Indianapolis Colts Offensive Line Holding Team Back?

The Indianapolis Colts have the NFL’s most costly offensive line. Basic supervisor Chris Ballard stated from the start the workforce can be constructed by the trenches. When it comes to general funding, there’s no denying that reality.

Nonetheless, with that asset allocation turns into an expectation of sustained success. Thus far this season, new quarterback Matt Ryan has been underneath fixed siege. Twelve sacks in three video games from Indianapolis’ offensive line is just inexcusable. Throwing within the pressures, Ryan gained’t be capable to survive a full 17-game season at this present tempo.

The place precisely are the difficulty spots alongside the offensive line? Quenton Nelson continues to be dominant up entrance, albeit just a few hiccups right here and there, however there’s critical questions arising throughout the remainder of the unit.

Proper deal with Braden Smith and middle Ryan Kelly proceed to not play as much as their present contract standing, which isn’t a superb signal. Smith’s struggles in opposition to speed-rushers proceed to point out up by the primary three weeks. In the meantime, Kelly is lacking blitz pick-ups with extra regularity than ever earlier than. For these two, it’s merely inexcusable.

Two new starters throughout the Colts’ offensive line headline an offseason crammed with modifications for the unit identified to be one of many league’s finest since 2018.

Matt Pryor, who was by no means a full-time starter heading into 2022, is now defending Ryan’s blindside. After a rocky first few weeks, Pryor bounced-back nicely in a pivotal Week 3 matchup in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. If Pryor is ready to quiet down and persistently deal with his one-on-one matchups, it would go a protracted method to lastly seeing some steady play throughout the road.

The largest challenge proper now for Indianapolis’ offensive line woes is third-year professional Danny Pinter. The hometown native who attended close by Ball State College, Pinter’s struggles at proper guard proceed to rear its ugly head. At this level, Pinter feels misplaced at guard after seeing his early success at middle spelling Kelly on occasion. Whether or not it’s in opposition to velocity or energy, Pinter is unable to carry up on a snap-by-snap foundation.

The place can the Colts go from right here if the offensive line struggles proceed ahead previous a must-win matchup on Sunday in opposition to the Tennessee Titans? There’s just a few routes that may be taken to repair it, however the first one is everybody performs to their normal.

Kelly and Smith must play at an elite degree, however Pryor and Pinter additionally must show the Colts proper by placing a lot belief in them all through the offseason. If the inconsistencies proceed, rookie Bernhard Raimann is ready within the wings as he develops inside an NFL power and conditioning program.

Raimann, the third-round pick of Central Michigan, seems in line to turn into the Colts’ long-term answer at left deal with. A simple answer right here might be Raimann taking up there whereas Pryor slides into Pinter’s spot at proper guard. After proving himself final season as a worthwhile swing piece alongside the Colts’ offensive line, that appears like Indianapolis’ finest shot to steer the ship in the best course.

Sunday’s matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium versus the Titans will inform us rather a lot about whether or not the unit will stabilize. If a month straight of damaging play exits that matchup, it’s completely honest to wonder if it’s time to vary some issues up.

Extremely sufficient, the Colts’ disappointing 1-1-1 begin falls again upon the unit the group has invested essentially the most sources in. The true spine of the Colts is failing them, and it could possibly’t proceed any longer in the event that they need to lastly break by as AFC South champions.