The Indianapolis Colts offense was able to use play-action passing with efficiency during the 2018 season due to a variety of reasons.
From the offensive line selling run-blocking schemes to quarterback Andrew Luck forcing the linebackers to hesitate, the Colts had several instances in which play-action helped them create a huge gain.
Luck’s efficiency passing off of play-action was another reason for success in that area as he recorded the fifth-highest passer rating on such plays among all NFL quarterbacks in 2018, per Pro Football Focus.
The Colts offense is one that is predicated on confusing opposing defenses. Whether that means moving players pre-snap, using multiple personnel packages or creating movement and confusion post-snap, head coach Frank Reich has found a way to find success using play-action.
Having an explosive running back and an offensive line that can block in multiple schemes are factors to success as does having a quarterback such as Luck leading the offense.
In order to keep the offense from being predictable in its second year under Reich’s lead, the Colts are likely to add more play-action and RPO concepts to the playbook.
Luck enjoyed his most efficient season in 2018, setting career-highs in passer rating (98.7) and completion percentage (67.3). Some of that success must be attributed to the efficiency he had on play-action passes.
