Is Eric Fisher’s run blocking reason for the Colts to re-sign him?

Eric Fisher is a great run blocker, is that enough for the Indianapolis Colts to re-sign him?

Last offseason, the Indianapolis Colts signed Eric Fisher in an attempt to solve the problem at left tackle. The former No. 1 overall pick was 30 years old and coming off an Achilles injury.

A year later, Fisher is a free agent and the Colts still have the same problem at left tackle.

Fisher started 15 games this season for Indianapolis and he excelled as a run blocker. He was a big part of one of the league’s best rushing attacks. However, he was pretty bad in pass protection.

The primary role of a left tackle in football is to protect the quarterback’s blind side, Fisher was unable to do that effectively and that’s why it’s believed Indy will be in the market for another left tackle.

Despite his struggles in pass protection, some are asking if Fisher’s skillset as an elite run blocker is enough for him to return to Indianapolis for another year.

Should Colts re-sign Eric Fisher for run-blocking skills?

It’s a fair question considering Indianapolis is a run-first team and Fisher is very good in that department. Additionally, he was the best option at tackle for the team this year.

A look at last year’s film and Fisher can be seen making countless vital blocks to help spring free Jonathan Taylor. Taylor’s explosive year for 1,811 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns couldn’t be possible without the guys up front.

One example of Fisher creating room for Taylor came in Week 15, in the Colts rivalry game against the New England Patriots. The close game came down to the wire before Indianapolis iced the game with a 67-yard Taylor touchdown run.

During the run, Fisher can be seen washing defenders down the line and carving the path that Taylor ran through for victory.

Fisher is clearly a good run blocker, however, that alone shouldn’t get him re-signed by Indianapolis. If Indy can move on at left tackle, they should.

Colts should not re-sign Eric Fisher

There are a couple of reasons why Indianapolis shouldn’t re-sign Fisher. One reason is that upgrades will be available this offseason.

When a team can get better in this league, they must take that opportunity to do so. There will be several veteran free agents at the left tackle position that the Colts should go after.

If Indy decides to settle with Fisher over pursuing others, the franchise is choosing mediocrity.

The other reason Indianapolis should move on is that Fisher simply hasn’t been good at pass protection and that is too large of a responsibility for his position to gloss over.

Just as Fisher can be seen on film dominating in the run game, there are several clips of him being dominated by pass rushers. None were more pivotal than when Fisher gave up a strip-sack in Week 12 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

https://twitter.com/buccaneers/status/1465049315060113415?s=21

A lot of time is devoted to criticizing the performance of Carson Wentz and while he does have things he needs to work on, his ceiling will always be capped with subpar protection on his blind side.

The Colts would be doing a disservice to the team if they voluntarily decide to re-sign Eric Fisher. The only way he should return is if Indianapolis makes valid pursuits of the quality free-agent tackles and is turned down.

If Indy can’t upgrade and it decides bringing back Fisher is the best remaining option, then that’s understandable, but the team must try to replace him.

4 Players Colts should pursue to replace Eric Fisher

The Indianapolis Colts will have to find a replacement for starting left tackle Eric Fisher. Here are four quality replacements on the free agency market.