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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Paul Bretl

Colts’ offensive line faces big test vs pressure-heavy Broncos defense

A very good Broncos pass rush will put the Indianapolis Colts offensive line unit to the test in Sunday’s pivotal playoff-like game.

Basically, select any metric that you want, and you’ll find the Denver pass rush ranked near the top of that list. In terms of pure pressure rate, they will enter Week 15 ranked as the third-best unit in that category. By ESPN’s pass rush win rate metric, the Broncos also rank third.

Leading the way for the Broncos front is defensive tackle Zach Allen in the middle, along with edge rushers Jonathan Cooper and Nik Bonitto. This season, the trio has combined for 147 pressures and 28 sacks, according to PFF.

Among their respective position groups, Allen is second in pressures out of tackles, while Cooper is 15th among edge rushers and Bonitto is tied for 21st.

As highlighted in a recent article, the Colts’ offensive line has been very up and down in pass protection this season, which was supposed to be an area of strength for them.

Obviously, numerous injuries up front have played a factor, but the Colts are 17th in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency metric and 28th in ESPN’s pass-block win rate metric.

Over the last three games, since Anthony Richardson has returned to the starting lineup, he has been under pressure at the fifth-highest rate during that span. Saving the Colts is Richardson’s elite ability to avoid sacks.

Ryan Kelly has been designated to return to practice this week, although it remains to be seen yet if he will play on Sunday. Tanor Bortolini was a full participant during Wednesday’s practice after missing the Week 13 game with a concussion.

However, the team is not expected to have Braden Smith at right tackle, meaning rookie Matt Goncalves will be in line for another start.

While it won’t be easy against a Denver defense that also ranks third in yards per rush allowed, but getting the run game going is one way to take some of the bite away from a pass rush.

But pressure, as we know, can throw-off an entire gameplan, disrupting the timing and rhythm of the play, forcing the quarterback to speed up, which can lead to poor mechanics and mistakes. Not to mention that sacks put the offense behind the sticks and in predictable passing situations.

With time in the pocket, Richardson has completed 60% of his throws over the last three games. However, when facing pressure, his completion rate plummets to 37.5%.

How the Colts’ offensive line handles the Denver pass rush will have a major impact on Sunday’s outcome.

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