Colts showed how productive their ‘tight end-centric’ offense could be

The Indianapolis Colts lost to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday but Indy’s tight ends had a productive day, led by veteran Mo Alie-Cox.

Sunday didn’t go how the Indianapolis Colts were hoping. They entered Week 4 looking for a second consecutive win but instead were defeated by the Tennessee Titans 24-17. Indy did a lot of things wrong on Sunday and that’s why the team ultimately lost. However, there were also some good things that happened on Sunday for Indianapolis that could be promising for the rest of the season.

One of Indy’s few exciting developments on Sunday was the breakout of the tight ends in the receiving game. Frank Reich talked a lot in the offseason about how the Colts wanted to have a tight end-centric offense and that has been manifesting for Indianapolis the last two weeks. After Jelani Woods went for two touchdowns in Week 3 against the Kansas City Chiefs, the tight ends had an even bigger impact on Sunday.

Mo Alie-Cox led the Colts with six receptions for 85 yards and two touchdowns, Kylen Granson added four catches for 62 yards, and Woods had one big catch for 33 yards. Although Indianapolis ultimately lost, Sunday is probably an example of how Indy wants to pass the ball.

Tight ends will continue to be big for the Colts

With the tight ends’ production, some big catches from Alec Pierce, and receptions from a few other receivers, Matt Ryan was able to complete 27 passes for 356 yards. If Indy could’ve had a more productive run game, and protected the football, Sunday’s outcome could’ve been different. But, it wasn’t and now Indianapolis must focus on the future.

If the Colts are going to win games moving forward, they’ll need their tight ends to continue showing up. Indy’s wide receiver group is what it is and that isn’t going to change. In order for Jonathan Taylor to have room to run the ball, Indy has to give opposing defenses a reason to not pack the box and fly downhill. The tight ends could be that reason.

Hopefully, Sunday was just the start for the tight ends and their production because for Indianapolis to get the most out of its passing game, the tight ends must continue to be a factor like they have been the last two games.

Where does Matt Ryan sit in NFL quarterback rankings after three weeks?

Matt Ryan isn’t off to the best start with the Indianapolis Colts this season. Where is he currently ranked in quarterback rankings?