INDIANAPOLIS -- The experiment of starting Jack Mewhort at right tackle lasted all of two games. The same can be said about the signing of a 32-year-old player in the offseason to start at guard.
Something had to change and coach Chuck Pagano couldn’t wait any longer. That’s why he shook up the offensive line by benching guards Todd Herremans and Lance Louis on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. Pagano moved Mewhort back to guard and inserted Hugh Thornton at the other guard spot and had Joe Reitz start at right tackle.
“We just felt like we needed a change,” Pagano said. “We need to get a spark. I felt like we need to get some guys in there and give them an opportunity.”
Sunday’s changes up front further solidified Pagano’s comments last week that quarterback Andrew Luck is used to playing behind a line that's had issues in each of the past three seasons.
The Colts transitioned Mewhort from left guard where he started as a rookie last season to right tackle after it become apparent Gosder Cherilus wasn’t going to be the starter there. Mewhort stayed prepared for possibly moving back to guard – and even center – by paying attention to all five positions during film sessions.
“It’s like riding a bike,” Mewhort said. “Transition wise, I kind of fell back into my old routine and studied as much as I could. I know I’m a jack-of-all-trades guy so when we’re in meetings, I make sure I know what’s going on at all the positions.”
The Colts signed Herremans during the offseason because he has experience and they thought he could help stabilize the guard position. He instead added to the problems by struggling.
We’re not going to get ahead of ourselves and say the Colts suddenly have a dominant offensive line. That would be a false statement. The Colts gave up three sacks and Luck was hit four times. Thornton, who started each of the past two seasons, was called for four penalties – three for holding and a false start.
The offensive line, however, did come together during the Colts’ 21-point fourth quarter. The solid protection played a big part in Luck going 11-of-13 for 144 yards and two touchdowns in the victory.
Now the offensive line needs to carry those 15 minutes over to their next game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
