Playoffs have shown Colts the importance of a good offensive line

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Colts spent the season watching their quarterbacks consistently take a pounding from defensive players. In addition, running back Frank Gore was hit behind the line of scrimmage more than he should have been because of poor offensive line play.

The first step in attempting to improve the offensive line took place when head coach Chuck Pagano hired former Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin to coach the offensive line. Philbin has experience coaching offensive linemen from his days with the Green Bay Packers.

“They are the heart and soul of the football team, especially on the offensive side of the ball,” Philbin recently told Colts.com. “They kind of dictate the tempo of the team. As you know, we’ve got some outstanding skill players here in Indianapolis. Very, very fortunate [to have them]. It’s the O-line’s job to let those guys make plays in a game, when it counts. You have to be unselfish. There is a great coordination that has to take place with the offensive line working together.”

If giving up 37 sacks and 118 quarterbacks hits, which was second in the NFL, wasn’t proof enough, all the Colts had to do was look at the NFC Championship Game to get further validation of the importance of having a good offensive line.

Lost in the dominating performance of their defense was the Carolina Panthers’ ability to protect quarterback Cam Newton, who was only sacked one time. They also rushed for 144 yards on the ground against the Arizona Cardinals.

It doesn’t matter how many skill position players Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has around him if the offensive line can’t give him a clean pocket. New England quarterback Tom Brady found that out when the Denver Broncos hit him 23 times in the AFC Championship Game.

The Colts have to get tougher and better overall up front. At this point, you can probably say left tackle Anthony Castonzo and guard Jack Mewhort are the only two returning offensive linemen expected to start next season barring an injury. The other three positions on the line are up for grabs.