Yes, the Colts will be a work-in-progress after Luck’s sudden departure, but there’s enough talent on the roster for this team to make a run–if Brissett can hold his own.
The most shocking news of the NFL preseason was the decision by Indianapolis Colts’ QB Andrew Luck to retire from the game. After coming off (arguably) the best season of his career, Luck and his Colts looked to be an NFL contender. But injuries and pain won out instead. Luck walked away.
Now the question is this: How will this team fare?
Nelson is a stud (photo, Colts)
Let’s start with the positives. The Colts have a solid roster with pro-bowlers on offense and stars in the making on defense. Jacoby Brissett, Luck’s likely replacement, has an offensive line with young pass protectors (Quenton Nelson and Braden Smith) and veterans (Anthony Castonzo and Mark Glowinski).
And Colts’ fans should be excited about this team’s pass-catching group. There’s T.Y. Hilton, Chester Rodgers, and Parris Campbell at wide receiver, and 2018 Pro Bowl-nominee Eric Ebron at tight end. The running situation isn’t shabby either. Marlon Mack looks to be on the road to becoming a quality starter, and Nyheim Hines is a decent option behind Mack.
The defense may not shine as brightly as the offense, but it has the potential to be very good. There are young emerging stars, like Darius Leonard and Malik Hooker. And the acquisition of former Chiefs’ edge rusher Justin Houston will undoubtedly help.
But this team faces challenges, too. The wideouts behind Hilton and Rodgers are either mediocre or unproven. Take Kelvin Benjamin, for example, a Colts’ free agency pick up (from the Chiefs) this offseason. Benjamin struggles with his weight. Devin Funchess, another signee, was a bust with the Carolina Panthers.
Is he up to the task?
Of course, the biggest concern is replacing Luck. Brissett started 15 of the 16 games in 2017 when the Colts went 4-12. He threw for 3098 yards and had a 13-7 TD-INT ratio. While I wouldn’t count out Brissett yet (he is, after all, a product of Bill Belichick’s system), the big question is whether he can fill Luck’s shoes.
If Brissett can hold his own, I think this team could win as many as ten games this year. That’s saying something for a team that just lost its leaders and plays in the rugged AFC South.
