Here are three reasons why the Colts will win the AFC South this season.
We would normally refrain from saying that teams should feel optimistic following an under-.500 finish, but the Indianapolis Colts aren’t your average squad.
It’s been reiterated numerous times over the past 12 months, sure, but that’s simply because of how pertinent it is: The retirement of Andrew Luck couldn’t have come at a worst time.
For those that forget (shame on you), the perennial Pro Bowler confirmed the worst fears of Colts fans just three weeks before the start of the regular season.
Amazingly enough, Indianapolis responded by being in the playoff hunt for the majority of the campaign before a four-game losing streak from Weeks 12-15 derailed any chance they had at defying the odds.
Look out for the Colts in the AFC South pic.twitter.com/rmxIYGFvAi
— PFF (@PFF) June 9, 2020
However, now that Indy is a full year removed from Luck’s earth-shattering decision, there will be newfound expectations for the team in 2020. In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised if the Colts finished atop in what is a wide open AFC South — Pro Football Focus certainly seems to think so.
With that in mind, here are three reasons why we think that will happen.
3. Bolstered Defense
The Colts made two key additions to their defense this offseason.
Last season, the Colts’ defense finished mostly in the middle of the pack as far as statistics were concerned, including 18th in points and 16th in yards allowed per game. There was a glaring over-reliance on the likes of linebacker Darius Leonard and pass rusher Justin Houston, who combined to register 165 tackles, 16 sacks, 24 QB hits, seven passes defended, five interceptions, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
Fans in Indianapolis should be expecting that narrative to turn on its head in 2020 following the additions of finally-comfortable cornerback Xavier Rhodes and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. The former, assuming he improves upon a disastrous campaign last season, will provide the Colts with stout coverage alongside surprise breakout stud Rock Ya-Sin, who started 13 games a rookie and logged a respectable 65.3 grade from PFF for his efforts.
The latter, meanwhile, will enter the spotlight with Indy after being overlooked on San Francisco’s loaded defensive line for the last four seasons. His imposing presence (6-foot-7, 300 pounds) will only create more holes for Houston and the rest of the Colts front six to get after opposing quarterbacks.
Indianapolis’ improved defense will be a vital reason why the team will finish above the Texans and Titans in 2020.