The Indianapolis Colts begin the season with a new quarterback and question marks on offense. The most significant question is: who will step up behind Michael Pittman Jr? and What will Indy’s offense look like in 2022?
Colts General Manager Chris Ballard has been tasked with drafting good-skill players for the Colt’s offense. Ballard has drafted dynamic players. Most notably Nyheim Hines, Jonathan Taylor, and Michael Pittman Jr. These players have made big plays for Indianapolis. Hines has been one of the best pass-catching running backs, Taylor led the league in rushing last season, and Pittman Jr posted 1,082 receiving yards in 2021.
What can the wide receiver core provide?
Michael Pittman Jr is the most experienced and productive receiver on the Colt’s roster. However, the Colts have depth at the receiver position that can take the offense to another level. Parris Campbell and Ashton Dulin are young wide receivers who can play multiple positions on the field. When healthy Campbell has shown to be a swiss army knife for the colts. Dulin made the most of his opportunities in 2021. Dulin made big plays against the Houston Texans and caught a 62-yard touchdown against the Buccaneers. Both Dulin and Campbell can be used on jet sweeps and in the backfield as a running back or decoy.
Other receivers include rookie Alec Pierce, Mike Strachan, Dezmond Pattmon, and Keke Coutee. Pierce, Strachan, and Pattmon are big-bodied receivers who can stretch the field. With more playing time these receivers can catch deep passes from Matt Ryan. In addition, they will have opportunities for yards after the catch because Ryan is an accurate quarterback. Yards after the catch will help the Colt’s offense gain yards and control the ball on offense.
What about the tight ends?
Frank Reich’s offenses are built around tight ends. Indianapolis has had good tight ends including Eric Ebron, Jack Doyle, Erik Swoope, and Trey Burton. Currently, Indianapolis has Mo Alie-Cox, Kylen Granson, Jelani Woods, and Andrew Ogletree.
Indianapolis’ tight ends are big, long, and versatile. They can block defensive linemen and open up holes in the run game. Matt Ryan can target his tight ends when indy gets in the red zone. Mo Alie-Cox has made big plays and can continue to help the Colt’s offense.
Summary
The colts want to get better on offense and have more explosive plays. Indy’s big-bodied receivers and tight ends can create mismatches and take the Colt’s offense to another level.