The Indianapolis Colts missed the playoffs last season, but still have their usual playoff expectations this year. The Colts are hoping to make a Super Bowl run this year, but need a few players to have step up in 2016.
Each year, teams expect players to step up and play key roles. Sometimes, the player in question makes the leap from backup to role player, or even to starter. Sometimes, a player goes from role player to key starter or borderline star. So which players are the Colts counting on this year to step up? We've put together three of the most likely candidates below.
QB Andrew Luck
Luck gets plenty of credit for what he does for the Colts, but he hasn't quite taken the leap into the NFL's Top 5 QBs. The Colts need that to change this year. Luck should be fully healthy and the offensive line should do a better job of making sure he's not getting killed. If Luck cuts down on his turnovers (his fewest was 14 in 2013), the Colts should return to the playoffs. Just staying healthy for a season is a must for Luck.
WR Donte Moncrief
Year Two was an improvement for Moncrief, as he caught 64 passes for 733 yards and six scores. But he did much of that without Andrew Luck at QB and sharing some time with Andre Johnson. The latter is gone and the former is now healthy. That should mean a big season for Moncrief, and the Colts need him to establish himself as true No. 2 threat.
OLB Trent Cole
The Colts need a better pass rush in 2016 and Cole is the one most likely to provide it. After 6.5 sacks in 2014 and eight in 2013, Cole regressed to just three in 2015. Injuries cost him some time, but the Colts need an effective Cole in 2016. Erik Walden and Robert Mathis are also on the team, but it's Cole who the Colts need to return to form in 2016. If the Colts can't pressure the QB this year, their defense is going to be in serious trouble.
Back to the Indianapolis Colts Newsfeed