5 Keys to a Colts Victory Against Cardinals

Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is playing lights-out football five games into his career with the Colts. The Cardinals boast a top 10 rushing defense (eighth - 92.4 yards allowed per game) and will likely be ready to take away Jonathan Taylor. The solution? Let Jones lead the offensive dance.

Arizona has struggled defending opposing passing attacks (28th - 254.2 yards allowed per game), so Indianapolis should use playmakers like Michael Pittman Jr., Tyler Warren, and Josh Downs to open up the ground game. Jones has been tasked with spearheading the offense before and now faces a lax defense in that regard.

Finish Off Drives with Touchdowns

The Colts' offense has been on fire, ranking second in the NFL in total points. However, looking back through five games, Indianapolis has settled for field goals too often over scoring touchdowns. Before sustaining a season-ending injury, Spencer Shrader scored 53 out of 163 total points.

Despite the Cardinals sitting at a 2-3 record, they've done well at limiting points from their opposition. Cardinals' defensive coordinator Nick Rallis has his side of the football allowing only 19.2 points per game, which ranks fourth in the league. Indy needs to make it a priority to score TDs and give the new kicker Michael Badgley an easy transition.

Contain Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr.

The Cardinals' offense has been suspect, but they possess two capable offensive weapons in tight end Trey McBride and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Starting with McBride, he leads the Cardinals in receptions (29) and targets (42), so Indy's linebackers and secondary must keep McBride's impact to a minimum.

Harrison returns to the land where his Hall of Fame father, Marvin Harrison, made his legacy. Harrison hasn't had the greatest sophomore year, catching 20 passes for 306 receiving yards and two touchdowns. While Harrison has had drops, he also has the athleticism and potential to become an issue. With a banged-up secondary, we'll see how Indy adjusts to Harrison's abilities.

Take Advantage of Arizona's Leaky Offensive Line

The Cardinals' offense has been underwhelming, and quarterback Kyler Murray has sustained 66 pressures in 2025, which ranks 12th in the NFL. As for sacks, Arizona's offensive line has allowed 16 sacks, which is tied for fifth-most in the league. Murray is currently questionable to play, so if backup Jacoby Brissett suits up, it gives Indy an even better chance to wreak havoc.

The Colts haven't stacked up a wild number of sacks (14), but they have the right weapons on the defensive front to throw a wrench in the passing plans. Defensive end Laiatu Latu is beginning to come into his own and has a fantastic matchup with the Cardinals on paper.

The Cornerbacks

The Colts' cornerback room has sustained an immeasurable number of setbacks and injuries, yet still maintains a respectable level of play. This secondary will be tested weekly due to the backups and reserves who are stepping into the fray as starters.

Mainstay Charvarius Ward has been a constant, but now names like Chris Lammons and Johnathan Edwards will be trusted with more reps than they've seen all year. Lou Anarumo has been brilliant at not missing a beat with coverage despite so many issues, and he'll get a chance to keep this up against a Cardinals passing attack that hasn't been intimidating.