Just when you thought the Indianapolis Colts were running backwards, GM Chris Ballard pulled another rabbit out of his hat – Philip Lindsay.
The Colts have signed Lindsay, a one-time Pro Bowl with the Denver Broncos in 2018, on Tuesday.
Let’s break down how he will help the horse dry in 2022.
He can boost Indy’s special team
Lindsay had two consecutive 1,000-plus yard seasons in her first two NFL campaigns in Mile High City.
However, it seems much earlier.
Lindsay suffered a toe injury in 2020 and has been a shadow of her old soul ever since.
May Ballard and co. Somehow his once promising NFL career revived?
Let’s hope so – it seems that the prosperity of the special team will help Lindsay to do this.
Regarding the Colts’ signing with former Broncos 1,000-yard racer Philip Lindsay, here’s what matters: Lindsay must be a factor in special teams to be active on roster / play day. It didn’t play on the special team that led to Marlon Mack’s inactivity last season
– Stephen Holder (@ Holder Stephen) May 17, 2022
It’s not hard to imagine that in 2022 Lindsay will help the Colts as a kick and punt returner.
We are talking about a player who has not been distracted in 56 NFL games of his career.
If he’s healthy, he can miss defenders too – opponents have recorded 65 miss tackles against him in his first two years in the NFL.
Lindsay’s sure hand and movement can help Indy gain valuable field positions, especially in crunch time.
Lindsay adds valuable depth to the running back
Lindsay adds valuable depth to Indy’s running back corps.
Considering that Marlon signed with the Houston Texans in the Mack of the Season, it’s understandable to run back with an experienced soldier.
At first glance, Lindsay is in the same situation as Mack – Jonathan Taylor and Naiheim Hynes are in that position with the Colts having 1-2 punches so he won’t have much time to run backwards.
However, his acquisition could pave the way for a change in Heinz’s role in 2022.
Colts head coach Frank Reich Lindsay could be the main backup to run behind Taylor.
The hybrid can play a big role as a slot receiver for running backs and colts.
Based on the pass-catching production of Heinz’s career, he can make 60 receptions and 400 receiving yards in one season.
Heinz should improve on a system with new quarterback Matt Ryan on board.
During his previous 14 years with the Atlanta Falcons, Ryan relied heavily on his running back in pass-catching situations.
That trend should continue in Indy.
The Ryan and Hines combo will make Colts ’offense even more unexpected in 2022.
Philip Lindsay Colts হবে would be an interesting addition pic.twitter.com/x83atjZGrK
– Colts NationCP (olColtsNationCP) May 17, 2022
Injuries to Taylor or Heinz should be missed sometime, Linds should give the Colts good insurance to run.
A healthy Lindsay should gain more yards with a refined offensive line consisting of Matt Prior, Quinton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, Danny Pinter, and Braden Smith.
When you drop experienced Dennis Kelly and promising rookie Bernhard Riemann into the Colts offensive line equation, Lindsay and Indy’s running back corps will improve in 2022.
As you can see, the acquisition of Lindsay was another smart move by Ballard – he insured Colts in special teams and returned at a reasonable price.