2022 NFL Team Preview: Indianapolis Colts

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Over the last seven seasons, the Indianapolis Colts have been held under a proverbial ceiling. They have finished in either second or third place in the AFC South in all seven of those years. The quarterback carousel has been ridden by the Colts time after time, once again happening this year. Amazingly, they have only two losing seasons in that span, but have reached the playoffs just twice in that time. In a crowded AFC, will this finally be the year where the Colts get back to the top of the AFC South?

2022 Fueled By Veteran Change At Quarterback

One year was all it took for the Indianapolis Colts to hop off of the Carson Wentz experiment. Sure, it was not a rough season all year long. Yet, there was arguably no one else that kept the Colts from reaching the playoffs late last season more than Wentz. People will say his interceptions were down, which is true, but that number could have been way worse. His amount of plays that could have resulted in turnovers that did not were still noticeable. Meanwhile, he has also dealt with significant injuries and has been prone to horrid decision making at the most crucial of moments.

Simply put, Matt Ryan appears to be a clear upgrade over Wentz at this point. Some people may have forgot or were unaware of just how productive Ryan still was while with Atlanta the last couple years. He was able to put a dismal skill position group on his back and push them close to a .500 record last season. Moreover, Ryan is much more comfortable and poised in vital situations, compared to Wentz. In Indianapolis, the new quarterback may not have to worry about carrying the load all by himself, like he did with the Falcons. If he can just make the right decisions, the Colts should be taken as notable contenders.

Key Additions/Re-Signings

Let’s now look into the transactions made by the Indianapolis Colts. Here are some of their key additions or re-signings for 2022.

Additions

• QB Matt Ryan
• EDGE Yannick Ngakoue
• CB Stephon Gilmore
• SAF Rodney McLeod
• CB Brandon Facyson
• QB Nick Foles
• RB Phillip Lindsay
• DE Ifeadi Odenigbo

Re-Signings

• TE Mo Alie-Cox (3 years/$17.55 million)
• LB Zaire Franklin (3 years/$10 million)
• OL Matt Pryor (1 year/$5.545 million)
• DL Tyquan Lewis (1 year/$2.545 million)

Key Losses

Let’s quickly look into some key names that the Colts lost from their roster this offseason.

• QB Carson Wentz
• CB Rock Ya-Sin
• G Mark Glowinski
• EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad
• WR TY Hilton
• RB Marlon Mack
• SAF George Odum
• CB Xavier Rhodes
• WR Zach Pascal
• OT Eric Fisher
• TE Jack Doyle (retirement)
• SAF Khari Willis (retirement)

Top Headlines That Will Define Colts’ 2022 Season

While Indianapolis has been on the verge of being among the NFL’s more dangerous teams, the Colts have not always lived up to the hype. Late season let downs and marginal offense has brought about more disappointment. In the meantime, head coach Frank Reich and his staff have built a consistent formula and foundation that this Colts team sticks to. Because of that, they have built building blocks and have seen certain improvements come along the way. With that in mind, here are the top headlines to keep in mind, which could define the 2022 season for the Indianapolis Colts.

Does Jonathan Taylor Claim Throne Of NFL’s Top Running Back?

If Jonathan Taylor has not claimed the throne of NFL’s top running back, he is awfully close. Similar to Derrick Henry, much of the opposing defensive game plan is focused on stopping Taylor. It is too difficult to focus on completely shutting him down, however. Just merely putting a slight dent in Taylor’s production for the day may be enough, at least that is what opponents hope.

Last season, his 332 carries, 1,811 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns all led the league in those respective categories. Taylor was also atop the NFL with 106.5 rushing yards per game. Seeing him lead in all categories is incredible, in and of itself. Yet, that is even more astonishing to do that in today’s NFL. This league is currently a pass-happy one. Furthermore, most teams do not utilize a true bell cow running back anymore, opting to use a running back by committee approach. The Colts lean on him heavily to carry the load on offense. If Taylor once again leads the league in those categories, it is challenging to not then rank him as the undisputed, best running back in the entire NFL.

Breakout Season On The Way?

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A player that flew under the radar in 2021, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. had a stellar campaign. The USC product tallied 88 receptions, 1,082 receiving yards, six receiving touchdowns and had a yards per reception average of 12.3. This production came in a variety of ways. First off, Pittman Jr. displayed his immense physicality as a pass catcher. He posterized defensive backs deep down the field in contested catch situations. He shrugged off weak tackle attempts with ease, producing explosive plays after the catch. Finally, Pittman Jr. showed to be more comfortable when needing to make tight catches in traffic within the intermediate areas.

With the quarterback change, Pittman Jr. is one of the top young wide receivers who could breakout in 2022. Ryan has been able to provide his top pass catchers with a relentless attack in all areas of the field. Meanwhile, Pittman Jr. brings a nice blend of explosiveness and size. He can be both a possession style of receiver and a vertical threat. With Ryan tossing him the rock, there should also be more consistency and structure within Pittman Jr.’s targets. Do not be surprised if he continues to set new single-season career highs in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

Defensive Front Seven Poised To Prove Doubters Wrong

Overall, the Colts defense has become one of the stingier across the NFL. It may not always be due to superior talent. Though, names like DeForest Buckner and Shaquille Leonard can often become forgotten about in Indianapolis. The front seven simply does the little things constantly well. On top of that, every player works to stick to their role, regardless of the opponent or situation.

Linebacker Bobby Okereke has become a pest against the pass, due to his noticeable preparations in coverage. Defensive tackle Grover Stewart is certainly a mountain of a man to displace off the line of scrimmage. Given how technically sound he is, Stewart becomes even more commanding to face when looking to pass or run the ball. Others like Kwity Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo and EJ Speed are just scratching the surface as well.

Secondary Relying On Instincts And Experience

That smart and tough defensive front is also aided by tremendously instinctive defensive backs in the secondary. The Colts already have length that most teams cannot match. While being able to mix coverages and play stout in man coverage, Indianapolis forces opposing quarterbacks to take risky shots. That could be with deep attempts, throws into tight windows or double coverage and hurried passes.

When you have a nice blend of experience and young potential like the Colts have, they are able to stay ahead of the curve in today’s pass happy NFL. That is also perfect for the challenge that presents this secondary in 2022. Sure, they are looking to get back on top of the AFC South. Furthermore, the Colts are contending with plenty of the league’s best young quarterbacks and dynamic pass catchers within the AFC.

Is This Recipe Good Enough For Playoff Run?

Time was needed in order for the Colts to build this distinct brand of football. Getting the right pieces in place and finding bargain pieces have appeared to come together nicely. At least on paper that is. Now in 2022, the time is now for this team to take the next step. Indianapolis is built to punish opponents in a way that is not possible for other teams. On the flip side, this Colts core could be set to hit their stride and prime alike. Will they come through?

Be on the lookout for more 2022 NFL team previews here at Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.