2014 Colts - Post Season / Awards

INDIANAPOLIS - The Colts ended their season on a very sour note, but despite failing to make the playoffs there were numerous signs of improvement and growth. The name of the game for 2014 was regression, massive amounts of regression, as a team that performed well according to advanced metrics failed to live up to it's win potential. Previous seasons saw a flawed Colts team go 11-5 and defy the projections, but this season was different.

Offensively, the Colts were amazing. They finished ranked 2nd in Offensive DVOA thanks to finishing 1st in total yards, 1st downs, and 4th in points per game. Despite surrendering back breaking scores and finishing 8-8 they actually improved their Defensive DVOA to 10th thanks to leading the league in yards allowed, rushing yards allowed, and sacks. They finished 4th in passing yards allowed and 9th in points per game, but they were one of the worst (30th) in turn over differential at -10. The lack of turnovers could be attributed to bad luck, but the Colts failed to force fumbles and relied heavily on interceptions.

Finishing 8-8 is hardly good news, but there is a silver lining for the 2014 Colts when it comes to awards. The biggest news was the announcement that Andrew Luck was names the NFL MVP, his first such award and probably not his last. Even with various injuries to his receiving core Luck managed to lead the NFL in passing yards (4686) and TD passes (31).

Luck's first MVP award shouldn't be his last.

Luck was also named to the Pro Bowl roster along with two other Colts players. Trent Richardson managed to prove doubters wrong with a solid season, finishing 4th in rushing yards (1391) with 12TD. Dwayne Allen, Luck's favorite target, was also named to the Pro Bowl with the 3rd most receiving yards in the NFL (1185) and a whopping 102 receptions to lead the Colts and the league.