Indianapolis Colts: 5 Players Who Will Shine in Week 2

Five Colts Players Who Will Shine In Week 2

It’s Week 2 of the NFL season, and the Indianapolis Colts will host their second straight opponent at home when they welcome the Miami Dolphins to Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Colts hung on to beat the Oakland Raiders 21-17 in Week 1 thanks to Andrew Luck’s running ability and Antoine Bethea’s game-winning interception with 25 seconds to go. It was a rough day for the defense as they allowed Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor to do as he pleased -- 217 passing yards and 112 rushing yards -- which kept the Raiders in the game. On the offensive side of the ball, the Colts were able to jump out to a 14-0 lead early on, but didn’t score again until the fourth quarter when Luck scrambled for 19 yards and the go-ahead touchdown.

The Dolphins also grabbed a win in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns. They only managed 20 yards rushing, but Ryan Tannehill threw for 272 yards and a touchdown on 24-of-38 passing. If you just looked at the score, it would appear the Dolphins manhandled the Browns, but both teams seemed to struggle. The Dolphins' prized free agent signing, Mike Wallace, had one reception for 15 yards, and the defense gave up 108 receiving yards to Browns tight end Jordan Cameron. A sloppy game all around.

If the Colts can contain the Dolphins' passing game and their defense doesn’t neglect the running game like normal, then this could be a blowout with the Colts picking up another victory. And if that’s the case, then there will be a handful of players whose performance made it a reality.

And these are the five players who will shine in Week 2.

Mathew Muncy is an Indiana Pacers writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @MMuncy, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

5. Andrew Luck

Andrew Luck threw 48 passes for 440 yards and two touchdowns last season in the Colts’ Week 9 victory over the Miami Dolphins. This year, Colts fans will see a different offensive approach as the coaching staff is working to bring a distinct balance between the passing and running game, which appeared to pay off in Week 1 against the Oakland Raiders. 400 yards for Luck is unlikely, but 200 yards and a couple touchdowns seem about right.

4. T.Y. Hilton

Against the Miami Dolphins last year, T.Y. Hilton caught six passes for 102 yards and a touchdown. Although Hilton did little in Week 1, he will need to take this opportunity to have a repeat performance of last year if he wants to make a push for the No. 2 wide receiver spot. The Dolphins should focus plenty on Reggie Wayne and Darrius Heyward-Bey, so Hilton will have his chances to sneak in a few big plays. Five catches for 75 yards and a touchdown is where I would think Hilton winds up.

3. Dwayne Allen

The Colts' offense had a blast passing against the Miami Dolphins last year, and Dwayne Allen was part of that group. There won’t be as many passes to go around this year as seen in Week 1, so don’t expect Allen to have a similar game, but he should still shine regardless. The Dolphins gave up 108 receiving yards to the Cleveland Browns' tight end last week, so look for Allen to finish with four catches for 50 yards and another touchdown.

2. LaRon Landry

After Week 1, LaRon Landry is on pace for 160 solo tackles this season. While that’s not the best stat to see -- safeties are the last resort on most plays to stop the opposing player from scoring -- it at least shows that Landry was a great free agent signing. If the Miami Dolphins come out throwing like they did against the Cleveland Browns, expect Landry and fellow safety Antoine Bethea to have a busy day again. Expect Landry’s tackle numbers to regress towards seven or eight total, but don’t be surprised if he picks up an interception or at least several deflected passes.

1. Antoine Bethea

The other half of the Colts safety tandem had a solid game against the Oakland Raiders in Week 1. He and Landry have to keep the Dolphins' big playmakers, Brian Hartline and Mike Wallace, from getting behind the defense for big plays. Don’t be surprised if Bethea has a similar performance to last week.