Indianapolis – Since being drafted by the Colts in 2018 with a 4th round selection, the use of Nyheim Hines amongst Colts fans has been a hot topic. With his unique skillset as a running back, pass catcher, and punt returner, Hines has shown why comparisons to Darren Sproles have been warranted.
After receiving a contract extension last summer for 3 years $18.6 million dollars, Hines will jump to the 12th highest paid RB in the NFL for the 2022 season. A high mark for a RB that is #2 on the depth chart behind Jonathan Taylor.
After a disappointing 2021 season, fans have wondered whether or not Frank Reich needs to be more creative to get Hines the ball.
Looks like some fans wishes that Hines be used more as a slot WR are coming true. #Colts pic.twitter.com/OzdL8AoOCI
— Kyle Uitermarkt (@kyleuit) March 29, 2022
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Through 4 seasons in the NFL Hines has had 4 different starting QBs and his season stats reflect the differences in play style amongst all of them.
2018 (QB-Andrew Luck) – 63 catches, 425 yards, 2 TDs
2019 (QB-Jacoby Brissett) – 44 catches, 320 yards, 0 TDs
2020 (QB-Philip Rivers) – 63 catches, 482 yards, 4 TDs,
2021 (QB-Carson Wentz) – 40 catches, 310 yards, 1 TD
Most Colts fans agree that 2018 and 2020 were superior offenses to 2019 and 2021 according to the eyeball test. Do analytics reflect that? Let’s look at DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average).
Colts Passing Offense DVOA Ranks from 2018-2021
2018 – 10th
2019 – 22nd
2020 – 10th
2021 – 18th
According to the raw stats and analytics, it’s pretty easy to see that as Nyheim Hines goes, so does the Colts offense. In order for the Colts offense to have success under Matt Ryan in 2022, Hines will have to play a major role next to his running mate Jonathan Taylor if the AFC South crown will be back in Indianapolis for the first time since 2014.
