Frank Reich’s team overcame a slow start a year ago to reach the NFL playoffs. What numbers tell us what to look for from the Indianapolis Colts in 2019?
It’s a team that finished 10-6 and grabbed a wild card berth a year ago but in some ways, the Indianapolis Colts feel like the defending AFC South champions. That’s no disrespect to the Houston Texans, who overcame a 0-3 start to finished 11-5 and grab first place. But in the Colts’ final 12 overall outings (including playoffs), Frank Reich’s club went to the Lone Star State twice over that span and knocked off the Texans on both occasions.
So it’s now 2019 and, compared to nearly every other club, the Colts had a quiet offseason. But that’s because general manager Chris Ballard was busy bringing back players that could have left via free agency. In the meantime, the top-notch executive once again worked the NFL draft for the second straight year. This is a team that has added one first-round pick, one third-round selection and seven second-round choices to its roster since 2018.
Yes, Indianapolis did add a few veterans in the form of pass-rusher Justin Houston (more on him later), wide receiver Devin Funchess (Carolina Panthers) and running back Spencer Ware (Kansas City Chiefs). But this is a club being built through the draft and it’s hard to ignore the results so far.
So in this continuing series, here are the key numbers that pertain to the Colts in 2019. Continued strides in these areas could mean big things for Reich and company this upcoming year.