The Cincinnati Bengals meet up with a local foe in Week 6 for a game against the Indianapolis Colts.

To get a better look at the matchup, we sat down with Kevin Hickey of Colts Wire to get the opponent’s perspective on the upcoming game.

Bengals Wire: How’s the Philip Rivers experiment going so far? Is it an upgrade over last year’s play from under center?

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) is seen on the sidelines during the fourth quarter of the NFL week 5 game at First Energy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. The Browns won, 32-23.
Indianapolis Colts At Browns At First Energy Stadium In Nfl Week 5 Cleveand Ohio Sunday Oct 11 2020

Colts Wire: It’s going. We knew Rivers wasn’t going to turn the Colts into an elite offense, but they wanted to bring in an experienced veteran who isn’ afraid to take shots in tight windows—even if it happens at a higher rate than it should. It’s clear that Rivers can’t carry the offense by himself but even with that, he has been an upgrade over what Jacoby Brissett gave the Colts in 2019. With Rivers, the Colts simply take the good with the bad. When the run game is going, Rivers has been excellent. But the run game hasn’t been as consistent as expected so Rivers has had to force some plays a la Week 5 against the Browns. So the Rivers experiment is going well as long as he’s not forced to shoulder the load. But even then its an upgrade over Brissett.

Bengals Wire: What’s the early verdict on potential rookie breakouts like Michael Pittman Jr. and Jonathan Taylor?

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) is seen on the sidelines during the fourth quarter of the NFL week 5 game at First Energy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. The Browns won, 32-23.
Indianapolis Colts At Browns At First Energy Stadium In Nfl Week 5 Cleveand Ohio Sunday Oct 11 2020

Colts Wire: Pittman Jr. has been on the injured reserve list since Week 3 due to compartment leg syndrome. He should be back after the Week 7 bye. He’s had some nice plays but hadn’t really had a big role before the injury. He should make an impact in the second half. With Taylor, it has been more good than bad. It’s clear he’s still getting used to the speed of the NFL and without an offseason, his understanding of the blocking schemes and pass protection calls are still growing. But he’s improving every week. We’ve yet to see him have that dominating performance like he showed often at Wisconsin, but there is a lot of optimism for a second-half breakout.

Bengals Wire: Has the big investment in DeForest Buckner via trade paid off? Is the defense in a better state this year?

Oct 11, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) reacts after an incompletion during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Colts Wire: It’s been magnificent. Buckner’s mere presence has opened up the lanes for other pass rushers to see more one-on-one matchups. But he’s also making a huge impact from both the three and the one-technique. He’s currently third in the NFL among interior defenders with 18 pressures while being tied for the lead with 14 run stops, per Pro Football Focus. Buckner can win with speed, power and an incredible swim move thanks to his burst and hand usage off the line. He has made the entire defense better and the matchup against Trey Hopkins will be vital for both teams.

Bengals Wire: Is there an underrated player on either side of the ball Bengals fans should know about?

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) practices as the Chicago Bears host the Indianapolis Colts at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020.
Indianapolis Colts Face The Chicago Bears In Chicago On Sunday Oct 4 2020

Colts Wire: On defense, the most underrated player is defensive tackle Grover Stewart. Mainly a two-down interior defender, Stewart is a brawler against the run. He may not have the stats that show it, but he’s often too much to handle for opposing offenses. He’s constantly in the backfield either making run stops or redirecting the running back to another Colts defender. On offense, tight end Mo Alie-Cox is just fun to watch. He’s massive (6’5, 267) but is extremely athletic. He also has the biggest hands in football. The Colts haven’t gotten him involved as much lately, but he’s a mismatch both blocking and receiving when he’s on the field.

Bengals Wire: How do you see this one playing out?

Oct 4, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Colts Wire: The Bengals have had some impressive moments to open the season, mostly with Joe Burrow showing poise and electricity. But the Colts have the more talented squad right now, they are at home and their pass rush is good enough to consistently pressure the rookie quarterback. I’ve got the Colts taking this one 26-18.