The Indianapolis Colts seem prepared to give Nyheim Hines the keys to the car on Sunday whenever necessary against the Green Bay Packers.
In order to choke out the Green Bay Packers and continue their momentum, the Indianapolis Colts are going to need to attack from all cylinders on Sunday.
And that means putting their best foot forward — at every position.
Despite what we thought we’d see entering 2020, the backfield has not looked very similar to its preseason projections. Marlon Mack went down Week 1 and was immediately eliminated from the equation, but perhaps more importantly, rookie Jonathan Taylor has been, well, a little more ordinary than we thought in Year 1. Working in opposition to Taylor, bite-sized weapon Nyheim Hines hasn’t just been a good change of pace, but has usually been the Colts’ most effective playmaker out of the backfield and occasionally in the passing game.
Finally, in Week 11, the Colts seem prepared to make a conscious change to the way they dole out carries. According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Indy plans to “ride the hot hand” on Sunday, which probably means an increased emphasis on Hines.
From @NFLGameDay: The #Lions will start Adrian Peterson at RB today, though Kerryon Johnson will split carries... meanwhile, the #Colts will ride the hot hand, likely meaning more Nyheim Hines. pic.twitter.com/AbGFvgdI2j
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 22, 2020
“With some inconsistency and frustration with rookie Jonathan Taylor, do not be surprised if Hines once again gets the bulk of the carries for the Colts, as Frank Reich continues to ride the hot hand,” Rapoport told his NFL Network colleagues on Sunday morning, and to that, we say, “Good.”
Hines did put up a particularly impressive stat line last Thursday in Indy’s most recent game, a second-half road bludgeoning of the Tennessee Titans. The 24-year-old rushed 12 times for 70 yards in that game, further shredding the defense with five catches for 45 yards.
It’s been a wonderful weekend for Hines, who saw his NC State Wolfpack come away with a last-second victory over Liberty on Saturday, and has now been rewarded on his new squad.
YESSSSSS @PackFootball YESSSSS😭😭 I love my pack man
— Nyheim Hines (@TheNyNy7) November 22, 2020
We once thought Hines would mimic Darren Sproles in this offense to Philip Rivers’ benefit, but he’s been so much more than that.
And it’s about time the coaching staff acknowledges his official role change.
Colts fans should be optimistic after watching Packers play down to Jags
Wait, we thought losing to the Jaguars was a death sentence? Because the Packers basically just did that, and here they come to play the Colts...