3 things to know about the Colts, who the Bears face Sunday
The Bears have a chance to start a season 4-0 for the first time since 2006. They will attempt to do so with Nick Foles as their starting quarterback.
They must also contend with an Indianapolis Colts team that has had back-to-back superb defensive efforts.
Here are three things to know about the Colts heading into Week 4.
1. Colts defense will be trouble
The Colts scored twice on defense last week against the New York Jets. Yes, the Jets are terrible. A week before that, the Colts made Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins look silly with three interceptions.
The Colts lead the NFL in fewest points against and fewest total yards against. The Colts' 6 interceptions lead the league, and their plus-3 turnover differential is tied for fifth in the NFL. Teams are converting on third down against the Colts just 32.3% of the time, third-best in the NFL (and right behind the Bears defense at 31%).
It's fair to point out that the Colts' first three opponents have a combined record of 1-8, along with offenses ranked in the bottom third of the league.
2. Jonathan Taylor is No. 1
With Marlon Mack out for the season with a torn Achilles, Colts' rookie running back Jonathan Taylor has taken over the spotlight at the position. The Colts were a by-committee effort at running back last year, with Mack as the featured back. Without Mack, Taylor is taking over that role.
Taylor had his first 100-yard game in Week 2 with 101 yards against the Vikings. With 48 carries, Taylor has commanded more than half the rushing attempts.
3. Philip Rivers gets it done
While the Colts grind out yards in the running game, new quarterback Philip Rivers hasn't had to be the focus of the offense like he was with the Los Angeles Chargers. A prolific passer for years with the Chargers, Rivers is simply doing what he needs to do to win games.
The Colts have been even, with 96 pass attempts and 93 rushing attempts. Rivers has completed 78.3% of his passes, which is No. 1 in the NFL.
That being said, if the Bears pressure Rivers like they did Matt Ryan last week, he could find himself in some more precarious situations. He simply didn't have to throw much in blowout wins against the Vikings and the Jets.