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What to expect from the Colts on offense

By William Dials

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With all the eyes on what improvements will be made to the defense, I want to focus on the offense. The Colts had one of the best offenses in the league last year. Now the rich get richer in free agency. The Colts have added proven veteran talent.

Up front the Colts added offensive lineman Todd Herremans. Herremans spent 10 seasons in Philadelphia. While in Philly, the Eagles boasted the league’s best running offense a year ago. Herremans should step in and be able to protect Andrew Luck and help open up holes for Frank Gore.

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The Colts helped take some pressure off Luck with the signing of Gore. Gore, a five-time Pro Bowler and proven runner, is now paired with a great quarterback. Unlike in past seasons when teams would stack the box to stop Gore, in the Indy offense defenses can’t afford to do so. Gore, in his age 32 season, won’t get as many carriers but should still be just as productive.

One of the most underrated parts of Gore’s game is his pass blocking ability. That will come into play in the Colts pass game to give Luck a little more time. Gore should have a good season running through unstacked boxes. Gore will get the majority of the work but will be spelled by Daniel Herron. The Colts backfield will be mainly feature Herron and Gore.

The uncertainty of Vick Ballard and Zurlon Tipton may prompt the Colts to add another running back in the draft. Offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton loves to run the ball but hasn’t had the personnel to do so. Gore had his best statistical season when Hamilton was on San Francisco’s coaching staff. This should be fun to see how Gore will fit in with the high-powered Colts offense.

On the outside the Colts added on of the best wide outs to play the game in Andre Johnson. Johnson is the perfect fit to go along side T.Y. Hilton. The Colts haven’t had a sure-handed, big-bodied receiver in a while. Johnson will finally have the luxury of playing with a great quarterback as well. Johnson will help the Colts in the red zone with his physical play.

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    • Hilton scored a bunch of touchdowns but he isn’t that big a red zone threat because of his size. Johnson may have a lost a step, according to his former team’s owner, but his size and hands haven’t lost anything. Johnson will also provide veteran leadership for a very young receiver corps.

    Two players in particular that should really benefit from having Johnson around are Donte Moncrief and Duron Carter. Moncrief and Carter are have similar builds as Johnson and should learn from him on how to use those big frames in the NFL.

    The new-look Colts offense should be very balanced. Having Gore should give the Colts that balanced attack they in visioned when they traded for Trent Richardson. Colts will continue to pass the ball with one of the league’s best quarterbacks in Luck to go with Hilton and the two great tight ends. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Colts are the best offense in football next year.

    Statistically I’m not sure how each player will fare; there simply isn’t enough footballs to go around. I can see the Colts adding another running back in the draft and another offensive lineman. The other scenario I can see is the Colts adding another receiver in the later rounds. Depth will prove to be vital again. The Colts will have to stay healthy to make the run they want.

    The 2015 Indianapolis Colts offense will be nothing short of entertaining. Look for a lot of points and explosive plays this season.

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