2021 Indianapolis Colts: Breaking in Another Different Quarterback

The Colts went 11-6 last season and made the playoffs. Veteran quarterback, Phillip Rivers had a great season and then retired at the age of 38. They brought in Carson Wentz who will reunite with Coach Frank Reich and those two won a Super Bowl with the Eagles. Speaking of the Eagles, they hired offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni as their head coach and he took several assistants with him to Philly. The Colts announced 10 new coaching hires and this could upset the stability of the program. Still, there is enough talent to contend for the division and possibly make the playoffs again in 2021.

Offensively, the key will be restoring the confidence of Wentz who was benched in Philadelphia last year after throwing 15 interceptions. Reich did a great job with him in Philly and the Colts are hoping lightning strikes twice. Running back, Jonathan Taylor rushed for 1169 yards and 11 touchdowns and proved he is an elite back. Indy is hoping T.Y. Hilton can get back to his former Pro-Bowl form. Both Michael Pittman Jr. and Zach Pascal have the talent to step up and take advantage of the chance to make the line-up. Four of last years’ 5 starting offensive linemen return with All-Pro Quentin Nelson leading the way.

Upfront on defense the Colts are led by All-Pro Tackle Deforest Buckner and he will be joined by tackle Grover Stewart to stuff the middle. The problem will be on the ends as both starters from a year ago were not re-signed. At linebacker, Darius Leonard made 132 tackles in 2020 and makes plays all over the field. Bobby Okereke will man one of the other spots, but the third position is up for grabs. In the secondary, Xavier Rhodes was re-signed at cornerback and Kenny Moore II is one of the best nickel-backs in the league.

Must Wins: Houston, NY Jets, Jacksonville, New England, Las Vegas, at Houston, at Jacksonville

Toss-Up Games: Seattle, LA Rams, Tennessee, at Arizona

Probable Losses: at Tennessee, at Miami, Tampa Bay, at Baltimore, at San Francisco, at Buffalo

Summary in Two Sentences: The Colts are hoping that Carson Wentz can get the job done at quarterback and make enough to plays and become a difference maker. They have a lot of talent and if things turn out right could win the division.