Colts Season In Review/Offseason Preview

Posted byMichael RifkinPosted inNFLTags:

By: Mike Rifkin

Everyone’s lasting image of the 2021 Indianapolis Colts was them getting manhandled by the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars which kept the Colts out of the playoffs. It’s been a long offseason in Indy especially for quarterback Carson Wentz. 

Wentz was acquired from the Eagles for a first round pick this year. Colts coach Frank Reich was the Eagles Offensive Coordinator in 2017 when Wentz was having the best year of his career and was the frontrunner for MVP before tearing his ACL. Reich and the Eagles still won the Super Bowl with Nick Foles at the helm. Wentz in 2021 had a 62.4 completion percentage with 3,563 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions, Wentz was also sacked 32 times. I don’t think this is a tough decision for Indy. I would keep Wentz unless I can go big. By big I mean trade for either Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson, I would include Deshaun Watson here but I doubt Houston trades him within the division. Give Wentz another year and surround him with some playmakers. 

Speaking of playmakers, Jonathon Taylor who was in the MVP conversation until the end of the season led the NFL with 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns. Taylor averaged 106.5 yards per game. Taylor led the Colts to the second best rushing attack in the NFL averaging 149.4 yards per game rushing. 

Taylor wasn’t the only second year player to have a big year. Receiver Michael Pittman Jr. led the team with 88 catches for 1,082 yards and six touchdowns. Running backs Jonathon Taylor and Nyheim Hines were tied for second with 40 receptions each. If the Colts have one massive need it’s receiver 

Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus was hired to be the new head coach of the Chicago Bears. Eberflus will be replaced by former Jaguars coach Gus Bradley. The Colts were 16th in yards allowed giving up 343.2 yards per game, and gave up 21.5 points per game. The Colts defense was 25th in sacks with 33.Defensive Tackle DeForest Buckner led the team with seven. The Colts defense feasted on turnovers with 33 takeaways which gave them a +14 turnover differential which was tied with the Cowboys for the best in the NFL. The defense is led by linebacker Darius Leonard who had 122 tackles, four interceptions, and eight forced fumbles. Cornerback Kenny Moore matched his 2020 total with four interceptions. 

The Colts will have about 41 million dollars in cap space this offseason. This is a team that could be on the verge of something big in the AFC. Spending big money isn’t usually the plan in Indy but maybe that changes this offseason. 

Offseason to do list

  1. Extend Quenton Nelson. The team already picked up his fifth year option which is set at just under 14 million dollars. So the Colts can scrap it with an extension or extend him and that doesn’t kick in until next season it is vital the Colts get this done for one of the best offensive linemen in football.
  2. Re-sign Mark Glowinski and Matt Pryor. Keep one of the best offensive lines intact because the Colts want to establish their run game.
  3. Sign Allen Robinson or Chris Godwin. It doesn’t matter who the quarterback is, the Colts need someone opposite Pittman. Now if the Colts could land Rodgers this would say do everything you can to get Davante Adams, but Robinson and Godwin are very good recievers that can help Indy’s passing game. 
  4. Re-sign Zach Pascal. Pascal had a solid year in 2021 with 384 yards and three touchdowns. If the Colts sign one of the above receivers plus Pittman that is a solid group of three.
  5. Sign Hasson Reddick, Melvin Ingram or Jadeveon Clowney. Indy needs a pass rusher in the worst way. Reddick and Ingram would probably be multi year contracts but Clowney for the right price could sign a one year contract. 

Draft

RD 1 : Traded to Eagles for Carson Wentz

RD 2 : (47) Trey Mcbride: Colorado State Tight End. Good blocker and has great run after the catch. Uncertain of the futures of Mo Allie-Cox and Jack Doyle the Colts should grab the tight end. Other names to look for Kyler Gordon cornerback Washington, Cam Thomas Edge San Diego State

RD 3 (82) Cobe Bryant: Cincinnati Cornerback. Four year starter and with uncertainty about the futures of Xavier Rhodes and Rock Ya-Sin drafting Bryant could help the Colts secondary. Other name to watch : John Metchie Wide Receiver Alabama.

Once again if the Colts cannot acquire Rodgers or Wilson I would stick it out with Carson Wentz and surround him with talent because there is something here with the Colts.

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