Colts at Seahawks

The Colts rank 24th in the NFL against the run, and even running back-less New England popped off 177 yards on the ground last week.

When given the opportunity, Seattle’s running game has been pretty effective this season. The addition of rookie Chris McIntosh at right tackle could help matters.

And quarterback Brock Huard, making his second NFL start, could certainly use the help.

Looking for a defensive spark, Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren inserted Joseph into the starting lineup at the expense of Reggie Tongue. Although Holmgren said it was a temporary move aimed at rewarding Joseph for solid practice play, the third-year veteran has a good opportunity to win the spot outright.

Should Seattle’s run defense finally slow someone down, Joseph might be viewed as the missing ingredient.

Without projecting a victory, Holmgren has promised that Seattle won’t play like it did against the Carolina Panthers last weekend. Good thing, because anything less than perfection on defense might be catastrophic.

Seattle’s offense will rely on its running game to set up the pass. Veteran Ricky Watters has been solid, and rookie Shaun Alexander looks ready for prime time. Their success would take some heat off Brock Huard, who is making his season NFL start.

Huard drew accolades from coaches and teammates last week, but he still has a ways to go. The Colts’ ever-changing defensive sets will keep Huard on his toes, so decision-making will be a key.

As bad as last weekend’s game got, the Seahawks didn’t turn the ball over. So there is still room for this team to get worse – especially against one of the NFL’s best teams.

But we’ll take Holmgren’s word for it.