Atlanta Falcons must not sleep on Colts, and need someone to step up on offense

1. Don’t sleep on the Colts

Losing Andrew Luck is a major blow for the Indianapolis Colts, and is as big a loss to the Colts as losing Tom Brady would be to the Patriots or Aaron Rodgers for the Packers. But that doesn’t mean the Falcons can simply stroll into the Georgia Dome and expect to win. 

The Colts are 2-5 in games Andrew Luck started this year, and 2-0 in games Matt Hasselbeck started. Hasselbeck shouldn’t be underestimated.

They know this, of course, after stumbling to defeat to the Blaine Gabbert-led 49ers two weeks ago. Under center for Indianapolis will be the experienced Matt Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck has started two games this season and led his team to victory in both, albeit over the Jaguars and Texans.

There is plenty of talent offensively for the Colts, and it starts with running back Frank Gore. Gore’s durability is incredible, and he’s still running down defenders as he did for 10 years with the 49ers. He’s quietly having a strong season and has added some legitimacy to the Colts’ backfield.

The likes of T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief are talented receivers who deserve plenty of respect. And while Andre Johnson has failed to live up to expectations this season, it’s worth noting one of his better performances came with Hasselbeck under center. That night, Johnson caught a season-best six passes for 77 yards and two touchdowns.

Indianapolis is considerably weaker without No. 12, but don’t underestimate them.

Next: How can they be slowed down?