NFL power rankings: Who is biggest threat to Patriots?
By Brad Weiss
Indianapolis Colts
, AFC South
The AFC South figures to be a very tough division in 2017, as there are as many as three teams that could challenge for the title. However, as the Summer wears on, it is clear that the Indianapolis Colts have a long road ahead of them. Quarterback Andrew Luck is still on the PUP list, and the team has looked very mediocre through the first two games of the preseason.
In some good news, it appears that rookie running back Marlon Mack is the real deal. The University of South Florida product has drawn rave reviews from the coaching staff, and has looked very good on tape. Teaming with Frank Gore in the Colts backfield, the young back should give the Colts a running punch they have not had in a long time.
Aside from Mack, first round pick Malik Hooker appears to be well worth the early pick in last April’s NFL Draft. Not having Luck this preseason has shown the impact he has on this team, and there is no way they can go into the season with Scott Tolzien as the starter. To make matters worse, the team lost center Ryan Kelly to a foot surgery, and he will be out for 6-to-8 weeks.
Starting out 0-2 in the preseason is not a huge deal, as the team does not really work their starters until Week 3. In their Week 3 matchup, the Colts will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers, who will be giving quarterback Ben Roethlisberger his first action of the Summer. Without Luck, the Colts will likely fall to 0-3, and could very well finish their preseason slate without a notch in the win column.