Thanks to free agency, the Indianapolis Colts have surged their way towards the top of the NFL power rankings.
By adding pass rusher DeForest Buckner, cornerback Xavier Rhodes, and quarterback Phillip Rivers, the Colts are clear winners of free agency.
This winning cause deserves a ranking.
Let’s dive in.
The No. 7 Ranking
According to Nate Davis of USA Today, the Colts are ranked at No. 7.
At the start of free agency, the Colts had a fair amount of question marks.
As the free agency period progressed, many of those questions were answers after spending big during the first week.
“Philip Rivers is fired up for this new beginning.” 🔥@MoveTheSticks just got off the phone with the @Colts new QB ⬇️
📺: Free Agency Frenzy on NFL Network pic.twitter.com/7yrX0WeHa2
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 17, 2020
By adding the 38-year old Rivers, the team made it clear the team wants to win right now.
Since the team is ranked in the top tier of the league, the Colts could do just that when the NFL season kicks off.
Bringing In Rivers Was Easy
With the relationship that Rivers and head coach Frank Reich and offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni have with him, this was an easy call.
ESPN’s Mike Wells spoke with Reich and detailed how aggressive the Colts head coach was to get him.
“When it came out that Philip was going to be available, it was an easy discussion to see that it was a fit with us,” Reich said. “[We said], ‘Yes, we think this guy’s elite. Is he the right fit? What does he have left in the tank at 38?’ … All the throws I saw on film, and as I studied them and went back and compared them to previous throws, I really didn’t notice any physical gifts diminishing at all.”
What Could Happen Defensively
The Colts acquisition of Buckner was huge.
He was potentially their biggest need at the three-technique.
Buckner will solidify the defensive front seven and cause havoc for offensive lines.
In 2018, Buckner finished with 12.5 sacks, but that number fell to 7.5 last season.
However, the 49ers had many contributors on a defense that ranked No. 1 in the NFL.
All ⛽️no 🚫@DeForestBuckner with the sack! #BeLegendary pic.twitter.com/swDPHRk9j1
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) January 12, 2020
As for Rhodes, he was an immediate need when cornerback Pierre Desir was released.
Rhodes has made the Pro Bowl three times in the last four seasons, including last season.
However, the Colts need more out of Rhodes.
Last season, quarterbacks had a passer rating of 125.3 when they threw in his direction.
If Rhodes can revert back to the 2018 form (85.1 passer rating, big things could come from the Colts defense.
Okay Xavier Rhodes, I see you pic.twitter.com/ppmwFkjemX
— Matt Anderson (@MattAndersonNFL) January 7, 2020
Rounding Out The Rest
In the division, the Titans were the only team higher at No. 5.
The Texans were at No. 21, while the Jaguars were at No. 32.
The top ten teams were ranked as followed:
- Kansas City Chiefs
- San Francisco 49ers
- Baltimore Ravens
- New Orleans Saints
- Tennessee Titans
- Green Bay Packers
- Indianapolis Colts
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Minnesota Vikings
- Pittsburgh Steelers
The Complementary Additions
We can’t forget the other guys either.
The Colts resigned dependable tackle Anthony Castonzo and guard Le’Raven Clark.
Then, there was also the addition of defensive tackle Sheldon Day and cornerback T.J. Carrie.
All in all, general manager Chris Ballard has been busy.
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