Robert Mathis is without question capable of making the type of massive impact that the Indianapolis Colts need to take their defense to the next level. He missed all of the 2014 season due to a torn Achilles, which there are still concerns about moving towards the 2015 season. According to Colts’ head coach Chuck Pagano, there is still a chance that Mathis could play in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills.
Pagano says there’s a possibility that Robert Mathis plays next Sunday in Buffalo.
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) September 4, 2015
During the 2013 season with the Colts, Mathis proved why he has long been considered one of the top defensive players in the entire league. He recorded 59 tackles, 19.5 sacks and eight forces fumbles. Mathis has been one of the league’s top playmakers due to his ability to strip the football of the quarterbacks hands while sacking him.
Pass rushing was one of the biggest issues that the Colts’ defense had last season and they are hoping that his return could help them take a big leap forward in that area.
At 34 years old, there is no question that he still has some good football left in him. He is still in top shape and is looking to prove himself to the NFL once again now that some are writing him off due to the injury so late in his career. That is one of the biggest mistakes that anyone could make about a competitor as fierce as Mathis.
Pagano is obviously in more of a hoping mode with this idea that Mathis could play against the Bills. He likely won’t be back on the field for regular season action until later on in September, although he isn’t too far away. Getting back into 100 percent football shape is the main priority right now, which will be difficult for him to do so quickly after missing so much time.
Expect to hear more rumors come out over the next week about Mathis and his playing status. The Colts likely won’t have their star pass rusher for Week 1, but this certainly gives the Colts fans hope. If Mathis is ready to go, it will be extremely interesting to see what kind of production he can bring to the game for his team.
