With the 2021 NFL Draft over and the schedule officially being released, it’s time for my third annual 32 part series where the top three questions will be posed for each NFL team. Here are those three questions for the Indianapolis Colts.
Be sure to check out all of Heller’s Three Burning Questions.
Will Carson Wentz Succeed?
Philip Rivers is one and done in Indianapolis. After leading the Colts to the playoffs, in his first season in a uniform other than the Los Angeles Chargers, he announced his retirement shortly after the season came to an end. The Colts traded with the Philadelphia Eagles for Wentz. It reunites the quarterback with his former offensive coordinator and current Colts head coach, Frank Reich, under whom Wentz has his most successful games.
The stacked offense that includes one of last season’s breakout rookies Michael Pittman, Jr., and veteran T.Y. Hilton, as well as tight end Jack Doyle, will be something Wentz has not had the pleasure of having during his last two or three seasons in Philly. The Colts also improved the offensive line by adding former Kansas City Chiefs’ first overall pick Eric Fisher to protect their signal-caller.
Will the Running Game Continue to Eat Up Yards?
Last season rookie Jonathan Taylor rush for over 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns while adding 299 yards receiving as well. Third-year running back Nyheim Hines accounted for over 800 total yards and seven touchdowns and had success in the screen and short yard plays. Former 1,000-yard rusher Marlon Mack tore his Achilles in Week 1 against the Jaguars but is expected to be back on the field at the start of the season. The Colts’ three-headed monster in the backfield is both scary for opposing defenses and will be a godsend to Wentz.
Is the Defense still a Top-10 Unit?
The defense was a top-10 unit last season. However, they lost linebacker Anthony Walker to the Cleveland Browns. But the unit still includes three-time Pro Bowl selection Darius Leonard and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. The team also added depth to the secondary, a unit that fought through injuries a season ago. None were more costly than safety Malik Hooker, who starting two games before ending up on injured reserve, with a torn Achilles. The team declined his fifth-year option in the last offseason because of injuries, making him a free agent after the 2020 season. Currently, Hooker is a free agent.
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