News Now Colts tight ends need to step up for team to make….
**Colts Tight Ends Need to Step Up for Team to Make a Playoff Push**
As the Indianapolis Colts look to push towards a playoff berth in the AFC, one area where they need significant improvement is at the tight end position. Historically, the Colts have relied on their tight ends for both blocking and receiving, with players like Dallas Clark and more recently Jack Doyle contributing greatly to their offensive success. However, this season, the team has struggled to get consistent production from the position, and as a result, their playoff aspirations are at risk. With a young quarterback and an offense looking for balance, the Colts’ tight ends need to step up if they hope to make a serious playoff push in 2024.
### Lack of Consistency in the Tight End Room
Heading into the 2024 season, the Colts’ tight end room was expected to be a key part of their offensive game plan. However, the production has been inconsistent, with no one player emerging as a go-to target in the passing game. While second-year tight end Jelani Woods flashed potential in his rookie season, he has been largely sidelined by injury in 2024. This has left veteran Mo Alie-Cox and rookie Drew Ogletree as the main contributors, neither of whom have been able to establish themselves as reliable weapons in the passing game.
Mo Alie-Cox, the 6-foot-5, 267-pound veteran, has shown flashes of his potential, particularly as a red zone threat. However, his production has been up and down. Alie-Cox has been used more as a blocking tight end, which limits his ability to be a dynamic receiving option. On the other hand, Ogletree, a sixth-round pick, has shown flashes of speed and athleticism, but he is still raw and learning the nuances of the NFL game.
The lack of consistency and production from the tight end position has been felt most on third downs and in the red zone, two areas where tight ends can be invaluable. The Colts’ offense has often stalled in critical moments, and not having a reliable option in the middle of the field or in the end zone has hurt their ability to convert and score points.
### The Need for More from the Tight End Position
The Colts are currently working with rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, and while he has shown great potential, he is still a work in progress. Young quarterbacks often develop a strong rapport with tight ends, who can serve as safety valves on short routes and as red zone targets. Richardson, who is still learning the intricacies of the NFL game, needs a consistent outlet in the middle of the field — an area where the tight end can provide stability and help move the chains.
The Colts’ passing game has relied heavily on wide receivers like Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie Josh Downs, but without a consistent threat from the tight end position, defenses can focus more on the perimeter and shut down the passing attack. The tight ends need to not only be involved in blocking but also create mismatches in the passing game. If they can establish themselves as reliable threats, it will force opposing defenses to account for more than just the wide receivers, opening up opportunities for both the running backs and the passing game as a whole.
### Potential and Opportunity
Despite the challenges, there is reason for optimism in Indianapolis. The Colts have a talented group of tight ends, and there is still plenty of time for one or more of them to step up and become a key contributor. Jelani Woods, when healthy, is perhaps the most talented of the group. His size (6-foot-7) and athleticism give him the ability to stretch the field, and he has already shown in flashes that he can be a reliable target. If he can stay healthy and develop chemistry with Richardson, Woods could become the safety valve the Colts’ offense needs.
Similarly, Alie-Cox’s experience could prove invaluable down the stretch. While his receiving numbers have been modest in recent years, he is still a threat in the red zone due to his size and ability to high-point the ball. If the Colts can use him more effectively in those critical areas, he could provide Richardson with a reliable target in key moments.
Drew Ogletree, though still developing, has the athletic traits to become a weapon in the passing game. His speed and ability to run after the catch give him the potential to be a matchup nightmare for defenses, particularly against slower linebackers or smaller safeties. The Colts would do well to continue developing Ogletree’s game and get him involved more regularly in the passing game.
### The Path Forward
If the Colts are serious about making a playoff push, they need to get more from their tight ends in the coming weeks. That means more than just blocking on running plays — it means creating mismatches in the passing game, particularly on third downs and in the red zone. The Colts’ offensive scheme should look to incorporate the tight ends more, especially as a safety net for Richardson.
Whether it’s through more creative use of the players already on the roster or finding ways to get their tight ends involved in different roles, the Colts must find ways to maximize this position’s potential. With a solid offensive line and a talented young quarterback, the Colts have the foundation for a strong offense. But to reach the playoffs and make noise, they need their tight ends to step up and become consistent contributors — a missing piece that could prove to be the difference between making the postseason and falling short.
