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When Frank Reich left to become the new head coach for the Colts, he brought a lot of the same offensive schemes that led to his Super Bowl success with the Eagles. While Nick Sirianni didn’t have play-calling responsibilities in Indianapolis, he remained instrumental in the offense’s play design and overall strategy. Because of the strange “family affair” with coaches between the Eagles and Colts, expect to see some familiar concepts recycled with the hiring of Nick Sirianni.

Mostly operating out of 11 personnel (3 WR, 1 TE, 1 RB) or 12 personnel (2 WR, 2 TE, 1 RB), Reich and Sirianni love to do two things in the passing game: 1) exploit mismatches with their skilled tight ends or pass-catching backs, and 2) get the ball to speedy receivers within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage and see what they can do in space. Music to the ears for everyone hoping to see what Jalen Reagor is truly capable of in the open field.

From Antonio Gates’ end of career renaissance to Zach Ertz’ dominant Super Bowl campaign, Reich and Sirianni find ways to consistently get their tight ends in favorable one-on-one matchups. That theme would continue for Reich and Sirianni in 2018 with Eric Ebron posting career highs in touchdowns (14), receptions (74), and receiving yards (827) during his lone Pro Bowl season. Dallas Goedert showed plenty of flashes verifying that he is a rising superstar at tight end. With Zach Ertz likely to be traded in the upcoming months, 2021 could be a massive season for Goedert who will be in the final year of his rookie contract.

Since the arrival of Frank Reich and Nick Sirianni in 2018, nearly 50% of the Colts’ receiving touchdowns came from either running backs or tight ends. During those three seasons, running back Nyheim Hines finished second on the team with 170 receptions, trailing only T.Y Hilton (177). Although not nearly as polished of a route runner as Nyheim Hines, Miles Sanders is a weapon in the screen game and a threat to take it the distance anytime he touches the ball. Combining his skillset with another pass-catching running back would play right into the strengths of Sirianni’s offensive philosophy.

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