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Indianapolis Colts: 3 Vital statistics for 2019 season

By Russell S. Baxter

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 09: Frank Reich the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts watches the action against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 09: Frank Reich the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts watches the action against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – AUGUST 09: Braden Smith #72 of the Indianapolis Colts pass blocks against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on August 9, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – AUGUST 09: Braden Smith #72 of the Indianapolis Colts pass blocks against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on August 9, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

18

As previously mentioned, Colts’ quarterback Andrew Luck and the team as a whole got off to a 1-5 start before winning nine of their final 10 games and claiming a playoff berth for the first time since 2014. The team gelled in all aspects on both sides of the football. And one of the biggest factors was the emergence of an offensive line spearheaded by a pair of standout rookies.

In their first five contests a year ago, Frank Reich’s team was limited to fewer than 100 yards rushing while Luck was sacked 10 times. But led by left guard Quenton Nelson and right tackle Braden Smith, the club’s front line began to take shape.

The team allowed only eight QB traps the rest of the game and would wind up surrendering an NFL-low 18 sacks — this after the Colts allowed an NFL-high 56 quarterback traps in 2017. And during the team’s 9-2 finish, Indianapolis rolled up 122.4 yards per game on the ground.

And also keep in mind that a more balanced offense and better protection certainly helped Luck to complete a career-best 67.3 percent of his throws. Yes, the Colts were slowed down considerably by the Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Playoffs. But watching this unit grow as the season wore on, especially up front, was an impressive sight.

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