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Colts: Nyheim Hines and Parris Campbell are now key components of Indy’s offense

By Jerry Trotta

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 17: Nyheim Hines #21 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 17: Nyheim Hines #21 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Colts RB Nyheim Hines and WR Parris Campbell now deserve a lot of attention.

The immediate discussion in the wake of the Indianapolis Colts’ loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1 revolved mostly around the negatives, and rightfully so as there were almost too many to keep track of.

However, assuming that fans have gotten what they needed to say off their chest, now seems like an appropriate time to shed some light on two undeniable positives from the first game of the new season.

As we know, a tough matchup with Minnesota awaits on Sunday, and it would seriously behoove head coach Frank Reich to keep the likes of running back Nyheim Hines and wide receiver Parris Campbell heavily involved in the offense following their standout performances.

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With starter Marlon Mack lost for the season after suffering a torn Achilles against Jacksonville, Hines will be tasked with shouldering the biggest workload of his career. In a pleasant surprise for fans in Indianapolis, the third-year RB looked the part, taking four carries for 28 yards (and a touchdown) on the ground to go with 45 yards on eight receptions (and a TD) in the passing game.

The Colts clearly think highly of Jonathan Taylor as they used a second-round pick on him back in April, but all the buzz of out training camp hinted that they don’t want him to handle the workload of a three-down back just yet. He’ll undoubtedly start for Indy, but you better believe that Hines will have a major role to play, as both a runner and receiver, in Week 2 and beyond.

As for Campbell, well, he was easily Indianapolis’ most impressive receiver in Week 1, logging six receptions for 71 yards, the latter of which led the team. Philip Rivers spoke fondly of the former Ohio State’s maturation during camp, and the opening game proved he enjoys throwing his way.

When you couple TY Hilton looking rusty — he dropped two crucial passes on the final drive against the Jaguars — with rookie WR Michael Pittman Jr. not taking on as big of a role as previously anticipated, Campbell could prove to be the x-factor in the passing game.

Pittman is also battling a toe injury, which has his status for Week 2 up in the air. It goes without saying that this presents Campbell with an opportunity to further prove his impact in the slot, which Indy hasn’t exactly shined in recent years.

We speculated that it could be the case during camp, and now it’s official: Hines and Campbell are key components of the Colts offense that will dictate the 2020 season.

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