INDIANAPOLIS – Fast.
That’s not in reference to the Indianapolis Colts' receivers or defensive backs.
That’s what new Colts offensive line coach Joe Philbin has been emphasizing to his unit. He wants them to play fast and be powerful in their quest to keep quarterback Andrew Luck as clean as possible and to open up running lanes for Frank Gore and the rest of the running backs.
The most important message from Philbin to his unit: They are the key to the offense.
That’s way easier said than done.
“He’s been great to work with so far,” versatile Colts lineman Joe Reitz said. “He has a great track record and built some great offensive lines. I know we’ve all enjoyed working with him. We’ve been moving quick and and preparing ourselves to go out and play fast and play well together.”
Philbin was hired by coach Chuck Pagano in January after he was fired as the coach of the Miami Dolphins early last season. Philbin was the Green Bay Packers' offensive line coach in 2006 after spending three seasons as the team’s assistant offensive line coach.
The Colts' commitment to improving the line goes beyond simply hiring Philbin. They used four of their eight draft picks last week on offensive linemen, and they released center Khaled Holmes on Monday. The four offensive linemen are the most the Colts have selected in the draft since 1983, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
"We drafted four of those guys and we’ve invested a lot, so there’s a ton of pressure on Joe P. as well. He’s going to get some sideways looks the first sack we give up," Pagano said, laughing. "We’ve got it at five. Five is the goal for the season. The heat is on Joe’s butt, believe me. I’m just kidding, you know that.”
It’s about the Colts moving forward and trying to shake their reputation of having a poor offensive line. The problems up front became all the more magnified last season when Luck missed nine games and Indianapolis used a total of five quarterbacks and gave up 118 quarterback hits, the second most in the NFL.
Wait, there’s more.
The Colts have gone 50 straight games without a 100-yard rusher, and their 3.5 yards a carry outside of the tackles was half a yard lower than any other team in the AFC, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
“We always need to play better, especially anytime your quarterback gets hurt,” left tackle Anthony Castonzo said. “If it happens on a scramble, he shouldn’t have had to scramble. We want to keep everybody healthy. We want to play as clean as we can. The goal is always zero sacks. We understand that’s a lofty goal, but if you go into the season with any other goal, you’re preparing to lose.”
Three of the five positions on the offensive line are set or have a clear frontrunner: Castonzo at left tackle, Jack Mewhort at left guard and rookie Ryan Kelly at center. The right side of the line is wide open, with Hugh Thornton, Denzelle Good and Reitz as the primary candidates to start at right guard and tackle. Indianapolis also drafted tackles Le’Raven Clark and Joe Haeg and center Austin Blythe.
“We know we need to improve and we will be better this year,” Reitz said. “I think that’s what we’re building for now. We’re laying the foundation, fundamentals on the field and building together as an unit. It’s not always the best five out there. It’s five guys working together as an unit. I’m excited to see where it can take us in the future.”
