Who will have better 2015 for the Colts: Fleener or Allen?
As we all know, the Indianapolis Colts have one of the most intriguing offenses going into the 2015 Season with the additions of Frank Gore, Andre Johnson, and Phillip Dorsett. Quarterback Andrew Luck can only throw the ball to so many people, so many times per game. You can almost say that there is an over-abundance of mouths to feed on this offense. But that is what will make this offense so scary in 2015!
Last time we talked about who will have a better season in 2015 between ne addition Andre Johnson and 4th year stud T.Y. Hilton. I had The Ghost (Hilton) taking the edge and majority of the catches. This time we will talk about the Tight End Tandem of Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen.
The Colts had one of the very best Tight End tag teams last season with Fleener and Allen. But lets break down each players 2014 season, and what they could possibly produce in 2015:
Coby Fleener #80 6’6″ 251 lbs
Dec 28, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA;
Indianapolis Colts tight end Coby Fleener (80) catches a touchdown pass from Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Matt Hasselbeck(8) Mandatory Credit:
Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Fleener had his best season yet with the Colts. He finished with 51 receptions, 774 receiving yards, 16 catches of 20+ yards, and 8 touchdowns. He drastically improved his playing ability especially as a deep threat, however he still continues to drop wide open, easy passes. I believe that Fleener definitely has a high ceiling, but maybe not as high as Allen’s. The upside about Fleener compared to Dwayne Allen is that Fleener has only missed 4 games (rookie season) compared to the 3 games Allen missed last season and the almost entire 2013 season he had to sit out in 2013. Coby is definitely not a blocking tight end, however he is an excellent receiver. I see him having a very similar 2015.
2015 Predictions:
45Receptions 812 Receiving Yards 6 Touchdowns
With the influx of new talent coming in, his targets may drop a little, but I really think he is coming into his own as a deep threat for Indy. Not to mention that he will be a go to guy when going for a first down, as he had 40 first down catches in 2014. I do not see that number going down much, if at all.
Dwayne Allen #83 6’3″
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen (83) reacts following a touchdown during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dwayne Allen really stepped into a bigger role in 2014 as a red zone threat. He even missed a little time here and there during the season and finished with 29 Reception, 395 Receiving yards, and 8 Touchdowns. While the receptions are not very high by any manner, it is very hard to miss the fact that 8 of those receptions were for touchdowns. 6 of those touchdowns came in the opponent’s red zone and the other three came between the Opponent’s 49-20 yard line. In fact, he only averaged 4.8 yards/catch and his longest catch was only 12 yards last year, according to NFL.com. Allen may not be much of an every down pass catcher, but he truly is a force to be reckoned with in the red zone. If Allen can stay healthy in 2015, I think we will see his numbers improve slightly.
2015 Predictions:
41 Receptions 510 Receiving yards 8 Touchdowns
Allen will be able to produce the same amount of touchdown receptions next year with all the other talent on offense trying to get a piece of the action as well. I think with so many hands down there, Allen will be getting some open looks especially in two tight end sets near the goal line. I just think there isn’t enough talent on any defense to cover all the talent on Indy’s offense.
WINNER:
Coby Fleener
While I think Allen may get a similar amount of catches as Fleener, and more touchdowns, I think Fleener is the overall better go to Tight End. Fleener is the one that will help bring the team down the field and Allen will be the one to help seal the deal. This position group is going to be a lot of fun to watch, especially if Allen can play his first full season since his rookie year. Even with the abundance of talent Andrew Luck has to work with, they will make room for these two tight ends! The next question with these two though, who will be extended and will either one leave after the season with both contracts expiring at the end of 2015, and others expiring (Luck, Castonzo, T.Y.) as well.
Sep 28, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Coby Fleener (80) scores a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports