On The Beat: 5 questions with Indianapolis writer Zak Keefer -- 'Andrew Luck is all the way back'

Every week, we go deep on the Patriots' next opponent with our “5 questions…” feature where we check in with a writer who covers New England’s next opponent. For this week's game against Indianapolis, we talk with Colts’ beat writer Zak Keefer, who covers the team for The Indianapolis Star. Check him out on Twitter here.



1. How has Andrew Luck looked over the first four games as he works his way back from injury?

He’s back. All the way back. Ignore the lazy hot-takes that his arm strength isn’t there – Luck threw for career highs in completions (40), attempts (62) and yards (464) in Sunday’s overtime loss to the Texans. The offense isn’t whole right now, and that’s been a problem. Starting left tackle Anthony Castonzo hasn’t played all season, No. 1 tight end Jack Doyle has missed the last two games, and starting running back Marlon Mack’s seen the field just once. Everything’s been on Luck’s shoulders, per usual.

2. Is there an under-the-radar player who has a chance to make a serious impact Thursday night?

The guy I’m watching for is Robert Turbin, who returns from a PED suspension for his first game of the season. He looked great all summer, and the Colts are in a spot where they need all the help they can get at running back.

3. Where is Indy most vulnerable?

There’s a pretty obvious lack of talent just about everywhere on the roster. The offensive line really misses Castonzo -- with the right blitzes, a defense can fluster Luck and force him into some ill-advised throws. The defense is pretty mediocre, save rookie sensation Darius Leonard at linebacker. And if T.Y. Hilton doesn’t play -- he saw only a half vs. the Texans, first fighting through a chest injury and later leaving the game with a hamstring -- the offense could be missing its top skill position player outside of Luck.

4. Where do you expect the Colts to attack, on either side of the ball?  

The quick-strike passing game has worked to a degree – without the protection needed to go deep, Frank Reich is doing what he can to move the chains The offense is far more dynamic under this new regime than in years past, and Eric Ebron offers a versatile tight end option that could give New England trouble. On defense, coordinator Matt Ebeflus will dial up blitzes for Leonard. Margus Hunt has had a surprisingly good year at defensive end, and ex-Patriot Jabaal Sheard always gets the job done.

5. Indy wins Thursday if….

Hell freezes over. OK, maybe that’s taking it too far. Luck is 0-5 in his career vs. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. The Colts don’t have nearly the talent to keep up. Barring a dazzling game plan from Reich – say, like the one he helped draw up in last year’s Super Bowl – this one won’t be close.

Zak's pick: Patriots 34, Colts 21 -- All of a sudden, New England’s early season struggles feel like a thing of the past. And the Colts sink to 1-4.