Frank Reich currently has a .500 record with the Indianapolis Colts. The former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator saw his team get off to a rotten start this season, losing five of their first six games. Since then, the Colts have won four straight and are preparing to defeat the Miami Dolphins at home to pick up a fifth straight win.
Five of the Colts last six games look winnable. The week 14 trip to face the 7-3 Houston Texans looks like it will be the most difficult. Houston’s terrific run of seven straight wins puts them in the AFC South driving-seat and two games ahead of the Colts. They key to Indianapolis making the playoffs is their offense.
Indianapolis Colts Offense the Key to Returning to the Postseason
The Sixth Seed Picture
The Colts, at 5-5, have equal records to the Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens and the Ravens currently occupy the sixth seed. But Baltimore’s quarterback woes are likely to see them fall away from the playoff picture. Lamar Jackson is under center but the rookie is unproven. A win for the Colts on Sunday will put a small dent in Miami’s playoff hopes. The 4-6 Denver Broncos deserve a mention in the picture. Their 22-20 win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11 will give them hope, however, that was a game they were lucky to win. The Chargers gave up 14 penalties for 120 yards and had chances to really put away the game.
Luck Chances His Arm
Andrew Luck is a quality quarterback. Colts fans may have been tentative about Luck’s ability to shake off the shoulder injury that forced him to miss the entire 2017 season, yet 2018 has been largely positive. Indy’s offensive line have done an excellent job keeping their offensive architect upright. Luck was sacked 10 times through the first five weeks of the season, but since then he‘s operated out of a clean pocket.
With 29 touchdowns under his belt this season, Luck is well on his way to surpassing his 2016 total of 31. Those with a solid memory will recall that Luck threw 43 touchdown passes in the 2014 season, three of which were in the playoffs.
This week‘s AFC Offensive Player-of-the-Week is none other than Andrew Luck.
“I think some things are clicking. I do think you could look back and say ‘All right, we’re making fewer mistakes.’ I think we are shooting ourselves in the foot less now, but at the same time we know we can be even sharper today”. (Andrew Luck to Colts.com).
Former pro Jason Bell had his say on the Colts’ quarterback.
I have a public service announcement in case anybody didn’t know Andrew Lucks arm is back.
— Jason Bell (@JasonBell33) November 18, 2018
Luck Has The Weapons
Marlon Mack continues to spearhead the Colts running game. He’s rushed for 471 yards on 94 attempts and four touchdowns. A hamstring injury kept Mack from competing early this year and his absence coincided with the Colts rough start to the season.
The Colts have a capable receiving corps. T.Y. Hilton has 38 receptions for 585 yards and six touchdowns. Hilton torched the Titans for 158 yards on nine catches in Week 11. The wideout is on course for another 1,000 yard season. Prior to the 2012 NFL draft scouts questioned Hilton’s strength and whether or not he would get handled in press coverage. The reliable pass catcher has averaged 15.4 yards per catch in 2018.
Tight End Eric Ebron is also having a productive season with nine touchdown receptions, a career high for the former Detroit Lions player. Ebron has started a new chapter of his career and seems to be enjoying his football.
“This offense allows me to get the match ups I want—or that we want—to make plays. The Lions offense was more given towards our wide receivers. That’s how Matthew Stafford liked it. I feel here it’s more about the tight end.” (Eric Ebron to Bleacher Report).
It’s up to offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni to keep the opposition guessing. His offense is the NFL‘s league leader on third down conversions.
In The Conversation
Darius Leonard is the league leader with 104 solo tackles. If Indianapolis are to sustain a playoff challenge they must improve on both rush and pass defense. They’re ranked 14th and 22nd, respectively.
Last Word
Football teams can often take longer than others to find their rhythm. Executing the game plan and a bit of luck will go some way to aiding a bid for the right to play postseason. football. And the Colts need to continue to rely on their offense to reach the postseason. It’s going to be a tough ask for the Colts to sneak into the sixth overall seed, but don’t sleep on them, they’re on a hot streak.
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