Colts Anticipate that Matt Hasselbeck Will Start This Week

The Indianapolis Colts and head coach Chuck Pagano are anticipating that quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will get the start in Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins:

Despite being physically banged up, the 40 year old backup quarterback will make his 6th consecutive start in the absence of starting quarterback Andrew Luck.

Dec 20, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) walks off the field after being hurt against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Texans won 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

While Hasselbeck won his 1st 4 starts with the Colts, he has gone 0-3 ever since. The 17-year veteran has clearly been laboring under some injuries–having taken some big hits. Even so, he still remains the team’s best available option.

The only other alternative would be 3rd-string quarterback Charlie Whitehurst, so the Colts will likely continue to stick with Hasselbeck and hope that he can regain his earlier season form.

Against the Houston Texans last week, Hasselbeck was 17 for 30 (56.7%) for 147 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, and a passer rating of 66.9.

The offense has simply failed to show much life in recent weeks, having only scored 2 offensive touchdowns total in their last 3 games. Behind a shaky offensive line, the Colts have failed to show much continuity and an ability to sustain long scoring drives.

Hasselbeck hasn’t been solely to blame, but he’s been a part of the problem in the team’s last 3 losses. The Colts passing attack has lacked timing and consistency, and the veteran quarterback has frequently been off on his throws in recent games.

Whether that’s due to miscommunication with his receivers or simply a lack of accuracy on his throws, the Colts need Hasselbeck to become a serious solution in turning their recent offensive woes around.