The Indianapolis Colts were just a few inches away from upsetting the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round last season, and head coach Frank Reich will be hoping his side takes another step in their quest to bring home a championship in 2021.
Though they’ve been disrespected on countless occasions this offseason, the Colts have the necessary talent to compete with the NFL’s upper-echelon teams.
In order for them to reach that ceiling, however, it goes without saying their high-end talents (like Carson Wentz, Darius Leonard, Quenton Nelson, etc.) will have to step up. However, we’d argue that the contributions from some of Indy’s most underrated players will be just as important.
In fact, it would’t be surprising if one of those players in the overlooked category emerges as a team MVP candidate in 2021. That, of course, begs the question of which players have the best chance of doing so? We’ve narrowed down the list to three candidates.
3 players who can become team MVPs for the Colts in 2021.
3. Parris Campbell
Some fans might view Parris Campbell as more of an X-factor than an MVP candidate, but who says the two can’t be intertwined?
Unfortunately for Campbell, injuries have derailed the start of his pro career, as he’s played just nine of a possible 32 regular season games over his first two years. The potential he’s flashed in his limited action, however, has forced Colts fans to keep the faith.
To put it simply, a healthy Campbell would change everything for the Colts’ offense. Not only would the extra playmaker make it tougher for opposing defenses, but his ability to become a dominant possession-based receiver would be a godsend for Carson Wentz.
If Parris Campbell stays healthy, look out for the Colts’ offense.
Anybody who watched the Eagles over the last few seasons knows that Wentz didn’t have a reliable receiver he could target on underneath routes. While Zach Ertz was as consistent as they come from the tight end position, having a receiver capable of doing that is paramount.
With TY Hilton getting up there in age, Campbell could be that player for Wentz and the Colts moving forward. The 2019 second-round pick has undergone a handful of surgeries in his young career, but you have to think his woeful injury luck will change at some point, right?
…Right?
If it does, Campbell has team MVP potential written all over him.