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.
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.