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With a global pandemic and no fans in the stands, the Indianapolis Colts first ever trip to Las Vegas to play the Raiders inside the monstrosity that is Allegiant Stadium won’t be as memorable as a normal year. But the end target remains the same.

Leave The Strip with a win.

The Raiders narrowly escaped with a win over the Jets by tossing a last second touchdown on what was a New York all-out blitz. Jets Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams was subsequently fired after the game.

But the Colts can’t take Jon Gruden lightly. The last time Gruden game-planned for the Blue and White, he walked out of Lucas Oil Stadium in 2019 with a 31-24 win. Vegas has some playmakers.

That’s the thought Colts cornerback Xavier Rhodes gave on The Ride with JMV Monday afternoon. He told JMV that the defensive core will have their hands full.

“This stretch we have here right now will be a tough one,” Rhodes said. “The coaching staffs are going to put these guys in a position to try and lift them in the playoffs. We know Derek Carr is going to push the ball down the field and Josh Jacobs will run the ball as hard as he can.”

The Raiders receiving core is also not what it used to be, in a good way.

Lightning quick first rounder Henry Ruggs is a one-on-one nightmare. And Hunter Renfrow has been solid all season. Rhodes also pointed out that Vegas is a major threat from the tight end position.

“They have a great tight end too in Darren Waller,” Rhodes added. “He’s one of the best in the game right now. It’s going to be a tough battle for the defense. But it’s something we’ve been doing all year. It’s nothing new. We’re going to continue watching film and putting together a game-plan.”

The Colts and Raiders will play in the late afternoon time slot on Sunday at 4:05 PM. Indianapolis is back to a tie for first place in the AFC South with the Tennessee Titans at 8-4. But the Titans do own the tiebreaker by possessing the better divisional record.

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