in-depthEver since Andrew Luck joined the Colts in 2012, Indianapolis has made the playoffs. And each of those seasons the team has advanced one step further than the year before.

If that holds true to form in 2015, Indianapolis will be playing in the Super Bowl. But can the Colts improve on three straight 11-5 seasons enough to make that next step? There is a lot of talent on this team and some newly added veteran leadership in Trent Cole, Frank Gore and Andre Johnson.

But the Colts also eschewed greater perceived needs on the offensive line and the defense on draft day, instead selecting Phillip Dorsett, another weapon for an already loaded offensive arsenal.

Evan Reller, editor of Horseshoe Heroes, gives us his thoughts on what has gone right and wrong over the offseason and on how the team is stacked for a run at the Lombardi Trophy.

Zoneblitz: The Colts went 11-5 for the third straight year under Chuck Pagano and Andrew Luck. And they made another step in the playoffs, reaching the AFC Championship game, but were handled by the Patriots. How do you assess the season?

Reller: When the season ended, I spent more time than I’d have liked talking Colts fans off a ledge. Some people viewed the season as a failure and think we should have bowed out in the first round of the playoffs for a better draft pick. The fact of the matter is that there are 27 other teams that would kill for a shot to be a win away from the Super Bowl. Anytime you make the playoffs, let alone the conference finals, it’s a success. While the loss was tough, to say the season was a failure would be disrespectful to the hard work the team put in.

Zoneblitz: What are your thoughts on Chuck Pagano’s work as the head coach?

Reller: As a person, I really like Pagano. He served as an inspiration to the community with his battle with cancer and it is hard not to like him. As a coach, I think he needs to get better. Last season we saw times where he was incredibly aggressive, but that tapered off as the season progressed. There are also far too many games where the Colts simply get outplayed, like the showed up to the match unready to play and without a game plan.

When talking about Pagano, it is tough not to also bring up GM Ryan Grigson. Considering the personnel Pagano’s had the past few years, especially on defense, it is a wonder they managed to win 11 games every season.

Zoneblitz: Indianapolis has been lucky to have nearly two decades of elite quarterbacking – What’s the ceiling for Andrew Luck?

Reller: Luck has all the physical tools of Cam Newton (right down to the measurables) and the mental capacities of Peyton Manning. While most fans want the reincarnation of Manning, the ceiling is probably something closer to Aaron Rodgers. He’s gotten better every season and doesn’t show any signs of stopping. He’s already in elite territory with the rookie record for passing yardage and more touchdowns through three seasons than any other QB not named Dan Marino.

Every game there are a few passes or plays that simply amaze the fans, most of which won’t make the highlight reel. At some point, Luck will be making dozens of those plays in a game and keeping defenses up every night before facing the Colts. Andre Johnson says he’s the best QB he’s ever played with, but that says more about Texans QBs than Luck.

Zoneblitz: Many of the Colts’ free agent signings were latter career guys – Andre Johnson, Frank Gore, Trent Cole – do they have enough gas left in the tank to accomplish helping take Indy to the next level?

Reller: Johnson and Cole certainly do, or at least should. Gore has been the model of consistency, rushing for over 1,100 each season the past four years. But he is 32 and past the dreaded 30-year mark which is death for running backs (usually).

Johnson is exactly what the Colts needed for their very young receiver corps. It certainly helps that he’s playing with a very good QB now that has seemingly reenergized the 34-year-old wide out.

Cole is likely to be more of a rotational player, especially if Robert Mathis returns to something resembling his old form. The Colts have a lot of pass rushers and will be able to use an aggressive rotation to keep the pressure on opposing QBs.

Zoneblitz: How does the addition of Gore change the offense?

Reller: The Colts haven’t had a real threat at running back in years and haven’t had a 1,000 yard back since 2007. Just the mere hint of having a rushing attack will give the Colts more options on offense, specifically with regard to setting up the play action. Gore gives the Colts the threat of a run game just on name reputation alone. He’s also good when it comes to pass blocking.

Zoneblitz: What were your thoughts on the selection of Phillip Dorsett? Is he an immediate contributor or a luxury pick?

Reller: As a player, Dorsett is a great addition who, along with T.Y. Hilton, will really allow the Colts to take the top off opposing defenses. But in terms of need Dorsett was a bad pick. There were a number of defensive players available that I thought would be better for the team going forward. On the stat sheet, Dorsett will standout more than any of the defensive players likely would have but it still feels like a wasted pick. That said, sticking to a policy of taking the best player available (by the team’s big board) can’t be faulted either.

Zoneblitz: Piggybacking on that question, has the team done enough to improve the offensive line in order to protect Luck, Gore, et al?

Reller: They honestly haven’t done anything to significantly improve the offensive line. Adding Todd Herremans might bolster the run blocking but he’s a liability in pass protection. The Colts are relying on the improved health of a few players as well as the development of several more. It might be a lot of wishful thinking.

Zoneblitz: The defense gave up 33 more points in 2014 than 2013, dropping from 9th to 19th in the NFL. What went wrong and has the team fixed the problems?

Reller: The Colts actually fielded a better defense overall in 2014. They dominated the inferior teams and lost a couple they shouldn’t have. Those numbers aren’t helped by a 60+ point failure in Pittsburgh, either. The Colts have added a few new pieces on defense (like cutting LaRon Landry and replacing him with Dwight Lowery) but it remains to be seen whether or not they will pan out.

One key factor will be generating a pass rush without blitzing, something Mathis allowed them to do with ease in 2013. The Colts simply have had too many games over the past few years where they are blown out by the opponent.

Zoneblitz: Collectively, what are your thoughts on the offseason to date and what would you like to see the team do through the rest of the offseason?

Reller: Aside from the first round pick in the draft, I love what the Colts have done. They’ve made a number of aggressive, short-term moves to bolster the 2015 roster and try to get a ring before Luck’s contract puts the team in cap hell.

All I would like to see is the team stay healthy. There aren’t really any other moves to be made by the Colts.

Zoneblitz: What Colts players have a chance to break out in 2015?

Reller: Tight end Dwayne Allen is set for a great season, but he has to stay healthy. He had eight touchdowns last year but has the potential to really dominate the game as both a pass catcher and run blocker.

Donte Moncrief was poised for a big jump heading into his second year, but the additions of Johnson, Dorsett, and even Duron Carter could cut into his snaps.

With all the weapons on offense, Luck should have another great season and it would be surprising if he wasn’t in the MVP conversation.

Defensively, I’d like to see great years from Vontae Davis and Jonathan Newsome, both to prove that 2014 wasn’t a fluke. Davis was arguably the best corner in football last season and Newsome led the team in sacks as a rookie. Both could have an even better year in 2015.

Zoneblitz: What are your expectations as far as another deep playoff run? Can the Colts overtake the Pats and win it all in 2015?

Reller: With all the big name additions, this certainly feels like a Super Bowl-or-bust kind of season. I’d like to think that they have done enough to take down the Pats, but it is tough to say. New England lost a lot of talent on defense during the offseason and is always more vulnerable when Tom Brady has to shoulder all the work (crazy thought, I know).

The Colts have gone a step further in the playoffs every season and hopefully that trend continues.

Follow Evan Reller on Twitter at: @ereller25
Follow Horseshoe Heroes on Twitter at: @horseshoeheroes
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