5 Colts Keys to Victory vs Broncos

The Indianapolis Colts dominated the Miami Dolphins, but will face a far tougher test in the Denver Broncos.

Sep 7, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) throws during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts decimated the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 7th by a score of 33-8 to kick off their 2025 campaign.

While it was a fantastic performance from all sides of the ball, it's on to the 1-0 Denver Broncos, who will pose much more of a threat than what Miami did, and it's not even close.

With this in mind, it's time to discuss the five keys for Indianapolis to achieve victory over a difficult Broncos squad.

Lean Heavily on Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) rushes up the field Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Miami Dolphins, 33-8. | Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Against the Dolphins, Indianapolis led the offensive surge with the passing attack behind Daniel Jones. While Jonathan Taylor was a factor (as always); he only averaged 3.9 yards on 18 carries for 71 total.

Denver has a great secondary featuring cornerbacks Pat Surtain II and Riley Moss, and safety Talanoa Hufanga. While there's confidence in Jones' ability to run the offense, what he saw against Miami will be a night-and-day difference in talent against the Broncos.

After Denver allowed only 112 passing yards from the Tennessee Titans in their 20-12 victory, it's assumed the Colts will be a bit more cautious with this talented Denver secondary. The best way to open things up for Jones is to get Taylor going, and early.

Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves

Indianapolis Colts guard Tanor Bortolini (60) hikes the ball to Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. | Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Center Tanor Bortolini and right guard Matt Goncalves saw their first game as full-time starters against the Dolphins. They didn't disappoint.

Neither allowed but one pressure on Jones, and looked crisp, technique-driven, and powerful in the run game.

Tanor Bortolini (60) and Matt Goncalves (71) with the teach tape on how to handle cross dog from the linebackers on this run. Bortolini blocking the defender on his path to run him out of the play is just beautiful pic.twitter.com/7hJGljA5ft

— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) September 8, 2025

Bortolini and Goncalves will deal with the likes of Zach Allen and D.J. Jones, so it will be critical to Jones' and the ground game's success for these players to be their best.

DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart

Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart (90) and Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) react after a play Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, during the regular season opener against the Seattle Seahawks at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. | Jenna Watson/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC

While Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is talented, he struggled against the Titans. With this issue, Denver turned to running backs J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey.

Together, the duo put up an impressive 133 rushing yards (Harvey - 70, Dobbins - 63) and will be turned to if Indianapolis allows too much through the interior gaps. Luckily, they possess the monstrous Grover Stewart and elite DeForest Buckner.

DeForest Buckner is the engine of everything. The multiple ways Lou used him yesterday put so much pressure on Miami. Just an unreal football player. pic.twitter.com/SXTtr5JCUJ

— Landon Oliver (@Landon3MR) September 8, 2025

Buckner and Stewart will be critical to Lou Anarumo's defense to stop Denver from attacking on the ground. While the Dolphins only secured 78 rushing yards, it was on just 12 attempts for a healthy 6.5 yards per carry. Indy can't allow that efficiency for Sean Payton to work with.

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Lou Anarumo's Magic

Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo watches during warmups before the NFL Week 11 game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Colts defensive coordinator Anarumo was in complete control of Mike McDaniel's offense on Sunday. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was lost and looking for answers as the Colts held Miami's offense to eight points.

Lou Anarumo called one hell of a game on Sunday, holding the Miami Dolphins to just 8 points. One minor aspect that I wanted to focus on was his usage of Drop 8 coverage to clog middle passing windows.

The Mad Scientist dared Tua to be a playmaker: https://t.co/H7MuDLf1gQ pic.twitter.com/Ir38DoMQ65

— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) September 10, 2025

It's starting to show that Miami's days as a contender are done, but they're still an NFL team featuring the most accurate quarterback from 2024, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De'Von Achane.

Denver has an offensive master in Payton, so it will truly be a chess match of geniuses on Sunday. If Anarumo can bypass Payton's scheme and confuse the youngster Nix, it will give Indy a big shot at replicating their Week 1 defensive performance.

Xavien Howard and Mekhi Blackmon

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) attempts to take down Indianapolis Colts cornerback Xavien Howard (4) after a fumble and turnover during the first half of a game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. | Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

With the unfortunate news that cornerback Charvarius Ward is in the concussion protocol; there's a high probability he won't suit up on Sunday. If this is the case, Xavien Howard and Mekhi Blackmon will be relied upon to play more prominent roles.

On Sunday, Howard had a key fumble recovery and posted a Pro Football Focus coverage grade of 80.7 on 22 passing downs, but had no other statistics. Expect Howard to see more than 31 total snaps against the Broncos.

🎥 Xavien Howard on facing Tua Tagovailoa: “We knew [Tua], he gets the ball out pretty quick. And once we take away his first read, I feel like it's panic mode after that. And it showed yesterday." (@KentSterling) #PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/7ek1jImA61

— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) September 8, 2025

As for Blackmon, he played on 20 passing snaps and posted a coverage mark of 55.4. As with Howard, Blackmon will need to step up and contain the likes of Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, and Marvin Mims Jr. if Ward misses the game.