Indianapolis Colts

Connected Franchise Mode Strategy CFM Team Rating: 80 Offense: 85 defense: 77 Offensive Scheme: Balanced Defensive Scheme: Base 3-4 Strengths: QB, WR, TE, CB Weaknesses: DT, RE, C, RT 2014 Team Rankings 1st AFC South (11-5-0) Passing Offense: 1st Rushing Offense: 22nd Passing Defense: 12th Rushing Defense: 18th 2014 team leaders Passing: Andrew Luck: 4,761 Rushing: Trent Richardson: 519 Receiving: T.Y. Hilton: 1,345 Tackles: D’Qwell Jackson: 138 Sacks: Jonathan Newsome: 6.5 Ints: Mike Adams: 5 Key Additions HB Frank Gore LB Trent Cole WR Andre Johnson Key Rookies WR Phillip Dorsett CB D’Joun Smith DE Henry Anderson Owner: Jim Irsay Legacy Score: 2,400 Coach: Chuck Pagano Level: 21 Legacy Score: 750 Offensive Scheme: Balanced Defensive Scheme: Base 3-4

Offensive Scouting Report

• QB Andrew Luck is worth whatever it takes to keep him as the face of your franchise. His development over the early part of his career has him on track to become one of the all-time greats.
• The Colts brought in a veteran leader in HB Frank Gore to take over the bulk of the carries. Gore is a good stop-gap, but keep developing a long-term backup or look for one in the draft. It will be tough to run behind this line for any non-elite player.
• The Colts brought in another veteran with former Texans great Andre Johnson. Keep the focus on developing T.Y. Hilton, who has been excellent and developed a great chemistry with Luck. Work on developing your two young rookies to give Luck options in the future.

Defensive Scouting Report

• Robert Mathis couldn’t replicate his amazing production at LB last season, but we expect him to rebound and be a very solid option. The addition of Trent Cole gives the Colts a versatile option who can help out as a stand-up rusher or as a down lineman.
• The Colts’ defensive line doesn’t have the necessary strength to take on multiple blockers and free up the LBs behind them. Give Josh Chapman the start at DT, but look to improve this position through free agency or the draft.
• The Colts’ secondary was above average last season but needs to be more active in the run game, or teams won’t have to throw much. Allow Vontae Davis to continue to be the anchor, and help him out by finding a rangy safety to play on the other side.

Schedule

Key Players

• Luck proved that he has not just a powerful arm but an accurate one by improving his deep game last season.
• Luck’s speed is a small bonus, but only use it in the red zone to keep him healthy.

• Davis is one of the most physical corners in the league — use that Press rating to throw off the timing of the QB/WR.
• Consider giving Darius Butler the start at CB #2 to allow Davis to play more man coverage.

• Dorsett is a burner who can also be used on special teams. Find a few shot plays for him in practice.
• Fellow rookie WR Duron Carter has the size to make this draft class a real winner in a few seasons.

• Newsome isn’t a true sleeper, because he flashed during his rookie year, but keep an eye on that hit power and find a way to harness it.
• Newsome isn’t a great run defender; use him mainly as a pass rusher and upgrade those ratings first.

OFFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

DEFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

SPECIAL TEAMS

Best Offensive Plays

Best Run: Singleback Wing Trips Open — HB Stretch

Setup:

• The stretch is an extremely quick handoff; make sure to get in behind your TE, who is an excellent run blocker.
• Once the defense catches on, pound the ball up the middle with your veteran back, who is built for power runs.

Advanced Setup:

• Playmaker the run to the left side.

Running Plays

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ

BEST PASS: Gun Split Close — FB Trail

Setup/Reads:

• Against zone coverage look to swing the ball out to the flat before checking the middle of the field.
• The close alignment of the formation makes it very difficult for man defenders to line up against.
• Consider adding a second TE to the formation to give you a bigger window to throw the ball.

Advanced Setup:

• Slant the slot WR.

Passing Plays

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ

Best Defensive Plays

BEST RUN DEFENSE: 3-4 Predator — Mike Scrape 3 Press

Setup:

• Notice that the blitzer takes a wide rush angle to contain the edge. If you want him to stuff a run in the middle, reblitz him straight down.
• There are more aggressive calls in the Colts’ playbook, but start here to get a feel for your opponent.

Player to Control:

• FS in a deep zone

Run Defense

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ

BEST PASS DEFENSE: Nickel 2-4-5 DBL A Gap — Nickel Overload 3

Setup:

• This idea behind this set is to bring pressure early off the edge before retreating to a Cover 3 Show 2 to stop the flat pass.
• This formation has an excellent alignment to contain mobile QBs.
• The Colts are capable of mixing in some man-to-man coverage, so test your opponents early to see if they can beat the press.

Player to Control:

• LB on the right of the screen (hook zone)

Pass Defense

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ