Indianapolis Colts: Could Andre Johnson be missing piece?

ByLuis Tirado Jr.|

The Indianapolis Colts are ready to unleash one of the most potent offenses to hit the NFL this upcoming season. Thanks to the continued extraordinary play of quarterback Andrew Luck, a potent rushing attack led by Frank Gore and the addition of veteran wide receiver Andre Johnson, the Colts have quite the trifecta in place to truly push the envelope in 2015. Could Johnson be that missing piece the Colts have finally needed to make another appearance in a Super Bowl?

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Johnson was quite the catalyst for Houston Texans for well over a decade and now gets to turn a new chapter in his prolific career with the Colts. So far in his career, Johnson has totaled 13,597 receiving yards and 64 touchdowns courtesy of 1,012 receptions.

The Colts plan to use Johnson in a variety of different ways to utilize his vast skill-set. Johnson can do it all and can provide Luck with a great dimension on offense thanks to how clutch he can be in the heat of the moment. When a team as talented as the Colts adds a veteran like Johnson, it can actually provide that missing spark needed to truly exceed expectations.

Offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton plans to utilize Johnson in different strategies and offensive plays designed to his strengths. Johnson still has good speed and the ability to create mismatches against defenses either in the slot or on the outside. His ability to make tough catches also enables him to make big plays in the middle of the field to keep those chains moving.

With his vast experience in the NFL, Johnson should be able to dazzle once again and play with a newfound energy since he will surely want to impress his new teammates, coaching staff and fans alike. He’s already making a great impression and quite honestly, is exactly what the Colts needed to bring in this off season to ensure they finally go all the way to the Super Bowl thanks to his potential play-making abilities.

In an article written by Stephen Holder for IndyStar.com, here is what Hamilton had to say about what Johnson brings to the table:

"“I think it’s a skill set as well as his God-given ability to go up and jump high and have the hand-eye coordination to make some amazing catches,” Colts offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton said. “His catch radius is off the charts as well as the fact that Andre is a big, physical, strong man that understands how to leverage and use his body to give him an opportunity to make those plays.”"

Aug 5, 2015; Anderson, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Andre Johnson (81) waits his turn to go through drills during training camp at Anderson University. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Needless to say, Hamilton knows that Johnson could very well be an X-Factor on offense the likes of which he hasn’t had in years. It’s pretty early to tell since Johnson has yet to play a regular season game with the Colts but so far, he’s shown his capabilities during preseason football that he still has plenty of gas left in the tank to deliver consistent results.

Overall, Johnson will compliment Luck very well and could actually be the missing piece the Colts need to go the distance in 2015. The Colts were sure to add some better offensive weapons around Luck as Johnson will more than likely end up as one of the best acquisitions the team has made in a while. It could also be what they’ve needed all along to finally beat some of the better teams that have gotten the best of them in the past in the NFL Playoffs.

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