The Indianapolis Colts this past season started slow but picked up speed to make the NFL playoffs. They ended the season with a 10-6 record, finishing second in the AFC South Division.
They came out of the regular season with an unprecedented run. Indianapolis won seven out of their last eight games and won four straight. Luck threw three or more touchdown passes in eight consecutive games. This was the longest streak in the league, tied for the second-longest in the history of the NFL.
He ranked in the top-five in the NFL in passing touchdowns, attempts, completions, and yards Luck on the season threw for 4,593 yards with 39 touchdowns and only 14 interceptions. His completion percentage was a very high 67.3 percent, and his quarterback rating sat at a 71.5, both the highest marks of his career.
Luck has always had T.Y. Hilton on the roster, but otherwise his options to throw to have been very dry. Eric Ebron received the second most targets on the entire team last season. Luck hardly had anyone to go to in crunch time, causing defenses to double Hilton late in games.
Not one player had more than 75 receptions or 800 yards, except for Hilton. He only had 76 receptions on the season.
There has been no player for Luck to go to when he needed a first down. There hasn’t been an elite wide-receiver other than Hilton since a 34-year-old Reggie Wayne in 2012 had 106 receptions for 1,335 yards with five total touchdowns. That was in his rookie year.
It’s quite ludicrous` that the Colts haven’t been able to give him the pieces he needs to succeed. It took until the 2018 campaign for him to rise above mediocrity. The Colts need to find that true wideout that he can go to on third downs and move the chains. Someone he can trust to be efficient, with strong hands and great route-running ability.
Jared Cook of the Oakland Raiders would fit this role quite well. The tight end last season led the team in receptions with 69. He also totaled 896 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns.
He was their best option, all while everything collapsed around him. Jon Gruden coached the team to a 3-13 record. Derek Carr didn't have his best season as well. The very fact he was able to succeed is a testament to his talent. He even ended up making the pro-bowl.
In two seasons in the Bay Area, he’s totaled 122 catches for 1,584 yards and eight scores. He hasn't missed a game, playing in all 32 games while making 30 starts. These have been his two best seasons, ironically in a situation that wasn't so desirable.
Giving Luck a weapon like Cook would improve the Colts' offense immediately. He's hardly had any viable second options over the years. It makes too much sense for the team not to take a risk on a tight end like Cook.
The other free agent wideouts on the market are speedier, undersized and slot receivers. The team already has Hilton and doesn't need someone with range. They need consistency. Adding Cook would do that perfectly.
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