The Difference a Year Makes for the Colts

Jacoby Brissett and Frank Reich has had the offense on point early on in the season. Believe it or not the offense is actually better than it was last season. The question has to be asked though. If the Colts offense is statistically better then why aren’t they winning more games?

Last year the Colts ranked 10th in offense and this year the Colts rank 8th. Not a big improvement but still an improvement. The question has to be asked; how do Brissett’s stats compare to Andrew Luck? Brissett, believe it or not, has similar numbers to Luck through 4 weeks of the season. Keep in mind I personally never thought Luck was fully healthy during the first 4 weeks of the season last year and that could’ve played a factor in the numbers.

Andrew Luck had 1226 yards, 9 touchdowns to 3 interceptions. Holding a 67% completion percentage. And a QBR of 89. Compared to Jacoby Brissett currently has 909 yards, an NFL Leading 10 touchdowns to 2 interceptions. 66.6 completion percentage and a QBR of 104.1.

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Pretty similar in terms of numbers and both were very effective. If Brissett is playing as effective as Luck why are the Colts 2-2? The answer is simple actually. It’s because of the defense. Yes you can put partial blame on Reich and Brissett without a doubt. Reich has had some very questionable play calls. But the Colts are running the ball effectively and that’s credit to the offensive line. Marlon Mack has seen workhorse numbers, and it’s because the line has been aggressive and creating holes for him to run behind. Also keep in mind the Colts started off very slow last season at 1-5, so look at the bright side.

Brissett is taking unnecessary sacks just by simply holding the ball too long in the pocket. In order for the Colts to be able to compete in close games they NEED to be able to pass the ball and accumulate yardage through the air. One of the craziest stats I’ve seen is that the Colts have not had a 100 yard receiver through the first 4 weeks of the season. They haven’t even had a 90 yard receiver in a game. Having a top 10 run offense means nothing if you can’t pass the ball. Defenses are loading the box late in the games. They have to stretch the field and keep things balanced, and to keep defenses on their toes.

The Colts offense needs to pick it up to be a legit force in this league. Pass catchers can’t be dropping balls that hit them in the hands. They currently have the 8th best offense in the entire NFL. Now imagine if the Colts and Reich and Jacoby can dial up some offense to get thee receivers more involved. Imagine what their ranking could be amongst the NFL’s best. Yes the Colts lost Funchess, but guys need to step up. It’s next man up in Indy. Deon Cain, Parris Campbell, Zach Pascal all need to step up and play big roles for this offense in the coming weeks.

They play Kansas City this Sunday. The Chiefs are a very high powered offense and in order to keep up with their quick strike offense. They need those players to step up. They need Reich to have the perfect game plan and the Colts need to execute that game plan. 1-0 every single week. They can’t mull over the raiders lost. That loss needs to be in the back of their minds as we go into play the Chiefs.

This offense has every ability to be better than they were last season. It’s going to be a group effort from everyone in the building. The offense needs to continue to build on the strong run game and expand the passing game. The Colts can make a run for a wide open AFC South. Do not sleep on this team the rest of the season. This is a very complete team looking to compete.