The Indianapolis Colts will host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, with both teams facing distinct challenges that could shape the outcome. The Colts, currently holding a record of 4-1, look to capitalize on the potential absence of Cardinals’ quarterback Kyler Murray, who is dealing with a foot injury. This development enhances the Colts’ position as favorites, with a spread of 7.5 points against Arizona.
Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is enjoying a resurgence after a difficult stint with the New York Giants. In last week’s commanding 40-6 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, Jones completed 20 of 29 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns. His performance has propelled his completion percentage to 71.3% and his quarterback rating to 105.1, both of which are career highs. The 28-year-old has transformed his game since last year, when he found himself backing up Sam Darnold in Minnesota after a disappointing season with the Giants.
Reflecting on his past experiences, Jones expressed how the struggles in New York weighed on him. “I don’t know if I could say I ever hated the game,” he remarked. “But those drives back from the stadium after a loss, stuck in traffic, make you think about a lot of things.” Such reflections highlight the mental toll that constant losing can take on an athlete.
In terms of scoring, Jones has led the Colts to an impressive total of 163 points in the first five games of the season. This score ranks just behind the 2007 Colts, who set a franchise record with 164 points during the same period, featuring legends like Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison.
However, the Colts received troubling news last week when kicker Spencer Shrader sustained a torn ACL and MCL after a roughing penalty during an extra point attempt. In a swift response, the team signed Michael Badgley, who successfully secured the job after a tryout. Badgley, who has not kicked since July due to a hamstring injury, stated, “I always knew I was going to get back so I just kept a positive mindset.”
On the other side, the Cardinals face uncertainty with Murray’s status. He suffered a foot injury during last week’s 22-21 loss to the Tennessee Titans, but managed to finish the game. Missing practice on Wednesday left backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett to take the majority of the snaps. Coach Jonathan Gannon indicated that if Murray is fit to play, he will. If not, Brissett, a ten-year veteran with experience as a former starter for the Colts, will lead the team. Gannon praised Brissett’s professionalism, saying, “The quarterback position is the hardest in sports… you really do got to be on the details like you’re the starter.”
Brissett’s experience could prove valuable as he has started 53 games in his career, including 30 with Indianapolis, where he threw for 31 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. The Cardinals are currently on a three-game losing streak and will be looking for any advantage to break that trend.
Compounding Arizona’s challenges, Gannon was fined $100,000 for an incident involving running back Emari Demercado, who fumbled the ball just outside the goal line in a crucial moment during the Titans game. Gannon has since apologized to both Demercado and the team.
In terms of injuries, the Cardinals are managing a number of key players. Defensive lineman Darius Robinson did not practice Wednesday due to a pectoral injury, and the initial injury report listed seven starters. Meanwhile, the Colts also face injury concerns with six players on their report, including starter Kenny Moore II, who has been sidelined with an Achilles injury.
As the teams prepare for this pivotal matchup, the stakes are high. The Colts aim to maintain their momentum, while the Cardinals look to halt their losing streak and potentially secure a win with or without their star quarterback.
