Colts say everyone is at fault for protection issues, not just the offensive line
The Indianapolis Colts have struggled in pass protection and the team is letting it be known that the issue is bigger than the offensive line.
The offense of the Indianapolis Colts is off to a horrible start this season. They’re averaging 13.3 points a game which puts them as the worst scoring offense in the NFL through three weeks. Much of the blame from fans and media members have gone to the offensive line. While Indy’s offense has had several issues, the most glaring problem has been the inability to pass protect.
Through the first three games, Matt Ryan has been sacked 12 times and hit an additional 16. Watching Indy’s games, the offensive line is often either beaten straight up or has a miscommunication that allows a free rusher. This has led to everyone pointing fingers at the guys up front letting them know they need to figure things out and get it together. However, people within the organization are quick to admit that it’s not just on the offensive line.
Players and coaches have admitted that while there is a pass protection problem, the blame falls on the shoulders of pretty much everyone on offense, not just the offensive line. This wasn’t just said to cover for teammates because there’s truth to it. From Matt Ryan to the running backs, tight ends, and receivers, everyone has had their fair share of missed responsibilities and failed communication that led to a collapsed pocket.
MR: "I gotta make sure I’m getting us into the right things, we’ve gotta do a great job up front, we’ve gotta do a great job at RB of understanding our assignments, an on the outside, we’ve gotta do the little things that help open up things to get the ball out quicker."
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) September 28, 2022
The entire Colts offense is responsible for protection issues
During games, all fans really see are defenders entering the pocket, relatively easy, and taking down Matt Ryan. Through replays, spectators have tried deducing who was at fault but we never can tell for sure because we don’t know the responsibilities of each player like the team does— or like they should at least.
The Colts will need to figure things out soon because regardless of how good the defense is playing right now, they won’t be able to carry a dead offense to many victories. Bringing the offense to life all starts with blocking. Not just in the passing game either but in the run game as well.
Running the ball is supposed to be the one thing Indy’s offense is good at but even that has been a struggle. Again, the reason it’s been a struggle is blocking but not just offensive line blocking but blocking from skill position players.
begging the Colts WRs to block somebody for Jonathan Taylor pic.twitter.com/cogO6UQYGM
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) September 27, 2022
While Jonathan Taylor is a special back, and he made something out of nothing on that play, the blocking in the clip above isn’t going to cut it if this offense wants to be productive. Everyone has to dig down and execute their assignments whether it’s a run or a pass; that’s the only way this offense will improve.
The Colts will have the opportunity to build some rhythm in the Week 4 game against the Tennessee Titans and their struggling defense.
