With Anthony Castonzo out yet again, the Colts will have to use their backup at left tackle again. Their starting right tackle has been a perceived weak spot as well. But are they as bad as people say?
Le’Raven Clark wasn’t expected to see this much playing time this early in the season. He was projected as a backup for the whole season. But he has been a starter for the last couple of games. He is going to start again Sunday in place of Anthony Castonzo.
Joe Haeg has been the starting right tackle. He had to fight with Clark and others to earn that starting spot. It is a perceived weak spot on the starting offensive line. But is he that bad? And for that matter, is Clark that bad too?
Looking deeper at the numbers, you can make a case that Haeg has performed pretty well. He has yet to be called for a penalty this season, and hasn’t allowed a ton of pressure on Luck. Yes he has looked slow at times, but he has graded out as above average so far.
Clark on the other hand has had a rougher go. He got blown up on a sack last week against the Redskins. No one is expecting him to be as good as Castonzo, but he can’t allow his quarterback to get hit as hard as he has. Clark needs to be at least serviceable until Castonzo comes back.
Neither of these players will make any Pro Bowls or All-Pro teams. But both can be a decent lineman for the Colts, especially Haeg. Haeg is still young and has positional versatility along the line. That is important, and will continue to be as the season wears on.