The 2017 season was absolutely horrible for many above average teams including teams like the Packers, Raiders, and of course the Colts. Many people see the Packers and Raiders having comeback seasons were as most see the Colts repeating their 4-12 2017 campaign with only four wins if they are lucky. With this article, I will be giving my opinion as to why the Indianapolis Colts will exceed your predictions.
One of the first reasons people give when saying the Colts are not as good as they were is that Andrew Luck may never play like he used to if he even plays at all. Colts QB Andrew Luck has recently started throwing a football as of June 12th, 2018 and he says his shoulder pain “is completely gone.” Luck also has a four-part throwing schedule that is set and will take place leading up to training camp starting late July. Andrew Luck has also been reported saying that he swore to secrecy to head coach Frank Reich about the fact that he has been throwing footballs in private for a few weeks now.
With all that into account, people still have many other questions about the overall roster which is reasonable. However, if you deep dive and watch individual game footage of projected starters and the overall Colts team, you will see their team isn’t as bad as it’s said to be. So instead of making you go and do that, i’m here to do it for you. I will not go as into depth though because I have already made articles addressing the Colts roster, click HERE to read them.
Summarizing the 2018 Colts Roster, when Andrew Luck returns he will once again lead the Colts into the playoffs, at running back the Colts have a nice young trio led by Marlon Mack and followed up by Jordan Wilkins and Nyheim Hynes. Now onto the wide receiving corps, with elite receiver T.Y. Hilton leading Ryan Grant and Chester Rogers along with rookies Deon Cain and Daurice Fountain this group has a ton of upside especially with a returning Andrew Luck. After wide receivers, we have the Colts QB’s favorite targets tight ends. Returning pro bowler Jack Doyle is paired up with former Lions tight end Eric Ebron allowing the Colts one of the best tight end duos in the league.
The Colts offensive line has improved incredibly with two rookies taken in the first 36 picks in the 2018 NFL draft and two veteran offensive linemen signed in free agency. On the defensive side of the ball, there is elite pass rusher Jabaal Sheard, the up and coming free safety Malik Hooker, rookie linebacker Darius Leonard, second year corner Quincy Wilson and a few other above average plays to round out the defensive unit.
Now that we have all that out of the way, no one should predict the Colts having a 4-12 record or worse because overall the Colts are a better team now than their 2017 season roster. In my opinion the Colts play three of my predicted worst teams in the league next year as the play the Jets, Dolphins, and Bengals. From prior meetings, we can assume that the Colts with a healthy Andrew Luck can beat all three divisional opponents at least once leaving the Colts with at least a 6-10 record not counting if the Colts can sweep a divisional opponent or straight up play better than any other teams they play with their new schemes via Head Coach Frank Reich.
If you disagree with me about any of these points feel free to tell me on Instagram @Sears___ (three underscores) or on twitter @Sears_58!
