Despite not making splashes in free agency, the Indianapolis Colts seem poised to improve upon last season, when they finished 11-5 and were ultimately eliminated by Buffalo in the first round of the playoffs in heartbreaking fashion.
We’d feel a lot better about that prediction if their left tackle and edge rushing conundrums were already sorted out, but we fully trust that GM Chris Ballard will address those issues likely in the NFL Draft.
While the Colts’ defense carried them for large stretches last campaign, it wouldn’t be surprising if it was the offense that was responsible for most of their success in 2021.
That obviously isn’t to say the defense won’t be rock solid. That’s almost impossible for a group that boasts All-Pro talents like Darius Leonard and DeForest Buckner. We just anticipate the offense to continue to make strides in its development.
After all, this could be the most balanced Indy’s offense has been in several years following the acquisition of Carson Wentz. With that in mind, let’s highlight a few reasons why teams around the league shouldn’t sleep on the Colts’ offense.
Here’s why the Colts’ offense cannot be underestimated in 2021.
3. Deep WR Corps
The Colts’ wide receiving corps doesn’t get enough respect.
On paper, the Colts’ wide receiving corps might not scare anyone, as it doesn’t exactly flaunt an established superstar like most offenses. However, there might not be a deeper unit in the league, as the likes of TY Hilton, Michael Pittman Jr., Parris Campbell and Zach Pascal are all capable of carrying the load on a weekly basis.
The re-signing of Hilton can be considered a gamble given how many other younger proven commodities were available in free agency this offseason, but fans have little to complain about knowing that he returned on a modest one-year, $8 million contract.
With a more mobile quarterback in Carson Wentz taking over the reins of the offense, we might just see Hilton return to his very best next season. As for the rest of the group, Pittman can be expected to build upon an impressive rookie campaign, in which he tallied 40 receptions for 503 yards and one touchdown across 13 games.
Pascal, meanwhile, was headed for restricted free agency and now seems poised for a big year after the Colts chose to retain him on a tender. There were stretches last season where he carried the load at receiver, as he finished third on the team in catches (44), second in receiving yards (629), and tied for first with five touchdowns.
As for Campbell, he can become one of the most dynamic slot receivers in the NFL if he can stay healthy. That’s obviously a huge if, as he’s been limited to just nine games over his first two years after being taken in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, but his talent is undeniable.
If Campbell is regularly available for the Colts next season, we wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if their receiving corps finally garners the respect it deserves.