Colts run blocking has drastically improved

A big part of having a good offense is having a balanced attack. To do that, you not only need to have a good running back and quarterback, but an offensive line who can open up holes. The Colts have that now.

The Colts offensive line has been much maligned over the past few years. Most of that is in regard to its failure to protect Andrew Luck in pass protection. But they also haven’t done a good job of opening up holes for running backs to get through. That has changed this year.

Through two games, the offensive line already has majorly improved their run blocking. Running backs are having larger holes to get through and can get to the second level easier. This allowed the Colts to run for over 100 yards against Washington.

Quenton Nelson has done a big part in helping the line. He is huge and very strong. He is especially adept at run blocking. Nelson does a great job of getting to the second level to block linebackers after he’s already taken care of defensive tackles. But the players around him have improved too.

Even though the tackle positions continue to be a revolving door of players, run blocking up the middle continues to impress. For context on how bad the run game has been in the past, Frank Gore had 106 yards against the Texans in 2016. That was the first 100+ yard rusher the Colts had since Donald Brown in 2011.

Now that the run blocking is better, the Colts can be more balanced on offense. Being more balanced means moving the ball better, and that leads to scoring more points. Having the offense this effective, along with an improved defense, will lead to more wins for an overlooked team.