Indianapolis Colts: Three Players Who Must Show Up in 2016
The Indianapolis Colts suffered a disappointing season in 2015. Who needs to step it up for the team this upcoming season so that the team can become contenders amongst the AFC?
The Indianapolis Colts were projected to be a powerhouse in both their division and conference prior to the start of the 2014 season. The team had been hyped up to make a super bowl berth after signing a plethora of veteran free agents — most notably receiver Andre Johnson and running back Frank Gore.
Instead, injuries and inconsistencies plagued the Colts. Johnson was largely invisible on the field, having perhaps one of his worst seasons in his tenured NFL career. Quarterback Andrew Luck suffered multiple injuries and only saw the field for seven games in 2015.
The result of all of this? A once-hyped Colts team who finished the season with just eight wins and didn’t find themselves playing in the postseason — the first time being out of the playoffs since the 2011 season.
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As we approach week one, there are three players whose performances are critical for the Colts to have success in 2016:
Andrew Luck
The most obvious player on this list, Luck may have seen a major setback due to injury last season, but he was wildly inconsistent even when he was on the field. Too many times would he hold onto the ball longer than needed, or would overthrow his receivers — usually resulting in a tipped pass that would be intercepted by the opposing defenses. Luck showed flashes of his 2014 self against both the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos last season — two teams who squared off against each other in Super Bowl 50. If Luck can remain healthy all season then expect him to have another big season.
Dwayne Allen
General Manager Ryan Grigson surprised many when he re-signed Allen to a four-year, $29.4 million contract in March. It was a surprisingly large contract due to the reason that Allen has battled multiple injuries throughout his career. Since playing in all 16 games his rookie season, Allen hasn’t played a full year since then. His best season came in 2014 when he had eight touchdown receptions and averaged 13.6 yards for every reception. With Coby Fleener signing with the New Orleans Saints during the free agency period, Allen will be the teams No. 1 option at the position and will need to produce in an effective manner and become a viable weapon in the passing game.
Ryan Kelly
Oddly enough, Kelly making this list may leave some scratching their heads because Kelly has yet to play a down in the NFL. He is making the list, however, because his productivity is both critical for Luck’s health and a large portion of the Colts’ success moving forward. The Colts drafted Kelly at No. 18 in this year’s draft and have no doubts as to having him start at center come week one. He can not only fill a glaring hole amongst the offensive line, but help to protect the future health of Luck — who has become one of the league’s most-hit quarterbacks throughout his young career.
Next: Indianapolis Colts: Ryan Kelly Willing to Work With Andrew Luck
Assuming the Colts as a whole can mesh well together and be effective in 2016, then expect them to get back into their winning ways sooner rather than later.
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