GM Ryan Grigson deserves blame for not fixing offensive line

INDIANAPOLIS -- The spotlight of the Indianapolis Colts' struggles during their 0-2 start has centered on coach Chuck Pagano and quarterback Andrew Luck.

But there's one person who deserves some of the blame for Luck continuing to get pressured and playing under siege during the first two weeks of the season, and that's general manager Ryan Grigson.

It was Grigson, the team's fourth-year general manager, who decided not to completely address the offensive line in the offseason.

The biggest question mark on offense heading into the season was whether the offensive line could block long enough to give Luck a clean pocket to work with.

The results so far have proven the offensive line is as bad as advertised. The Colts got away with it in previous seasons. That hasn't been the case this season.

Luck has been blitzed on 47.9 percent of his dropbacks, which is the third-highest rate in the NFL, according to ESPN's Stats & Information. That's almost a 15 percent increase from last season.

Point the finger at Grigson, a former offensive lineman himself.

The Colts used their first-round pick on receiver Phillip Dorsett. They let six more picks pass before selecting an offensive lineman in the seventh round. And tackle Denzelle Good is considered a project player.

Free agency didn't include much, either, as Grigson signed 32-year-old Todd Herremans, who hasn't been overly impressive so far. Gosder Cherilus' injury problems and desire not to re-negotiate his contract led to his release, which caused the Colts to move Jack Mewhort, who started at guard last season, to right tackle. Journeyman Lance Louis is starting at left guard.

Guess what?

Pagano is used to having offensive line issues.

"That's been the case for three years now," he said. "Has it not? [Luck] should be more than comfortable dealing with what he's dealing with. We've got to get it fixed."

Teams will continue to blitz and hit Luck until the Colts prove they can protect their franchise player.

Next up: The Tennessee Titans.

"We have to get in better field position offensively," center Khaled Holmes said. "That's going to allow defensive coordinators like in the first two weeks to really draw up fun stuff for the defense and make things tough on us. We have to get out of those situations and give Andrew time to throw."