After a 1-5 start, the Indianapolis Colts are very much in the playoff chase. And several members of the team could be in line for some hardware in January.
A season ago, the Los Angeles Rams ended a long postseason drought by finishing 11-5 and winning the NFC West. It was the franchise’s first playoff appearance since 2004 and first winning season and division title since 2003. There were many reasons for the starting turnaround. And it warranted Sean McVay earning NFL Coach of the Year Honors, running back Todd Gurley being named NFL Offensive Player of the Year and Aaron Donald being given the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.
One year after sitting out all of 2017 with a shoulder issues, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has bounced back in a big way. It took him a few weeks to get warmed up. But in 14 games, he’s hit on 67.3 percent of his throw for 3,951 yards and more than twice as many touchdown passes (34) as interceptions. He enjoyed an eight-game stretch in which he threw for at least three scores in eight consecutive contests.
He’s certainly in line for NFL Comeback Player of the Year accolades (some may even say MVP) and his only real threat may be Houston Texans’ defensive end J.J. Watt.
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Lucks has been sacked only 16 times this season and a big reason for that is the play of rookie left guard Quenton Nelson, the sixth overall pick in April’s draft. With standout debuts from running back Saquon Barkley (New York Giants) and quarterback Baker Mayfield (Cleveland Browns), the former Golden Domer would be hard-pressed to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. But he certainly will get a few votes.
For far too long, the Indianapolis’ defense has been this club’s albatross. But that has not been the case in 2018 thanks to the contributions from second-round pick Darius Leonard. The productive linebacker has been a standout in all regards.
He’s racked up an impressive 146 tackles, to go along with seven sacks, four forced fumbles, a pair of fumble recoveries, one interception and six passes defensed. The Colts are 10th overall in total defense, have 23 takeaways and managed 38 QB traps. Los Angeles Chargers’ safety Derwin James seems to be Leonard’s only real competition when it comes to NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Finally, there’s Josh McDa…uh, Frank Reich. Yes, it can’t be understated that general manager Chris Ballard indeed wound up with the right man when it comes to leading his team. The Colts are 7-1 in their last eight games following a 1-5 start. He was the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator a year ago and wound up earning a Super Bowl ring. He’s turned this club into a physical football team and is surely in the discussion for NFL Coach of the Year.
There’s just two weeks remaining in the NFL’s regular season. And just after it ends, the voters will make their choices. Luck, Reich, Leonard and Nelson all figure to be on those ballots and it will be interesting to see how it all plays out. It’s safe to say that there could be some very close races.