Just a year ago, NFL Network analyst Adam Rank was optimistic about the Indianapolis Colts. He projected them to go 10-6 and win the AFC South.
So what did this team do to change his mind so drastically?!
This week, Rank went through the Colts’ 2021 schedule and “analyzed” all the games, diagnosing how the Colts would fare week by week. And frankly, it was wildly insulting.
It’s no secret the Colts’ start to the year is incredibly daunting … but how can you suggest a star-studded team that nearly beat the Buffalo Bills in last year’s postseason will end up 5-12?
NFL Network analyst Adam Rank’s 2021 prediction for the Indianapolis Colts is insulting.
TWO losses to the Jaguars?! ZERO consecutive victories? A sure-handed loss to the Ravens despite all the starters they lost over the last two weeks? Rank was also quick to call the games against the Dolphins, 49ers and Patriots losses. If anything, those are toss-ups. There’s no particular discerning difference in talent between the Colts and those teams. Could they lose all three? Sure! But did the 2020 Colts not prove anything to you about resiliency?
Also, Rank goes as far to say the Colts need to find answers at quarterback before they begin to make a serious push in the AFC. We’re not saying Carson Wentz is the definitive answer and will lead the Colts to the Super Bowl, but getting him out of Philly and reuniting him with the head coach that made him an MVP candidate certainly suggests we’re in for a bounce-back campaign after his poor 2020.
Perhaps Rank isn’t high on the Colts’ pass rush after the departures of Justin Houston and Denico Autry. But the coaching staff is loving what they’re seeing from Kwity Paye, and the interior defensive line featuring DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart might be the best in the NFL. One could say the same about the secondary, but Indy’s actually gotten stronger in that department and managed to succeed last year.
The schedule is much harder, but Rank’s predictions suggest the Colts will be regressing throughout the season. How?! You’re telling us this team won’t get it together and be able to close out the year with wins over the Raiders and Jaguars?
OK. Call us if this happens. Actually, don’t. We’ll be in a ditch somewhere.
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