2019 NFL Team Preview - INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS                                    

2018 Record - 10-6-0


Head Coach - Frank Reich



Newcomers for 2019 - Devin Funchess (WR), Justin Houston (DL)


Keys on Offense - Quarterback Andrew Luck has been coming along during training camp following an injured calf, but expect the eighth year QB to be ready by Week One. Luck had 39 touchdown passes a year ago along with 15 interceptions and 4,593 passing yards after missing the 2017 season. Jacoby Brissett will be the man if Luck isn't ready. 
The wide receivers are T.Y. Hilton (76 receptions, 1,270 yards and six TD), Devin Funchess (44, 549, four TD with Carolina) and Chester Rogers (53, 485, two TD). The tight end duo of Eric Ebron (66, 750, 13 TD) and Jack Doyle (26, 245, two TD) is among the best in the NFL.
Marlon Mack leads the running backs after putting up a 4.7 ypc average by rushing for 908 yards (nine TD) and also had 17 receptions, including one touchdown catch. Nyheim Hines rushed for 314 yards and two scores but had 63 receptions for 425 yards and two more touchdowns.


Keys on Defense - The front seven is stacked with Denico Autry (nine QB sacks) leading the way along with linebacker Darius Leonard (seven sacks and two interceptions), who was named the AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year last season. In addition, Defensive End Justin Houston (nine sacks with Kansas City) joins the team this year.
Front linemen Jabaal Sheard (5 1/2 sacks), Margus Hunt (five sacks) and Tyquan Lewis round out the tough defense, which ranked eighth against the run, giving up just 101.9 yards per game.
The secondary has Kenny Moore (three interceptions) and Malik Hooker (two INT) along with Clayton Geathers, Quincy Wilson, Pierre Desir and rookie draft pick Rock Ya-Sin (Temple). The Colts pass defense gave up 238 yards per game and had 15 interceptions last season along with 38 QB sacks.


OUTLOOK - The Colts, under first year Head Coach Frank Reich, made the playoffs last season and advanced to the Divisional round after missing the post-season for three seasons.
There is plenty of talent of both sides of the ball and Luck is the key to the offense after putting up great numbers in his comeback season. Along with Hilton and tight end Eric Ebron and RB Marlon Mack, Luck has plenty of weapons to get the ball to. Luck was well protected in 2018 by a solid offensive line, being sacked just 18 times.
The Indianapolis offense gained 386 yards per game last year (7th in NFL) and scored 27.1 points per game, which was fifth overall.
On defense, the Colts had the top rookie player in the AFC with Leonard and has a good mix of veteran talent to go with the younger players that helped the defense rank 11th overall, allowing 340 yards per game and 21.5 points per game. In addition, kicker Adam Vinatieri is looking toward his 24th NFL season and had another solid performance last year.
The Colts can challenge Houston for the AFC South crown this year and as long Luck and other key players remain healthy, this team should finish 11-5 and get back to the playoffs. Whether they can get past AFC stalwarts New England, Kansas City and even possibly the Los Angeles Chargers remains to be seen, but look for the Colts to be a very tough team to beat this season.



TEAM SCHEDULE
Week 1 - at LA Chargers
Week 2 - at Tennessee
Week 3 - vs. Atlanta
Week 4 - vs. Oakland
Week 5 - at Kansas City
Week 6 - BYE 
Week 7 - vs. Houston
Week 8 - vs. Denver
Week 9 - at Pittsburgh
Week 10 - vs. Miami
Week 11 - vs. Jacksonville
Week 12 - at Houston
Week 13 - vs. Tennessee
Week 14 - at Tampa Bay
Week 15 - at New Orleans
Week 16 - vs. Carolina
Week 17 - at Jacksonville