NFL.com Guarantees this Colts Player Improves

There were several Indianapolis Colts who failed to meet expectations in 2022, but NFL.com's Adam Schein guarantees this player bounces back.

Quenton Nelson wasn't the only Indianapolis Colts player who had a subpar 2022 season, but his more than any other helped explain the Colts decline last season.

Fresh off a new four-year $80-million contract that made him the game's highest paid offensive guard, Nelson posted a career-low 68.4 grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF).

It was the second-year in a row Nelson was graded below 70 after grading 86.2 in 2020 and 91.2 in 2019. 

Despite their own poor grade, PFF still named Nelson the No. 2 guard in football. 

NFL.com's Adam Schein agrees that the last two seasons for Nelson were an aberration, and he's guaranteeing a return to form in his latest column.

Last season was ... weird. A first-team All-Pro in each of his first three NFL campaigns and Pro Bowler in each of his first four, Nelson started his Colts career on a Hall of Fame track. But last year was strangely ordinary. Yeah, he still made his fifth Pro Bowl, but that was a reputation nod. According to every measuring stick, Nelson was far from elite. By PFF's count, he allowed five sacks -- a higher total than his first four seasons combined (four). 

And I truly believe in Nelson. With Shane Steichen taking over at head coach and No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson poised to receive the reins under center, the Colts could field a devastating ground attack with a healthier season from 2021 NFL rushing king Jonathan Taylor. I can see it now, with Nelson blowing open holes once again as a road-grading force. The man just turned 27 years old this offseason, after all -- he's still squarely in his prime. -- Adam Schein, NFL.com

Nelson is the anchor of the entire offensive line. The Colts have spent a lot of resources building the trenches and need Nelson and his unit to be back at their best.

The offensive line opens things up for running back Jonathan Taylor. Taylor takes pressure off rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson. Richardson can't be under constant pressure if he's going to develop quickly under Steichen.

So much rides on the Colts and Nelson getting better in the trenches this year.

But will it happen?

Adam Schein guarantees it.