Fansided

Falcons, Broncos and 3 other teams poised to bounce back in 2020

By Russell S. Baxter

Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 21: T.Y. Hilton #13 of the Indianapolis Colts signals first down during a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on November 21, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Texans defeated the Colts 20-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 21: T.Y. Hilton #13 of the Indianapolis Colts signals first down during a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on November 21, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Texans defeated the Colts 20-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

1. Indianapolis Colts (7-9 in 2019)

Unlike the other teams on the list, Frank Reich’s squad was off to 5-2 start this past season before a fluke knee injury to quarterback Jacoby Brissett and a disappointing stretch run by a though-to-be improving defense kept the Indianapolis Colts out of the playoffs for a second consecutive year.

But help is on the way on all of these front. While veteran quarterback Philip Rivers doesn’t come off one of his better years, he has started 224 consecutive regular-season contests dating back to 2006. He has also worked with Reich during both men’s days with the Chargers.

General manager Chris Ballard was once again busy this offseason making moves based on quality and no quantity. He gave up the club’s first-round pick this year for 49ers’ defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, signed his former San Francisco teammate Sheldon Day and inked conerbacks Xavier Rhodes and T.J. Carrie. The club hopes to get more of a pass rush from the inside and compliment Justin Houston.

More fansided.com: NFL power rankings: 2020 edition – Chiefs at No. 1

Ballard also made sure that his quality offensive line remained intact as he signed left tackle Anthony Castonzo to a two-year extension before the start of free agency. The Colts have a pair of second-round picks this year and the thought is one could be used on a quarterback of the future. When it comes to the present, this is a team that hopes to recapture their early 2019 form.

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