Storylines to follow in Giants vs. Colts

Scouting the Colts defense

The Colts jumped out to a 38-7 lead in the second half of their Week 16 win, but a furious, late comeback by the Titans saw Tennessee score 23 unanswered points to make it a one-possession game late in the fourth quarter. Despite allowing the large lead to slip away last week, the Colts’ defense has shown some flashes this season.

Led by defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, the Colts rank 23rd in points and 29th in yards allowed on the year. A lot of that production came in the run game, as they rank 28th in rushing yards allowed on the year. Despite allowing some big plays throughout the season, Bradley’s unit has found a tendency to get after the football. The Colts’ 24 defensive takeaways are tied with the Broncos for the sixth-most in the league, aided in large part by their 15 interceptions, which are tied for the fourth-most.

“Coach Bradley, he’s done it for a long time,” Daboll said about the opposing defensive coordinator. “Gus has been in this league for a long time. They got two really good interior players, and they have a good team defensive scheme. They play their certain style that they’d like to play with. Every team in the league is a good football team. They got a lot of good players. They got good coaches.

“They did a heck of a job, I know it ended up being 38-30 against Tennessee, but they really started out the game really strong. It was 38-7 with three minutes left in the third quarter going into the fourth. So, I think Shane (Steichen) has done a nice job. So has Gus.”

The unit features talented players at all three levels. Defensive ends Kwity Paye (seven sacks) and rookie Laiatu Latu (four sacks) help get pressure off the edge, while interior defensive linemen DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart have combined for 10 sacks. Meanwhile, linebacker Zaire Franklin leads the NFL with 151 total tackles to go with his two interceptions, three forced fumbles, five passes defensed and 2.5 sacks. In the secondary, safety Nick Cross and slot cornerback Kenny Moore are tied for the team-lead with three interceptions apiece. Cornerback Jaylon Jones leads the unit with 12 passes defensed.

With Christmas landing on a Wednesday, the Giants altered their practice schedule this week. The team took the practice field a day earlier than normal due to the holiday, which could have played a role in some players not participating in the first practice session of the week.

Daboll said the following players did not practice on Tuesday: inside linebacker Micah McFadden, running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., wide receiver Malik Nabers, center John Michael Schmitz, cornerback Greg Stroman, safety Raheem Layne, defensive lineman Cory Durden, and cornerback Dru Phillips.

The head coach mentioned on Monday that both Tracy and Schmitz aggravated previous ankle injuries during Sunday’s loss in Atlanta.

As for all of these players’ statuses for Sunday, Daboll told the media we’ll have to see how the week goes. “It’s still early in the week,” he said.

The Giants made some roster moves this week, as well, starting with the addition of offensive tackle Ricky Lee to the practice squad on Monday.

The following day, defensive lineman Armon Watts was designated for return from injured reserve and returned to practice. Watts was placed on injured reserve prior to the Thanksgiving matchup against the Cowboys due to a shoulder injury.

Additionally, inside linebacker Dyontae Johnson was activated from IR on Tuesday. Johnson has spent the entire season on injured reserve after hurting his ankle during the preseason opener. With Bobby Okereke now on IR and McFadden dealing with a neck injury himself, Johnson could see some action this Sunday against the Colts.

In a corresponding move, the Giants waived defensive lineman Casey Rogers.