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Indianapolis Colts: 5 offseason needs in 2020

By Russell S. Baxter

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 29: Indianapolis Colts Quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) throws a pass during the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 29, 2019 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 29: Indianapolis Colts Quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) throws a pass during the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 29, 2019 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 17: Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) watches a field goal attempt during the NFL game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Indianapolis Colts on November 17, 2019 at Lucas Oil Stadium, in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 17: Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) watches a field goal attempt during the NFL game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Indianapolis Colts on November 17, 2019 at Lucas Oil Stadium, in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Sort out the kicking dilemma

He’s scored more points and kicked more field goals than any player in the 100-year history of the National Football League. He also holds the league records for postseason scoring and field goals as well. He’s been part of four Super Bowl-winning teams and delivered the clutch game-winning three-pointers in the wins over the Rams and Panthers in XXXVI and XXXVIII, respectively. And he’s coming off a season unlike any other he’s experienced in his storied 24-year pro career.

Adam Vinatieri certainly had his ups and downs this past year. There were the usual game-winning heroics as well as some distressing flubs. As for the numbers in 2019, the xx-year-old legend finished with just 73 points in 12 games before ending the season on injured reserve. He was just 22-of-28 on PATs and a distressing 17-of-25 on field-goal attempts. He had his issues from various ranges and saw his share of kicks blocked. In the final four games, the Colts went with Chase McLaughlin – fresh off a relief stint with the San Francisco 49ers – and he responded by connecting on all 11 PAT attempts and five out of his six field-goal tries – including a pair from 50-plus yards.

As of now, Vinatieri is unsigned while McLaughlin is an exclusive rights free agent. Will the veteran specialist be back for a 25th NFL season? Or will the Colts go with the younger leg?

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