Despite all of the uncertainty surrounding the NFL, there is a lot of optimism the Indianapolis Colts will be one of the more competitive teams in the AFC for the 2020 season.
After making upgrades to some vital positions like quarterback and three-technique defensive tackle, the Colts appear primed to make a run for the top spot in the division. Of course, that’s all on paper right now, but the outlook is strong in Indy.
Our friends over at Touchdown Wire agree as the Colts landed at No. 8 in their pre-training camp power rankings ahead of the 2020 season.
The Indianapolis Colts were viewed as one of the free agency winners, adding Philip Rivers to solidify their quarterback position and trading for DeForest Buckner to bolster their interior defensive line. Their draft additions were solid as well, beginning with their two picks at the start of the first round. Michael Pittman Jr. can be a great asset for Rivers, with his ability along the boundary, ball skills and penchant for attacking the football at the catch point. Jonathan Taylor is a potential home run hitter of a back, with track speed and the experience in a versatile running attack like Wisconsin’s.
Quietly, the Jacob Eason pick is definitely one to track. Eason has a live arm and experience in a more traditional offense during his time at Washington. He can learn behind Rivers and more importantly joins a head coach in Frank Reich who has a track record of quarterback development, given how he was part of the room developing Carson Wentz in Philadelphia. Dezmon Patmon is a nice addition, another bigger receiver on the outside, and safety Julian Blackmon is a versatile player with potential in both zone and man coverage settings.
For reference, the Titans led the division at No. 5, followed by the Colts at No. 8, the Texans at No. 21 and the Jaguars rounding out the group at No. 30.
The Colts certainly have a chance to make a run in 2020. They have the continuity throughout the coaching staff and the majority of the roster. Many of the starters are either in their prime are just entering it. If they can stay relatively healthy, the path for a winning record can be easily attained.
It will definitely be a wild year across the NFL and if we do get a full season, the Colts should be right in the thick of it.