How the Indianapolis Colts Can Beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Indianapolis Colts will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 12.

This is the clubs’ first meeting since Tom Brady’s Buccaneers triumphed 38-31 in 2021. Brady is now retired. Tampa Bay’s starting quarterback is former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield. Gardner Minshew, who stepped over for injured rookie Anthony Richardson, will start for the Colts.

The Colts (5-5) are coming off a bye week. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers (4-6) were defeated 27-14 by the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11. Indianapolis won their previous two games after a three-game skid. Tampa Bay, on the other hand, has dropped five of its last six games.

The Colts have had a peculiar week. They made an unexpected decision by releasing three-time Pro Bowl linebacker Shaquille Leonard. It will be interesting to observe how the team reacts to losing such a beloved player. No win in the NFL is guaranteed, but the Colts can win against the Buccaneers. Here are three winning strategies.

How the Indianapolis Colts Can Topple the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tighten Up Their Run Defense

Tampa Bay is without a doubt one of the league’s weakest rushing teams. They have the fewest rushing yards (769) and yards per carry (3.1). While they aren’t a dangerous threat, they might cause problems for the Colts’ defense.

The New England Patriots ran all over the Indianapolis Colts defense in the Colts’ 10-6 Week 10 triumph. New England gained 167 yards on the ground. Ezekiel Elliott got 54 yards and Rhamondre Stevenson had 88 yards. Even quarterback Mac Jones contributed 25 yards.

Despite their run defense being decimated, the Colts won the game. However, it would be great for them to tighten up against the Buccaneers.

Unleash the Jonathan Taylor-led Run Game

Tampa Bay has the NFL’s sixth-best rushing defense. This season, the team has only allowed 900 yards and 3.7 yards per carry. They limited San Francisco standout Christian McCaffrey to 78 yards and no touchdowns.

Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss are the Colts’ formidable running back tandem. Taylor, who was on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) List for the first four games of the season, has had a couple of strong performances as he attempts to regain form. Meanwhile, Moss is eighth in rushing despite not seeing much action in recent games.The Colts have a good chance of winning this game if Taylor and Moss (assuming he gets more carries) can produce at a high level.

Take Advantage of Tampa Bay’s Secondary

Tampa Bay’s run defense is outstanding. Its passing defense, on the other hand, is a completely different story. This season, the Buccaneers’ secondary has given up 2,707 passing yards. Only the Washington Commanders and the Los Angeles Chargers have surrendered more.

Brandon Aiyuk scorched the Buccaneers for 156 yards and a touchdown in the 49ers’ loss. George Kittle added 89 yards and a touchdown.

Indianapolis must capitalize on this shortcoming as well. Michael Pittman Jr. and youngster Josh Downs, the team’s outstanding wide receivers, could have a field day against the Buccaneers’ defense. Pittman Jr. is having his greatest season yet, and Downs (third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft) is a steal.