Offseason Analysis Series: Indianapolis Colts

What Happened Last Year?

(9-8) Second in AFC South

---

What's Changed?

Meaningful Additions: QB Matt Ryan, CB Stephon Gilmore, EDGE Yannick Ngakoue, WR Alec Pierce, TE Jelani Woods, OT Bernhard Raimann, DB Nick Cross, DL Eric Johnson

Meaningful Losses: QB Carson Wentz, TE Jack Doyle, OG Mark Glowinski, DB George Odum, RB Marlon Mack, DL Al-Quadin Muhammed

---

QB Carousel Continues

The Colts bailed on the Carson Wentz experiment by shipping him to the Washington Commanders during the summer. Jim Irsay and the Colts had seen enough out of Wentz after just one season of untimely mishaps. Indy then traded with Atlanta for 2016 MVP Matt Ryan. I found the move a bit curious because by acquiring Ryan, the Colts are again bringing in a stop-gap QB to try and put them in Super Bowl contention. The Colts front office has struggled to find an answer at quarterback ever since Andrew Luck's surprise retirement three years ago. Just days before the 2019 season started, Luck shocked the entire league and announced his retirement in a press conference. This thrust backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett into the starting role. Brissett was serviceable, but the Colts brought in Phillip Rivers to be their starter in 2020, and most recently Carson Wentz in 2021. I understand that Indy's roster is one of the best in the NFL and the front office is in win-now mode, however I can't help but wonder if they have wasted their overall talent by trying to plug and play at the quarterback position instead of using a high draft pick and developing one. Instead of looking for a long term solution at quarterback, the team has gotten into a pattern of taking in guys either at the end of their career or with a lot to prove. Also, is Matt Ryan is really much of an upgrade over Carson Wentz at this stage of his career? I don't think so. Ryan will probably give the Colts a higher floor than Wentz would, but Ryan has been on a clear decline over the past few seasons.

Proven Workhorse in the Backfield

Second year back Jonathan Taylor was a monster in 2021. Not only did he lead the NFL in rushing yards, but he also lead all rushers in attempts, rushes over 20 yards, rushes over 40 yards and touchdowns. An explosive play waiting to happen, Taylor was the primary reason that the Colts offense finished second in rushing in 2021. I expect the Colts to lean on Taylor again this season. Not only is Taylor one of the best backs in the league, but his offensive line is also one of the best. This combination will go a long way towards taking heat off of Matt Ryan in his first year in Frank Reich's offense. With Ryan's steady play at QB and their fierce ground game, I think the Colt's will ride into a first place finish in a subpar AFC South.