NFL: Biggest Offseason Question For Each AFC South Team

Indianapolis Colts: Was it wise to not upgrade the offensive line? 

Initially, no.

An offensive line that was a clear Achilles heel in 2016 received very little additional help for the most part this offseason. Outside of taking 361-lb offensive tackle Zach Banner in the fourth round of this year’s draft, the team did not make significant changes to the below average offensive line, something that may jeopardize the team and the success of quarterback Andrew Luck.

The unit allowed 44 sacks in 2016, ranking 28th in the league. That produced an average of 2.75 sacks per game, also ranking 28th. Some good did come from the offensive line in 2016 however.

The group opened running lanes for veteran running back Frank Gore, who ran for over 1,000 yards (1,025) and was the first Colts running back to top 1,000 yards since 2007.

Injuries also placed a damper on the unit with left guard Jack Mewhort being placed on IR in early December, right guard Denzelle Good missing some games due to back and concussion injuries, and right tackle Joe Reitz having back issues through the season while also retiring after the season.

It appears the Colts will enter the season with pretty much the same starting five on the line with a combination of LT Anthony Castonzo, LG Jack Mewhort, C Ryan Kelly, RG Joe Haeg, and RT Le’Raven Clark. A group that has a relatively stable left tackle in Castonzo and an improving center in Kelly. For the Colts to make minimal improvements on an offensive line this offseason, it is a roll of the dice that can prove to be costly.