After a long hiatus, we’re back for week 1 of the regular season. What was quite an eventful offseason for the Colts and their fans, I think the grief of losing Andrew Luck has finally passed, and they’re confident going forward with Jacoby Brissett. Here at Horseshoe Report, we thank Andrew Luck for the memories, and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.
GM Chris Ballard and the Colts’ front office did a good job of retaining most of the talent not named Andrew Luck this offseason, and made a couple of big name depth moves in free agency for the defensive line and wide receiver corps respectively. Defensive End Justin Houston brings a star studded career including four Pro-Bowl selections and an All-Pro season in 2014 in which he had an incredible 22 sacks and 4 forced fumbles. Stats for Houston’s career include 78.5 sacks, 14 forced fumbles and 4 interceptions.
On the offensive side, the Colts signed Devin Funchess. The veteran wide receiver spent his first four seasons with the Carolina Panthers and brings somewhat of an inconsistency in his career. Issues with drops and only one season over 60 receptions makes this signing a little questionable. That being said, another Colts with former issues of inconsistency (Eric Ebron) seems to have resurrected his career in Indianapolis. Perhaps Funchess can find that same type of turnaround in production for himself. Funchess’ career stats include 161 receptions, 2,233 yards, and 21 touchdowns.
Now that we’re caught up on the new free agent acquisitions, let’s get to our season preview. With Andrew Luck departing for retirement, veteran Jacoby Brissett takes the reins at the quarterback position. There are mixed opinions on whether or not Brissett will be able to step into the role of starter, but Indy seems to have given him their vote of confidence by signing him to a two year 30 million dollar contract. This offers Brissett a chance to prove himself, and doesn’t tie the Colts to him for the long term if he doesn’t perform well.
As for the rest of the offense, there are a lot of returning players, an exciting new rookie in Parris Campbell, and wide receiver Deon Cain returning from an ACL injury for his first regular season action in his career. Marlon Mack is the incumbent starter in the Indianapolis backfield, with Nyheim Hines, Jordan Wilkins, and new addition Jonathan Williams rounding out the rest of the running back corps. Mack had somewhat of a breakout season last year, getting over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns. He’ll look to improve upon those numbers this season, and faces a tough week one test against an imposing Chargers rush defense. Indy’s offensive line is mostly unchanged from last season, and that’s a good thing. The group of maulers gave up the second least amount of sacks in the NFL last season and they hope to continue that great production. Second year Left Guard Quenton Nelson leads the way on the line creating a cohesive unit with teammates Anthony Castonzo, Ryan Kelly, and Braden Smith. Jacoby Brissett will have a lot of exciting options in the passing game this season. The talent seems unending at the tight end position with two Pro-Bowler Tight Ends in Eric Ebron and Jack Doyle; as well as, returning second year man Mo Alie-Cox, and undrafted rookie Hale Hentges. The Wide Receiver room is has brought in some quickness this offseason. With Deon Cain returning from injury and Ohio State product Parris Campbell flashing his 4.3 speed the playbook should have a bit more flexibility in the long passing game. They pair with veterans T.Y. Hilton, Devin Funchess, Chester Rogers, and Zach Pascal.
On the defensive side of the ball, 2018 Defensive Rookie of the Year Darius Leonard looks to impress once again in his second season. His linebacking group is filled with young talent including Anthony Walker who quietly had over 100 tackles last year at the MLB position. New rookies Bobby Okereke and EJ Speed give the Colts some much needed depth at the MLB and WLB positions respectively. A couple of new addition in the cornerback room came by way of the draft the year. Second round pick Rock Ya-Sin and fifth rounder Marvell Tell III will add good depth to a starting CB group of Kenny Moore II, Pierre Desir and Quincy Wilson. For the safeties, Malik Hooker will start at FS and Clayton Geathers will resume his position as starting strong safety. Veteran George Odum and rookie Khari Willis will back them up. The defensive line is where the Colts have the most depth, as 10 players will participate this season. Veterans Justin Houston and Jabaal Sheard (Out for week 1 knee*) will help contain the edges, while starting tackles Margus Hunt and Denico Autry will secure the middle of the defensive line. Defensive Ends Kemoko Turay should both see some action in week one while Jabaal Sheard nurses a knee injury suffered in training camp. The Colts elected not to put Sheard on IR, meaning they expect to have him back before week 8 of the regular season.
Overall, this looks like one of the most well rounded rosters in recent memory. The loss of Andrew Luck still stings, but luckily, new starter Jacoby Brissett has game experience and had been in the Frank Reich system for two years. Brissett is a very capable quarterback. Based on his limited action in the preseason, he has worked on his mechanics since we last saw him in play in 2017. He has much more confidence in the pocket, sensing defenders, and has gotten the ball out quickly. He’s surrounded by a young talented roster, which is vastly different than the one he had in 2017. The Colts boast a top 3 offensive line, a top 15 defensive, elusive running backs, two pro bowl tight ends, an All-Pro Left Guard, and a Defensive Rookie of the year. This team is no longer identified by one face, but by a group of men that strive to be 1% better every day. The mantra from last year that carries over to this season is 1-0 and that’s as good a mindset as any to start this 2019 campaign.
Photo Credit: Colts.com
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