Indianapolis Colts

Chudzinski issues challenge to Colts' offensive line

Published Nov. 17, 2015 12:36 p.m. ET

foxsports

After a reshuffling of the offensive in Week 3, Indianapolis Colts have seen noticeable improvement from their offensive line. As he settles into his role as the team's offensive coordinator, however, Rob Chudzinski is challenging the line to be among the league's best as the team heads into the second half of the season.

"Those guys have shown improvement. I know they’ve shown improvement,” Chudzinski said, per the team's official website. “I challenge them to be one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. They need to feel that and believe that to achieve that.”

With Jack Mewhort shifting from right tackle over to left guard, Hugh Thornton interested into the lineup at right guard and Joe Reitz taking over a right tackle, the Indianapolis line has helped the team rush for more than 100 yards five of the last seven weeks.

"Now they are feeling comfortable next to each other. They are getting to know each other and I think we are starting to play well together,” Colts offensive line coach Joe Gilbert said.

But with quarterback Andrew Luck out the next 2-6 weeks with a lacerated kidney, the Colts will need to see continued improvement if the team hopes to stay on top of the AFC South standings.

Not only will the line need to protect 40-year-old backup Matt Hasselbeck, but with Luck out, running the ball with Frank Gore will likely become more even vital to the team's success.

The Colts take on the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.