Blue
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- Mar 19, 2019
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» Is the left edge the key to a more emphasized run game?
We’ve discussed in detail all offseason how Frank Reich wants to see a more consistent running attack out of the Colts’ offense in 2019. Indy didn’t exactly struggle in this area last season — it ranked 20th in the league in rushing yards and 22nd in yards per carry, and was much better from Week 6 on — but the coaching staff has issued a clear challenge to the offensive linemen and running backs that they’d like to be ranked much higher in those areas moving forward. With that being said, will the Colts lean on veteran left tackle Anthony Castonzo to lead the way in this emphasized run attack in 2019? Last season, for example, the Colts ran the ball 28 times directly over the left tackle, gaining 182 yards and three touchdowns; their 6.5 yards-per-carry average on those attempts was the highest among all directions with at least 24 carries, according to Pro Football Focus. Marlon Mack was especially successful with this approach, gaining 137 yards on 16 total attempts and earning 8.6 yards per carry when running behind Castonzo in 2018. What’s clear is Castonzo’s edge-sealing abilities, matched with the pulling talents of guards Quenton Nelson and Mark Glowinski, as well as center Ryan Kelly, make these runs off the left edge a success much more often than not; we’ll see if Reich leans on that moving forward in 2019.