Let’s explore the big question facing the Colts’ offensive line unit in training camp this summer.
The Indianapolis Colts’ rookies will report for training camp on July 21st, the veterans on July 22nd, and the first practice will take place on July 23rd.
So with training camp almost here, we will be taking a position-by-position look at the Colts‘ roster, specifically examining the one big question that faces each unit.
Up next is the offensive line. If you missed our other previews, you can find them below.
Can Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves provide the stability needed up front?
Offensive line coach Tony Sparano has said that both Bortolini and Goncalves are competing for the starting jobs at center and right guard. During offseason programs, we did hear about Danny Pinter getting some center snaps with the first team offense.
However, while this may be the case, Bortolini and Goncalves are the presumed starters, and both players hitting the ground running will be a must for the Colts‘ offense as a whole.
As a rookie, Bortolini very much held his own last season. Over eight appearances, including five starts, he ranked 15th in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency metric and was 22nd out of 40 centers in run-blocking grade.
But Bortolini is also still relatively inexperienced and at a position where a lot is put on the player’s plate, both pre-snap with making protection calls and adjustments, and post-snap, with the responsibilities that the center has in the run game within Shane Steichen’s offense.
“I saw a young player that got better each time he went out there,” offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr. said. “The game wasn’t too big for him. Athletically, he has a ton to offer in terms of what he’s able to do on the move, in terms of how he’s able to mirror people in pass protection.”
Goncalves, meanwhile, is making a full position change. During his college career at Pittsburgh, he played just 44 snaps at guard, per PFF. Last season with the Colts, only one regular-season snap came at guard.
However, giving the Colts confidence that he can make this move is that Goncalves practiced at guard throughout last season and improved as the year went on. He also has the right mentality to play inside as well.
“I look at his skill set and the skill set that he has,” Sparano said. “He’s a big man. He’s got power. He’s got length and he’s really, deceptively very light on his feet. He’s quick. He can get out in space, you saw some of the stuff he did in the run game out in space last year was very good. That about his skill set excited me, plus he’s a really tough physical player. For our guards, that is non-negotiable, they gotta be that way and he is that way.”
While all eyes will be on the Colts’ quarterback competition, consistency for the offense as a whole begins with the offensive line providing time in the pocket and a steady run game to lean on. Without those elements regularly present, I don’t know how much it matters who is under center.