The biggest problem for the 2018 Indianapolis Colts is already identifying itself. Can the offense find a running game or will it be up to the passing game?
Heading into the season, it was no secret that the Indianapolis Colts didn’t possess a strong running game. Three weeks into the season though, that may have already cost them a win.
Week 1 can’t be blamed solely on the running game. Although it was definitely absent (75 yards on 22 carries) there were other problems as well. The defense struggled to stop the Cincinnati Bengals and two turnovers slowed down the Indianapolis offense.
Meanwhile, Week 2 saw the first win of the season for the Colts. Andrew Luck was solid and the defense was incredibly strong against the Washington Redskins. This was also the first time the Colts ran for over 100 yards (104 yards and one touchdown on 28 carries).
Then, Week 3 saw a solid defensive performance again. This time though, the running game was non-existent again. Luck was the leading rusher with 33 yards — and he did so on one carry. The rest of the team ran for a combined 35 yards on 12 carries (total of 13 carries for 68 yards).
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For those doing the math, the only Colts win this year coincided with the only week they ran for over 100 yards, as well as the only week they recorded a rushing touchdown.
Indianapolis simply doesn’t have the receiving weapons to have no running game. The defense has looked pretty solid and Luck hasn’t disappointed yet. If the offense has to be completely one dimensional though, it will limit the damage they can do. It makes everything harder — including trying to win the time-of-possession battle.
The Indianapolis Colts have looked good in almost every facet of their game this season…almost. Their rushing attack wasn’t expected to do them many favors this year, but it’s still managed to disappoint to this point. If they want to compete, something will have to be done – soon.