Is Coby Fleener due for a breakout game versus Miami?

Colts Tight End Coby Fleener, the 34th pick in the 2012 draft, was selected to help build the Colts offense with the release of Peyton Manning and Dallas Clark. The added bonus in drafting Fleener was that he was Andrew Luck’s favorite target in college when both played in Stanford. It was intended to have Andrew Luck have a reliable option in his receiving corp with him also being a rookie.

In the 3rd round however, the Colts selected another Tight End in Dwayne Allen from Clemson. Many questioned why the Colts would draft two tight ends with there being needs on the defensive side of the ball such as needs for the defensive line and the secondary in 2012.

In the 2012 season however, Dwayne Allen had a very solid rookie campaign which made him one of the league’s best rising Tight Ends.

Coby Fleener, on the other hand, missed four games in 2012 due to injury and failed to make any sort of impact.

Here are the 2012 stats for each player

• Dwayne Allen: 45 receptions on 66 targets for 521 yards and 3 TDs
• Coby Fleener: 26 receptions on 48 targets for 281 yards and 2 TDs

Dwayne Allen became more of a reliable option for Luck as Fleener relegated to somewhat of a backup role and saw limited targets as the 2012 season drew to a close.

Dwayne Allen never missed a game in all of 2012 and is doubtful for tomorrow’s game against the Miami Dolphins which may very well give Coby Fleener more looks and targets.

Miami’s pass defense has never been their strong point but never their weak point either. It was average to above average at best over the past several years but looks more bolstered this year with free agency acquisitions of CB Brent Grimes and OLB Danelle Ellerbe.

Last week though, Cleveland Tight End Jordan Cameron had 9 receptions for 108 yards and a TD. Brandon Weeden is no Andrew Luck but was able to find his tight end nine times throughout the game and facing a stout Miami pass rush.

If there was ever a game in which Coby Fleener could break out, this one could very well be it. Let’s not forget that Dwayne Allen caught 6 receptions for 75 yards last year vs. Miami in Andrew Luck’s rookie passing record performance.

Fleener had been questioned of his toughness throughout the preseason for his numerous injuries as well as not making catches he should have made.

All the signs point to Fleener having a big game and becoming a viable weapon in the Colts passing game for the rest of the season and for years to come.

He just has to put it all together and deliver consistently.

GO COLTS!!!

Frank McMahen is a Staff Writer at Naptown’s Finest. Follow Frank and Naptown’s Finest on Twitter.