The Indianapolis Colts addressed their needs in the 2019 NFL Draft. Despite making the playoffs, the Colts were lacking a complete team on the defensive side of the ball. Their defense was okay, while their offense was good. On the offensive side of the ball, they were just a few plays or players away from a team to be feared. When healthy, they were a good team. They played the Kansas City Chiefs and had a chance in freezing weather, yet they came up short. Indianapolis is a dark horse to make a playoff push. Here are at least three reasons why they will make a playoff push or win the Super Bowl. These reasons are their draft results, exceeding expectations, and chemistry as a team.
Rankings
Indianapolis was one of the top ten ranked offenses in all of the NFL. They were ranked 5th in points scored, 7th in yards, 6th in pass yards, and their weakest link was their rushing, which was ranked 20th. Their ground game struggled at the start of the season. Midway through the season, however, their running backs showed up to compete.
On the other hand, the Colts defense was just okay. They ranked 8th in rush yards allowed, 10th in points allowed, and ranked 16th in pass yards allowed. The statistics and rankings show how horrid their defense was and that they relied on their offense. All the Indianapolis Colts needed on offense was an offensive line and skill player to compliment Eric Ebron and T.Y. Hilton. They aren’t far off from being an explosive offense. Then on defense, they are far, yet that doesn’t mean that can’t drastically improve in one season.
The Colts needed another skill player to allow Hilton and Ebron to be open down the field. They could have drafted a running back, which they did not do. Currently, they have two, but having a third person can only help as it creates competition. Indianapolis likes the running backs they have in the backfield with Hines and Mack. Only in time, will they improve.
Colts Draft
In the draft, the Colts met their needs by selecting two of each position. For example, they drafted two offensive linemen, two receivers, two safeties, two linebackers, and two edge rushers. They bolstered their offense and improved their defense. The defense is one aspect of their team they were lacking last season. The moves they made in the draft improves their team tremendously. It allows free agents to notice the Colts are making moves to be a consistent team.
Colts Defense
This season, the Colts drafted more defense than offense, which is what they need. Now, Darius Leonard has two other linebackers to play alongside. He also has the edge rushers and safeties to help him out. This is a young energetic and hungry team. Expect them to come out fighting even if they lose. It may take them a while to build chemistry with the new players. Then again, you never know it may take them a couple of games to build chemistry and next thing you know the Indianapolis Colts are playing themselves into the playoffs again.
Exceeding Expectations
Last year the Colts weren’t expected to make the post-season. It all depended on how Andrew Luck played coming back from an injury. He did well for missing a near entire season. This past season the team drafted lineman to help protect him and be able to throw deep to Hilton or Ebron. They also gave him new receivers to throw to as well. Then again, if ever in trouble he can pass the rock to his running backs.
Once again, they have a defense they are looking to improve, which they did in the draft. Since the Colts made the playoffs, they will be expected to make them again. However, last season they shouldn’t have made the playoffs, but they did. This year is about the same, yet they are one of the teams that decided to do better in free agency and the draft. This is why they are a dark horse to make a playoff run. They were close, came up short, improved their defense, bolstered their offense, and everyone is still on the team. Hence they will already have chemistry which is an x-factor in the playoffs.
