Taylor Mays, Cincinnati S
He may be listed as a safety on the roster and depth chart, but Mays will be a linebacker today with starters Emmanuel Lamur and Rey Maualuga out. And Mays will play a key role as the cover backer against Colts tight ends Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen.
Terence Newman, Cincinnati, CB
The 12-year veteran spends mosts Sundays chasing younger receivers around the field, but he’ll get someone closer to his own age today when he lines up across from Reggie Wayne, who despite being in his 14th season in the league is still two months younger than Newman. Back-end coverage will be one of the biggest keys for the Bengals to have a chance to win.
Ahmad Bradshaw, Indianapolis, RB
Any time a team devotes a bunch of attention to stopping the opposing quarterback, as Cincinnati no doubt has done with Luck, it opens opportunities for the running game. Bradshaw is having a terrific season as both a runner (4.7 yards per carry) and receiver (21 catches, five touchdowns), so the Bengals better not sleep on him.
Coby Fleener, Indianapolis, TE
If you’re a tight end and you’re playing the Bengals, you will find yourself showing up in the Key Ring. Fleener and fellow tight end Dwayne Allen have caught seven of Luck’s 17 touchdown passes , while Cincinnati has struggled to cover the position all season.
D’Qwell Jackson, Indianapolis, LB
He knows the Bengals well, having faced them nine times as a member of the Cleveland Browns. Jackson, who in his first season with the Colts, has recorded five of his 14.5 career sacks against Cincinnati.
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