The Indianapolis Colts offense rose in the ranks as one of the most efficient units in the league during the 2018 season much in part due to the success of the offensive line.
After allowing the most sacks in the league during the 2017 campaign, the Colts emphasized the offensive line during the offseason. They turned around and finished the 2018 season allowing the fewest sacks in the NFL, going from a literal worst to first.
Entering a crucial 2019 season, the offensive line was listed as the X-factor for the team’s overall success by ESPN.
“The offensive line. From 2012 to 2016, Luck was hit as he threw a whopping 50 times, which is still a record high for a quarterback in his first five years in the league. Over that same span, he was either sacked or hit in the pocket a staggering 207 times, 34 more than the next-closest quarterback. Last season was a different story, however. He was kept clean from pressure on 70.5% of his dropbacks and was sacked just 18 times. The effects of an improved offensive line were obvious, and it’s imperative that it continues this excellent work this season.”
Even though the unit struggled with consistency during the first few games of the season, they truly took off once left tackle Anthony Castonzo returned in Week 6. It also helped that the Colts found their eventual starters on the right side of the line in Mark Glowinski and second-round pick Braden Smith.
The Colts offensive line was so strong at one point during the season that they didn’t allow a sack on 239 consecutive pass attempts—covering a span of five-plus games.
Indy’s offense is expected to repeat as one of the top units in the NFL and in order for them to find similar (or better) success in 2019, the offensive line must continue to lead the way.
