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5 Reasons Why the Colts are Still in a Rebuild

By Philip Tor

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 13: General manager Chris Ballard addresses the media during the press conference introducing head coach Frank Reich at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 13, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 13: General manager Chris Ballard addresses the media during the press conference introducing head coach Frank Reich at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 13, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 05: Colts tackle Anthony Castonzo
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 05: Colts tackle Anthony Castonzo /

Unproven Offensive Line

The position group that all Colts fans should have their eyes on is the unit up front.

This is the group that has had a number of issues over the past few years, from injuries to inconsistency, which is a big reason why general manager Chris Ballard brought in pieces such as Quenton Nelson and Matt Slauson this offseason. Even with these key additions, the Colts’ offensive line has yet to be tested.

Veteran Anthony Castonzo, arguably the Colts best player on the line, has battled an ailing knee this offseason. Castonzo is expected to be back in time for camp, but was on the sideline for most of minicamp and OTA’s. This time missed is critical, considering he has yet to play with Nelson, who is slated to start beside him at guard. The Colts need to have their top big men ready to go by camp in order to build a strong connection and work on their timing for the regular season.

Another big question surrounding this unit is center Ryan Kelly, who had a rough sophomore campaign in Indianapolis. After showing flashes of talent in his first season, Kelly went down with foot and head injuries to cut his 2017 season to only seven games.

Then there are the newcomers brought in by Ballard and the Colts. Veterans Matt Slauson and Austin Howard hope to jump right into the starting lineup along with the first round pick Nelson. This means that the Colts could have three new faces up front, maybe even four depending on the health of Castonzo and Kelly.

The Colts used 18 different combinations on the line last season, leading to 182 pressures of Jacoby Brissett. Chris Ballard brought in a number of players to improve this unit, but it will take  time for the players to learn and gel in this new system.

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