Pep Hamilton displayed a major run-first mindset when he took over as Colts offensive coordinator last year.
"We’re going to run the ball on first, second and third down," running back Vick Ballard said, describing Hamilton's approach. "It wasn’t exactly like that, but that was the kind of philosophy he had."
Only late in the season, after the offense repeatedly floundered in the first half, did Hamilton adjust. Indy began using a no-huddle, spread attack with three wideouts on early downs. From the shotgun, Andrew Luck identified the coverage, found the best matchups and exposed them.
Over the final six games, including playoffs, Luck averaged 39.7 pass attempts and 24.5 Fantasy points. Over the first 12 games, he averaged 34.8 passes and 20.3 Fantasy points.
Luck's passer rating surged in the up-tempo style. Luck found his rhythm and the tailbacks, working against softer defenses, found more room to run.
Hamilton gave Luck more freedom. It only makes sense to continue that approach, especially considering the offensive personnel changes.
Receiver Reggie Wayne and tight end Dwayne Allen return from injuries. The Colts signed free-agent wideout Hakeem Nicks and drafted wideout Donte Moncrief in the third round. They let running back Donald Brown go in free agency.
In Wayne, T.Y. Hilton, Nicks, Moncrief, Da'Rick Rogers, Allen and tight end Coby Fleener, Luck has the best group of targets he's ever had.
Jamey Eisenberg and Dave Richard rank Luck seventh among quarterbacks.
Hamilton began last season preaching a power running game. He hasn't tipped his hand or confirmed he'll favor the late-season approach in 2014. If he does, Luck's ceiling goes even higher.
