How the Indianapolis Colts Can Get the Most out of Hakeem Nicks in 2014
When the Indianapolis Colts signed Hakeem Nicks to a one-year deal during the 2014 free-agency period, it was pretty obvious what they were saying to the embattled ex-New York Giant.
"Prove it."
The Colts believed that Nicks would provide them with a reliable and productive outside threat to complement both Reggie Wayne and T.Y. Hilton.
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But during Week 1, it didn't necessarily look like Nicks was really part of the game plan. Considering the Colts' weaponry, it's not surprising that he may have become the odd man out in the heat of the game, but going forward it's important to keep in mind that Nicks is useful in virtually any situation. He should not be overlooked.
Let's take a look at how the Colts utilized him last week and how that may apply to future games.
With just over 1:30 to play in the first half and leading 24-0, the Denver Broncos were happy to drop into deep zones and give the Colts some room underneath. Andrew Luck quickly identified the coverage and dumped it off to Nicks, who was able to turn it upfield and gain 13 yards. The veteran receiver also wisely got out of bounds, conserving a timeout.
While nearly any player would've been open there, it was a good show of athleticism that Nicks was able to quickly get to the sideline and pick up some decent yardage. Obviously, Denver was fine giving up some room underneath, but there isn't room for too many 13-yard plays on the field. Nicks is able to take a short gain and make it worthwhile in this instance.
This is perhaps the most intriguing use of Nicks going forward. He lines up out wide on Luck's left in man-to-man coverage against rookie cornerback Bradley Roby (No. 29). Hilton, lined up in the slot, runs a pick for Nicks, who comes underneath him.
Unfortunately for the Colts, Roby reads the play the whole way and isn't obstructed much by Hilton's attempt. He reaches Nicks at the 1-yard line and stonewalls him, preventing the touchdown.
Nonetheless, this play has been proven to work in the NFL over the past couple of seasons. Although pass-interference rules would seem to render it illegal, it is rarely called by officials and often results in huge yardage. It is a favorite concept of both Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, who use it to great effect.
This was easily Nicks' most notable play in the Colts' Week 1 game. Lined up wide to Luck's left, Nicks faced man coverage against ball-hawking corner Tony Carter.
It was a must-score situation for the Colts, who found themselves in a 3rd-and-goal situation, trailing Denver 31-17 with only 3:32 remaining in the game.
Nicks didn't flinch, sprinting across Carter's face on a perfectly executed post pattern that resulted in a touchdown. Perhaps most impressive was the adjustment Nicks made to the pass, which was thrown slightly behind him and gave Carter a great opportunity to make a play on the ball.
This play highlighted Nicks' ability to make contested catches, even in high-pressure situations.
As Indy looks ahead to future matchups, including Monday night's contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Colts should work Nicks into the game earlier. His ability to pick up yards after the catch is something that was severely lacking from other receivers in Week 1.
And by using some of the short pick plays that Denver has adopted as its own, Nicks could really become a dangerous run-after-catch receiver, not unlike the Broncos' Demaryius Thomas.
Whenever left alone, it's clear that he is still able to dominate single coverage, which he should be seeing frequently as a member of the Colts' corps of receivers.
Of course, his success will open up further opportunities for Hilton and Wayne, who certainly have their own skill sets, as well.
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