Three things to know about the Chicago Bears’ Week 4 opponent, the Indianapolis Colts

The Bears have a chance to start a season 4-0 for the first time since 2006. They will attempt to do so with Nick Foles as their starting quarterback.

They must also contend with an Indianapolis Colts team that has had back-to-back superb defensive efforts.

Here are three things to know about the Colts heading into Week 4.

The Colts defense will be trouble

The Colts scored twice on defense last week against the New York Jets. Yes, the Jets are terrible. A week before that, the Colts made Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins look silly with three interceptions.

The Colts lead the NFL in fewest points against and fewest total yards against. The Colts’ six interceptions lead the league, and their plus-three turnover differential is tied for fifth in the NFL. Teams are converting on third down against the Colts just 32.3% of the time, third-best in the NFL (and right behind the Bears defense at 31%).

It’s fair to point out that the Colts’ first three opponents have a combined record of 1-8, along with offenses ranked in the bottom third of the league.

Jonathan Taylor is stealing the spotlight at RB

With Marlon Mack out for the season with a torn Achilles, Colts’ rookie running back Jonathan Taylor has taken over the spotlight at the position. The Colts were a by-committee effort at running back last year, with Mack as the featured back. Without Mack, Taylor is taking over that role.

Taylor had his first 100-yard game in Week 2 with 101 yards against the Vikings. With 48 carries, Taylor has commanded more than half the Colts’ rushing attempts, and 30 more than the next closest player.

Philip Rivers’ numbers aren’t eye-popping, but he’s getting the job done

While the Colts grind out yards in the running game, new quarterback Philip Rivers hasn’t had to be the focus of the offense like he was with the Los Angeles Chargers. A prolific passer for years with the Chargers, Rivers is simply doing what he needs to do to win games.

The Colts have been even, with 96 pass attempts and 93 rushing attempts. Rivers has completed 78.3% of his passes, which is No. 1 in the NFL.

That being said, if the Bears pressure Rivers like they did Matt Ryan last week, he could find himself in some more precarious situations. He simply didn’t have to throw much in blowout wins against the Vikings and the Jets.