WESTFIELD, Ind. -- The Indianapolis Colts open 2021 NFL training camp Wednesday at Grand Park Sports Complex. Here's a closer look at a few storylines:
Can Colts coach Frank Reich fix quarterback Carson Wentz?
All eyes will be on Wentz, who was traded from the Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason. Reich, as he did with Philip Rivers in 2020, went out on a limb to acquire Wentz for the Colts. Wentz had an MVP-caliber season before tearing his ACL in December 2017 with Reich as his offensive coordinator in Philly. But Wentz is coming off a 2020 season where he was sacked 50 times, threw 16 interceptions and was benched in favor of Jalen Hurts. Wentz doesn’t have to throw for 5,000 yards and 40 touchdowns for 2021 to be considered successful. He simply has to be effective, and that’s something each of the Colts' past three starting quarterbacks have done in their first season under Reich, who emphasizes quick throws. Andrew Luck (67.3) and Jacoby Brissett (60.9) had their highest-completion percentages under Reich, while Rivers (68.0) had the second highest of his career.
How will Anthony Castonzo’s retirement impact the Colts offensive line?
The Colts have had one of the NFL’s best offensive lines in each of the past three seasons. That could be the case again this season, with All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson anchoring things up front as long they can fill the void lost by Castonzo’s retirement. General manager Chris Ballard went with a familiar name in Eric Fisher to be Castonzo’s replacement at left tackle. But there’s a catch. Signs point to Fisher, who spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, missing the start of the regular season while he continues to rehab from a torn Achilles suffered during the playoffs. Sam Tevi is expected to get the first crack at starting at left tackle until Fisher returns. The Colts need Tevi to provide stability protecting Wentz’s blindside until Fisher returns because they can't afford to have their starting quarterback hearing footsteps while trying to regain his confidence.
Did the Colts do enough to overtake Tennessee in the AFC South?
No. The easiest road to the playoffs for the Colts is by winning the division. But the Titans, who won the division last season and have made the playoffs in three of the past four seasons, are standing in their way. And while the Colts appear to be a better team on paper based off their offseason moves, the same can be said about Tennessee. The Titans traded for receiver Julio Jones to go with receiver A.J. Brown, running back Derrick Henry and quarterback Ryan Tannehill on offense. They also added linebacker Bud Dupree and former Colts defensive end Denico Autry. There’s a legitimate chance the Colts don’t surpass their win total of 11 games last season while having an overall better roster this season.