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Three keys to success for the Colts in the 2020 season

By Brandon Daniels

CARSON, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after passing for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter at Dignity Health Sports Park on September 08, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after passing for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter at Dignity Health Sports Park on September 08, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) /
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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 29: Marlon Mack #25 of the Indianapolis Colts scores a touchdown during the first quarter of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on December 29, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 29: Marlon Mack #25 of the Indianapolis Colts scores a touchdown during the first quarter of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on December 29, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /

3. Top-15 in both offense and defense

The Colts struggled mightily on both sides of the ball last year. They finished 16th in total defense and 25th in total offense. For the team to make a deep playoff run in 2020, they need to finish in the top fifteen on both sides of the ball. This means consistency in the passing offense (Colts unit ranked 30th in 2019) and improved play in the secondary (ranked 25th in pass defense last year).

The rushing attack and run defense were the two staples for the Colts last year and also need to continue being as effective as they were. The rushing offense was one of seven teams to rush for over 130 yards per game, and the defense was one of eight teams to allow less than 100 yards on the ground. These are key attributes of the hard-nosed and physical style of play the Colts look to continue next season.

The combination of Rivers, Hilton, and Pitman needs to gel quickly. The team’s midseason stretch is a group of teams who were very successful against the run, therefore headlining the importance of the passing attack on offense as the season moves into the post-season. Similarly, the secondary needs major improvement heading into 2020 if there’s going to be true success on defense.

Next. The best remaining free agent pickups for the Colts in 2020. dark

The last time the Colts ranked in the top-15 in both offense and defense was 2014. If they can replicate their successes again in 2020, all signs point to a deep playoff run.

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