Colts: Midseason Report Card for Indianapolis Colts’ offense
Halfway to their destiny, the 2020 Indianapolis Colts’ offense was graded on their second quarter’s worth of hard numbers — and with mixed results.
The second quarter of the 2020 season ended with a frustrating thud, and produced only a 2-2 result, with a dangerous trip ahead in the third quarter. Still, the Colts were 5-3 at the halfway mark, and after a crucial Thursday night win against division rival Tennessee, their fate is still in their own hands at 6-3
In comparing units and individuals with league leaders, I focus on averages and not totals, because many teams have yet to have their bye weeks and have a baked-in advantage.
So, let’s do it, shall we?
Offensive Line: Cracks in the Great Wall
O-line, Run Game:
Do you still think the Colts O-line is the best in the league? Guess where Football Outsiders mathematically ranks Colts O-line in rushing? 25th. Head Coach Frank Reich often says every part of the team has to get better every week to get to the Super Bowl. Why does Reich keep saying that? Because it’s true. Nine games in, the rushing game is not where it needs to be.
The run game, and lack of depth in the face of injuries, could crumble the Great Wall.
O-line, Passing Game:
It’s true that in pass protection they are first in fewest sacks allowed, but as a run-first offense, their adjusted sack rate (per pass play %) is 7th. Two teams that beat the Colts this year are ranked higher in pass protection: Cleveland and Jacksonville. Jacksonville?! That stings.
However, they are making Philip Rivers so, so much better. I have watched Phil Rivers since he and his wife Tiffany were a one-child family. Rivers has never had this much time to throw. This is the luxury that Tom Brady had for most of two decades. This season, many times Rivers has time to make a fish taco back there. Often, his receivers run their routes in 2-to-4 seconds, and then look to get open again, because Rivers is still upright, and still looking for an open target. Old man RIvers can’t believe his good fortune. Together, the passing game is still getting better.
Summary: A poor run game, and struggles in third-down, red-zone and goal-line is partly their bad. Depth is another concern; multiple injuries would crumble the Great Wall.