Offense of Colts' New Coach Explosive in Super Bowl Loss
Super Bowl LVII was truly an offensive clinic from both the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Ultimately, the Eagles would succumb to the late-game heroics of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and an efficient ground game, falling 38-35.
However, Indianapolis Colts fans should be proud. Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen, who is expected to be the new head coach for the Colts, showcased what he can do for a young quarterback on the biggest stage and just how explosive a Steichen-led offensive attack can be.
Through the 2022 regular season, the Eagles were one of the most efficient clubs in the NFL. Let’s give a run on the numbers: Third in overall yards per game (389.1), ninth in passing yards per game (241.5), fifth in rushing yards per game (147.6), and third in points per game (28.1). In four of the most important offensive averages, the Eagles ranked top-ten in all.
This is by no mistake, as Steichen was able to maximize the three-headed rushing attack of running backs Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, and Kenneth Gainwell, along with quarterback Jalen Hurts. In the big dance, however, the Chiefs forced Steichen to change his tune and focus more on the air. This didn’t change how destructive his offense can be.
Plain and simple, if the Eagles win, Hurts is the Super Bowl MVP. Hurts had a stat line of legend, going for a blistering 27-of-38 for 304 yards and a single score through the air. He also added a ridiculous 15 carries for 70 yards and a trifecta of touchdowns, totaling four for the game.
Just a season ago, Hurts was being criticized that he was "a runner” and “couldn’t make the important throws.” Well, go forth and throw that away for good, as Hurts was better than essentially everyone else on the field.
When Andy Reid and Mahomes are on the other sideline, it’s incredibly hard to win. Steichen did all he could commanding the Eagles' offense to do so, putting up 427 total yards and five touchdowns on Kansas City.
Eagles fans aren’t the happiest after the close loss, but Colts fans should be looking forward to what a rookie quarterback can do under Steichen. Steichen also assisted with the development of Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert as a rookie, and he has turned out just fine. With so much young talent in Indianapolis, and a new quarterback coming in the 2023 draft, it will be an offseason for the Colts that will build their future.
Now that the coach is secured, the next step is seeing the stars of the future at the NFL combine. The Colts will look for players to pair with their new head coach for years to come.
