One area where the Indianapolis Colts haven’t been as steady this season as would have been expected is along the offensive line, specifically in pass protection.
Depending on which metric you choose to look at, the results, in terms of where the Colts rank among the rest of the offensive line units in pass-pro, can vary. However, all show a unit that hasn’t played to the level as expected.
By PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency metric, the Colts rank 17th. ESPN’s pass-block win rate metric, meanwhile, has them at 28th.
When it comes to pure pressure rate, Anthony Richardson has been under pressure at the 10th-highest rate in football this season. In the three games since Richardson has returned to the starting lineup, he’s been pressured at the fifth-highest rate.
What’s saving the Colts in these instances is Richardson’s ability to avoid sacks–something he is doing at an elite level, as ESPN highlighted recently. Despite the high-pressure rate, the Colts have given up the seventh-fewest sacks.
Continuity from 2023 to 2024 was going to be a key factor in the Colts’ offensive line play this season, but injuries up front have certainly contributed to the up-and-down play that we’ve seen overall. At various points this season, and sometimes all at once, the Colts have started three rookies on the offensive line, and with that, there is going to be inconsistencies.
Pressure, as we all know, can be incredibly disruptive, throwing off the timing and rhythm of the play, forcing the quarterback to speed up, which can lead to poor mechanics and mistakes.
According to PFF, when Richardson has been under duress this season, he is completing just 37.5% of his passes at 6.4 yards per attempt with three touchdowns to four interceptions.
Having a steady run game to lean on can help take away some of the bit from a pass rush, but ultimately over these final four games, the Colts need more consistency from the offensive line.
That time in the pocket, coupled with the growth Richardson has shown these last three games has resulted in much more efficient play, which includes a completion rate of 60%, 7.4 yards per attempt, and two touchdowns to no interceptions when throwing from a clean pocket during that span.