If Peyton Manning was healthy, the Indianapolis Colts would be massive favorites over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Thankfully, Manning is not healthy and they get to face Curtis Painter, so confirmed Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell today per Phillip Wilson.
Yes, the Bucs will be tasked with stopping a quarterback who has completed 33% of his passes over his career. Who has thrown two interceptions despite attempting just 39 passes. Who has thrown for an abysmal 3.7 yards per attempt over his career. And he's also taken four sacks in those 39 pass attempts.
The Bucs defense should have a field day against Painter. While the third-year quarterback lead a game-tying touchdown drive against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he repeatedly missed on easy throws and lost a fumble on a sack. That fumble was returned for a touchdown.
The Colts have some real talent at the skill positions with Pierre Garcon, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Austin Collie and others. Clark and Wayne specifically are two of the best players at their positions. But they don't have the quarterback who can get them the ball consistently. Especially so because they don't have an offensive line that can pass protect with any consistency, and the Bucs defensive line just had a breakout game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Quite frankly, the Bucs have enough talent and skill on defense to destroy Curtis Painter. Monday Night Football should be fun.