Joe Knows Best: Colts Finally Get It ‘Reitz’ at Right Tackle

The Indianapolis Colts have finally gotten it ‘Reitz’ at starting right tackle, only it’s been with a familiar face in versatile offensive lineman Joe Reitz.

After the Colts cut bait with Gosder Cherilus and ended the Jack Mewhort experiment at right tackle prematurely, it’s been Reitz who’s actually solidified the starting right tackle position for the team.

Oct 8, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) in action against Indianapolis Colts tackle Joe Reitz (76) at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The very same veteran offensive lineman who’s been with the team all along. As a holdover of the previous regime, Reitz debuted with the Colts all the way back in 2011, having originally been signed to the team’s practice squad just a year prior.

The former all-state Hamilton Southeastern High School football standout and Fishers, Indiana, native has always been highly regarded for his versatility with his ability to play largely every position along the offensive line. However, he’s quickly gone from ‘valuable backup’ to one of the better starting right tackles in football right now.

Per ProFootballFocus (subscription), Reitz currently is the 3rd best rated right tackle this season with a +6.4 grade overall in 7 starts. Digging even further, he has the 13th best pass blocking efficiency among all starting left and right tackles at a 96.3 percentage.

Not bad for a starting right tackle, who began the season as a backup. 

Since reshuffling the offensive line in Week 3 by inserting Reitz into the starting lineup, the Colts blocking has improved considerably overall. Simply put, it hasn’t been a mere coincidence.

Having signed Reitz to a 3-year, $9 million contract this past offseason, the 30 year old veteran has been invaluable to the team and that should remain the case going forward.

While he wasn’t necessarily the team’s first choice, it’s great to see that the Colts finally got it ‘Reitz’ at starting right tackle, as the offensive line clearly hasn’t looked back ever since his insertion into the starting lineup.