It shouldn’t matter who the opponent is, Josh Downs should always be a major part of the Indianapolis Colts’ offensive gameplan each week.
However, as we look at the Colts’ upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills, in terms of matchup opportunities to potentially capitalize on, Downs from the slot versus the Bills cornerbacks could be a plus matchup.
Despite missing two games with a high-ankle sprain at the start of the season, Downs has been one of the most productive slot receivers in football this season.
He will enter Week 10 ranked fifth in receptions and receiving yards from the slot, he’s second in touchdowns, and is eighth in total YAC.
“He is one of the smartest, cerebral players I’ve ever been around as a young player,” said Shane Steichen on Wednesday. “Knowing coverages, how to attack it, finding the dead spots. And I think he’s only gonna develop and continuing to grow in that area.”
Opposite of Downs will be a Bills’ secondary that, according to Pro Football Focus, ranks 28th in yards allowed to slot receivers.
Josh Downs can exploit Buffalo’s defense’s struggles against the slot
Downs has been one of the most productive slot WRs this season, ranking 5th with 343 receiving yards lined up there. The Bills D ranks 28th in yards allowed to slot receivers, so this could be a plus matchup pic.twitter.com/8KeP1lG5dP
— PFF IND Colts (@colts_pff) November 9, 2024
Leading the way in slot snaps for the Bills are safety Cam Lewis and cornerback Taron Johnson. Combined the two have allowed 55 receptions on 66 targets this season at 10.7 yards per catch with three pass breakups and one interception.
In the four games where Joe Flacco has been at quarterback for the Colts, Downs has been a favorite target of his, with 37 targets during that span.
Given the matchup, this again, as most weeks have become, could be another game where Downs is targeted heavily. However, consistent success for the Colts offense is going to have to begin with Jonathan Taylor and the run game getting going against a Bills defense that ranks 26th in yards per carry this season.
