Colts 2022 NFL preview, schedule: Matt Ryan could spur AFC South also-rans to playoffs
The Indianapolis Colts missed out on the playoffs in the final week but things may be very different in 2022 with Matt Ryan running the offense.
Frank Reich is in his fifth season as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts and will head into the 2022 NFL campaign with his fifth different quarterback after Andrew Luck (2018), Jacoby Brissett (2019), Phillip Rivers (2020) and Carson Wentz (2021). This season, the job of running the offense will fall to Matt Ryan, in what could prove a decisive moment for the franchise to return to the playoffs for the first time since a 2020 Wild Card Round loss to the Bills.
Ryan trade a solid bet for Colts’ offense
The Colts acquired 2016 MVP Ryan in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons, in which they gave up a third-round pick round in the 2022 Draft. The Boston College product will look to make Indianapolis’ passing offense more potent than it was last year, when they ranked 26th in yards generated at an average of 197.7 per game.
Something that will make the job easier for “Matty Ice” is that he hasn’t ever had a running back on the same level as Jonathan Taylor. The Wisconsin alum racked up 2,171 yards and 20 touchdowns from scrimmage to lead the league in both last season.
Although they didn’t have a first-round pick in the 2022 Draft, the Colts added more offensive elements in the second and third with wide receiver Alec Pierce and tight end Jelani Woods, respectively. Pierce is aiming to start from day one alongside Michael Pittman Jr. and Parris Campbell. For his part, Woods, standing at 2.01 meters, will be a huge target in the end zone for Ryan.
Colts bolster defensive line
The Colts were the second-worst team in terms of touchdown passes allowed with 32 during 2021: only the Washington Commanders allowed more (34). As such, the team management concentrated on strengthening the secondary defense with the additions of cornerback Stephon Gilmore and safety Rodney McLeod.
With Ryan, some promising rookies and the additions made on defense, the outlook in the AFC South looks promising for the Colts. The Jacksonville Jaguars are in their second season of rebuilding under Trevor Lawrence, the Houston Texans are betting on David Mills’ arm and the Tennessee Titans will be dependent on injuries not affecting Derrick Henry.
Indianapolis Colts
Record in 2021: 9-8
Stadium: Lucas Oil Stadium
Super Bowl titles: 2 (V and XLI)
Head Coach: Frank Reich
Offensive Coordinator: Marcus Brady
Defensive Coordinator: Gus Bradley
Colts 2022 schedule
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 |
| at Texans | at Jaguars | vs Chiefs | vs Titans | at Broncos |
| Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9 | Week 10 |
| vs Jaguars | at Titans | vs Commanders | at Patriots | at Raiders |
| Week 11 | Week 12 | Week 13 | Week 14 | Week 15 |
| vs Eagles | vs Steelers | at Cowboys | BYE | at Vikings |
| Week 16 | Week 17 | Week 18 | ||
| vs Chargers | at Giants | vs Texans |