Colts training camp preview: Kickoff coverage
By Ryan Stano
We wind down our previews with looking at something the Colts struggled with a few years ago: kickoff coverage.
The Colts were one of the worst kickoff covering teams in the league a few years back. They couldn’t stop anyone from getting great field position off of the kickoff. Now that the ball has been moved up, there aren’t as many kick returns in today’s game.
Last season, the Colts did a much better job with stopping the kick returner. While the majority of their kickoffs resulted in touchbacks, they did a good job keeping teams from having good field position. That helps the defense immensely, which in turn helps the offense.
Looking forward to training camp, this is where the majority of borderline players will make the team. Special teams is where a lot of players start out their careers. This is where a lot of people should pay attention during camp. Keeping an eye on that unit is where players will make the team.
Kickoff coverage is going by the wayside a little bit, which is dangerous for several players. The kickoff is the most dangerous play in football. They are also the most exciting play in football. But if it is eliminated entirely, many players on teams will be gone from rosters.
All in all, the Colts should have a pretty good kick coverage team this season. It should be something that they keep at a high level for the next few years as well. But it should be watched closely.