D’Qwell Jackson Will Be X-Factor For Indianapolis Colts in Week 8

By Taylor Sturm on October 24, 2014

The Indianapolis Colts are coming off of a huge win over the Cincinnati Bengals 27 – 0, in which both the offense and defense played to perfection. Indianapolis lost their first two games of the season, but have gone on a five game winning streak that has seen them appear to be a lock for the 2014 NFL Playoffs.

Next up for the surging Colts are the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are currently 3-3 but have shown flashes of danger at home. With the Colts traveling to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers, Indianapolis will have to put together a similar game as they had against the Bengals if they are to win.

The key to a Colts’ win over the Steelers will not be the play of star quarterback Andrew Luck, but the play of the defense and, more specifically, linebacker D’Qwell Jackson.

Jackson currently leads Indianapolis in tackling this season with 52 total tackles and will have to be on top of his game against an elite NFL running back in Le’Veon Bell. Bell currently sits third overall in rushing yards for 2014 at 599. Jackson has to tackle well, because Bell has big-play ability and can open up the game for Ben Roethlisberger.

This is a crucial game for the Colts, because a loss to the Steelers would mean that the AFC South is wide open again with the Houston Texans close on their heels. Expect Jackson to play a huge roll against Pittsburgh, with several touchdown saving tackles.

Taylor Sturm is a Columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TSturmRS, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.