The Colts face a lot of adversity last year. From having key players go down with injuries, to close losses, they didn’t handle it very well. That is now about to change.
New head coach Frank Reich has been preaching toughness ever since he was hired. There is physical toughness and mental toughness. The Colts didn’t have either last season. But both are about to change.
With several key players going down with injuries last season, young players were thrust into unfamiliar roles. They were not ready to be thrust onto the big stage yet. In turn, they played bad football and cost the team games. But having that experience benefits the team now.
Having players that are more experienced behind the starters helps build the depth that any team needs. Now that those young players have that, the team is much more equipped to handle adversity. Players won’t look so scared to make a mistake the next time someone goes down with an injury.
The Colts should also be able to close games out better. Under Chuck Pagano there were two main themes that showed over and over; the inability to score early, and the inability to close out games. Winning close games is more about coaching than it is about personnel. Reich should do a better job of that next season.
Losing those close games does have a value though. Players learn how to handle close game situations better. They saw what didn’t work, so they know how to fix their mistakes to make sure they win those games moving forward. Coaches learn that as well.
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No one is making excuses for Indianapolis. Every team has to deal with adversity. But the team is now constructed in such a way where they will handle it like winners moving forward.