Indianapolis Colts: Ink On Indy’s Mid-Season Review
By Dave McKee
Oct 9, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton during game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
What is the greatest disappointment of the Indianapolis Colts season?
The biggest disappointment of the season in my eyes is the utter lack of a pass rush that has severely hampered the Colts secondary. When you add to that the inconsistent tendencies of the offense and their knack for turnovers that force the defense to have shortened field to defend you get a recipe for disaster.
After all the money spent on the front-seven, one would assume this would not be an issue. DC Greg Manusky is making the play calls it is a lack of execution out of the free agent signings like Trent Cole. He was signed to rush the passer and through 9 games has ZERO sacks.
Looking at the Colts defense, their rankings among the league is terribly skewed by those factors. Without a pass rush outside of the now healthy Robert Mathis, the secondary has been forced to play tighter coverage longer and give up more plays down the field. even the illustrious Vontae Davis is having down year because of the lack of pass rush affecting the opposing quarterback.
Injuries have also hampered the defense, but the corners themselves cannot blanket receivers on every down without risking a big play – see: Greg Toler – without a pass rush and a healthy Mike Adams at times the defense has been laughable. However, when all are healthy they can come out and bust up plays like we saw against Denver.
Pierre Wilson:
The play of the offense is the greatest disappointment. I’m not sure who’s at blame to single anybody out. You could blame Pep Hamilton, but Matt Hasselbeck played pretty well in his offense. You could blame Andrew Luck, but the offensive line has been poor. Could blame Andre Johnson, but he’s kinda old, and it doesn’t feel right blaming the guy that’s new to the team and kinda old. It has truly been the entire offense. Offensive line struggles, Luck forcing throws or holding onto the ball too long, wide receivers not able to win match-ups. The entire offense.
Mathew Muncy:
Andre Johnson. I’m not sure who to blame for his disappointing season – himself, Luck or the coaches – but playing the third wheel was not the original game plan.
Andrew Turpen:
The Colts season is the greatest disappointment. Based on the fact that the Colts were picked by many to be in Super Bowl 50, but have come out this bad.
Next: Question #3