Colts offensive line is still a major problem
The Indianapolis Colts need a revamped offensive line.
That same sentence has been repeated over and over since Chuck Pagano and Ryan Grigson era began way back in 2012.
We are in year five now, and even after investing in early round picks, Jack Mewhort and Ryan Kelly, the Colts are still struggling up front.
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Those same struggles have been a major problem over the last 16 months. Andrew Luck has now missed 10 games over the last season and a half. Those injuries are related to the beating that Luck has taken behind his offensive line.
As of right now, the Colts are on track to give up 61 sacks on the season. The most in the league.
What is even more alarming, is the rate that the o-line is allowing pressure.
The Colts' O-Line has given up pressure on 44% of dropbacks, worst in NFL.
Colts defense has pressured QB on 23% of dropbacks, also worst
— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) November 29, 2016
Both Grigson and Pagano were banking on the consistency of veterans Anthony Castonzo and Jack Mewhort to anchor the left side of the line. But Castonzo has struggled all season and looks like a rookie. Meanwhile, Mewhort has dealt with a triceps injury that has forced him out of 3 games.
That has left Joe Philibin to patch work the rest of his offensive line with rookies Joe Haeg, Austin Blythe and Ryan Kelly. All of whom have started at least one game. Factor that in with also playing Joe Reitz and Denzelle Good and you have a below average o-line.
The five starters up front now are all at or near the bottom in player grades according to PFF.com. Castonzo (23rd), Mewhort (20th), Kelly (23rd), Good (76th) and Haeg (49th).
If you could take one positive away from here it is this. The line has youth and the ability to improve. But that needs to come soon. The Colts ability to make the playoffs will be thrown onto Luck’s shoulders. And that starts with the offensive line being able to keep him clean in the pocket.
Mewhort is an above average guard when he is healthy. And Kelly has played solid for a rookie. But having just 40 percent of you line set it not the key here. Something has to change, and fast.
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