2. Does Fitter Mean Better for Dwayne Allen?
The Colts essentially chose Dwayne Allen to be their tight end going forward over departed teammate Coby Fleener and to the tune of a new lucrative 4-year, $29.4 million deal.
So far, Allen has taken the team’s leap of faith seriously, as he’s shown up to training camp in the best shape of his young career–having worked out extensively with the Colts new head strength and conditioning coach Darren Krein this offseason:
Dwayne Allen credits new strength and conditioning staff for outstanding offseason. Says he can feel difference on the field. #ColtsCamp16
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) August 1, 2016
Luck on Dwayne Allen: "He's probably as physically fit and as ready to go as I've ever seen him."
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) July 29, 2016
It’s not just that Allen looks the part either, as he’s played it–and very well at that early in training camp:
Big day as well for Dwayne Allen, 6 catches and 2 TDs with the 1s. #ColtsCamp16
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) August 1, 2016
Much like the rest of the Colts offense, Allen endured a down season for his high standards. Still, Allen offers the team an incredibly versatile offensive weapon with his ability to both catch and block at a high level.
With new offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski in the fold for a full season–who’s known to maximize his tight end’s production, as well as a healthy Andrew Luck, Allen could be poised for a breakout season.
Allen’s struggled with injuries in the past and his durability remains a concern, but he’s certainly placed himself in the best position to succeed for this upcoming season by showing up to training camp in great shape physically.