Colts 2014 Positional Review: Offensive Line
By Evan Reller
Aug 16, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts guard Hugh Thornton (69) watches on the sidelines during a game against the New York Giants at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Right Guard
Like at center, there was a lot of shuffling at the right guard position this season.
2015 Contract: $731,345
PFF Grade: -6.7
Thornton started eight games this season at right guard. He was about average overall this season but his score was pulled down by a few bad games. That said, he hasn’t developed much in his second season.
Thornton wasn’t benched this season but rather couldn’t stay healthy for more than a few games at a time. If he could maintain his health and stay on the field (both practice and game) consistently, he has the chance to develop into a solid starter.
2015 Contract: $1,097,500
PFF Grade: -14.3
Louis started nine games at right guard including the playoffs. To say he struggled at the position would be a huge understatement. He settled down towards the end of the season but didn’t do anything to prove he is worth a roster spot.
Considering his surprising salary in 2015, the Colts could save a million in cap space by cutting him. It would be surprising if he’s back with the team next year.
2015 Contract: Unrestricted Free Agent
PFF Grade: +4.6
Reitz started at right guard twice and played the spot in three more games in 2014. He’s a utility backup player who can be productive at most spots across the line. He also played two games at left guard with mixed results and was at right tackle to finish up the season (with disastrous results).
While he had a solid grade in the regular season, he would have earned a -10.6 for the three playoff games as a starter. Part of that has to do with playing right tackle, poorly.
Reitz was a quality backup for the Colts and would have been a solid option to play one of the guard spots all season long. He’s not a natural tackle and the Colts would be wise to bring him back in 2015.