INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
2021 Record - 9-8-0
Head Coach - Frank Reich
New Additions - Matt Ryan (QB), Stephon Gilmore (DB), Phillip Lindsay (RB), Rodney McLeod (DB), Yannick Ngakoue (DL), Armani Watts (DB), Dennis Kelly (OL)
Offensive Rank in 2021 - 16th (347 YPG); Scoring - 9th (26.5 PPG)
Defensive Rank in 2021 - 16th (343 YPG); Scoring - 9th (21.5 PPG)
Matt Ryan arrives this season for the Colts at quarterback after spending his first 14 years in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons. Ryan passed for 3,968 yards last season with 20 touchdowns and twelve interceptions. The running backs are led by Jonathan Taylor, who led the league with 1,811 yards rushing and averaged 5.5 yards per carry while scoring 18 touchdowns. He also had 40 receptions, including two more touchdowns. Michael Pittman is the main wide receiver after making 88 receptions for 1,082 yards and six touchdowns last year. Paris Campbell and rookie Alec Pierce (Cincinnati) are also in the fold and tight end Mo Alie-Cox (24, 316, four TD) as well.
The defense is led by linebacker Darius Leonard (122 tackles and four interceptions) and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (seven QB sacks). Defensive end Yannick Ngakoue comes over from the Raiders this season and he had ten sacks last year and middle linebacker Bobby Okereke led Indy with 132 tackles and had two interceptions as well. Cornerback Kenny Moore II picked off four passes and is joined by Stephon Gilmore (two INT with Carolina) and safeties Khari Willis and Julian Blackmon. Rodney McLeod is another DB who had three picks with the Eagles in 2021 and will provide depth.
Outlook for 2022 season - The Colts fell apart in the final two weeks last year and missed the playoffs and QB Carson Wentz left town for the Washington Commanders. But now Matt Ryan takes over this season and Head Coach Frank Reich will have a third different starting quarterback in as many seasons going into 2022 and would like to see the team get back to the playoffs and perhaps advance past their first game.
The offense should have a decent mix with Ryan now aboard and All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor carrying the football. The defense was so-so a year ago, but was able to generate turnovers, which included 19 interceptions and a plus-14 turnover ratio. A bend but don't break style is what the Colts employ and they were in the top ten in scoring defense. The big question will be whether Ryan has lost something as he enters his 15th season. As long as he shows his usual form and doesn't turn the ball over, the Colts should be in business and get back to the playoffs.
TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - at Houston
Week Two - at Jacksonville
Week Three - vs. Kansas City
Week Four - vs. Tennessee
Week Five - at Denver
Week Six - vs. Jacksonville
Week Seven - at Tennessee
Week Eight - vs. Washington
Week Nine - at New England
Week Ten - at Las Vegas
Week Eleven - vs. Philadelphia
Week Twelve - vs. Pittsburgh
Week Thirteen - at Dallas
Week Fourteen - BYE
Week Fifteen - at Minnesota
Week Sixteen - vs. L.A. Chargers
Week Seventeen - at N.Y. Giants
Week Eighteen - vs. Houston
No comments:
Post a Comment