy, and George Kittle have missed significant time this season. Despite this, the 49ers maintain an impressive record, with head coach Kyle Shanahan and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh finding ways to keep the team competitive.
Interestingly, while the 49ers struggle against the run, they don’t allow many big plays. They rank among the lowest in allowing runs of 10 or more yards, sitting at just 7.6%. This means the Colts may have to take a more patient approach to their offense, moving the ball carefully down the field.
Philip Rivers is expected to lead that charge effectively. Coach Shane Steichen has praised Rivers for his game awareness. Rivers has always been a smart pocket passer, and his recent practice with the team has only enhanced his readiness. The Colts believe his experience will be pivotal in adapting the game plan on the fly, especially with the challenges they’ve faced recently.
If the Colts can regain their efficiency in the run game this week, it could open opportunities for Rivers. They may not need him to do as much heavy lifting as he was asked to do against Seattle. The matchup against San Francisco will be key to seeing if the Colts can turn things around and bring a new energy to their offense.
With a spotlight on the game this Monday, all eyes will be on the Colts to see how they respond in a crucial matchup.
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Game Preview,Featured,Featured News,San Francisco 49ers at Indianapolis Colts (2025-REG-16)
