Miami’s 1-7 Start Sets the Stage for 3 Storylines to Watch in Colts’ Week 10 Clash with Dolphins

A reshaped receiving corps

Trading Keenan Allen and Josh Downs leaves Indianapolis without its two most productive wide receivers. They had combined for 73 catches, 705 yards and two touchdowns, accounting for most of the team’s production from the position.

With Alec Pierce on injured reserve, the remaining wide receivers are Laquon Treadwell, Ashton Dulin, Anthony Gould, Deion Burks and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Together, they have 27 catches for 375 yards and one touchdown on 49 targets.

Coach Shane Steichen said Gould will get more work in the slot, while Burks will rotate in. Tight end Tyler Warren, who leads the team with 38 receptions for 275 yards, could also be relied on more heavily.

A first NFL start for McCord

The Colts defense ranks near the bottom of several categories and is 31st in the league with five takeaways. It has recorded three turnovers in its past two games, however, and McCord’s first start on the road presents a new test.

Indianapolis will look to pressure McCord and make him decide quickly. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo can turn to young players including Laiatu Latu, Adetomiwa Adebawore and rookie Caden Curry.

Both teams seek momentum

The Colts have dropped five games in a row, and their attention has shifted from pursuing the playoffs to assessing the team’s future. Sunday’s home game offers a chance to begin changing course, but they will need a fuller performance.

Miami arrives at 1-7 after its own difficult stretch. The matchup gives both teams a chance to seek a positive result, while Indianapolis will get an early measure of whether its new receiving group can provide enough offensive depth.