The Indianapolis Colts have been under much scrutiny as of recently. Admittedly, much of this criticism has been well earned by the Colts. The boys in blue have not been performing to nearly the level that was expected of them at the beginning of the 2015-16 NFL season. However, there is much more to their struggles then meets the eye. Injuries, roster struggles, and changes in coaching have all been heavy factors this year. The Colts are, nonetheless, more then likely to earn themselves a playoff spot as the representative of the AFC South division. Here's whats happened and why they will earn their keep in the AFC.

The Colts have struggled, just as other teams also have, with injuries to key players. Some notable wounded warriors this season have included Jerrell Freeman (LB), Gregory Toler (CB), and Griff Whalen (WR).

is not including many of the other members of the defense or several of the offensive lineman. Whalen will be a key piece in the offensive puzzle once he is no longer limited in practice. However, the one injury that everyone from the students across campus to the broadcasters on ESPN have been discussing is that of Andrew Luck. Out for up to six weeks with a lacerated kidney, Luck has had a rough year. He struggled starting off the season, and was back and forth fighting a shoulder injury. During those games out however, veteran backup QB Mathew Hasselbeck was able to control the reigns and has kept Indy 4-1 while he has been calling the offense. It will be a big relief once Luck is healthy, but Hasselbeck has to keep the Colts floating while he continues rehabilitation.

Indianapolis made big moves in free agency this offseason. They were able to pick up offensive studs Frank Gore from San Francisco as well as Andre Johnson from the Houston Texans. They need to step their game up now more then ever to assist in the offensive strikes the Colts are launching. It also seems that the Colts have finally been able to figure out the proper depth for their offensive line. Towards the start of the 2015 campaign, the offensive line struggled in protecting the QB. The coaching staff would go as far as to shuffle the depth and alignment up throughout the process of the game, let alone in between games themselves. The hogs in the trenches have to continue to offer protection for the quarterback, regardless of its Luck or Hasselbeck taking the snaps.

After week 8, the Colts dropped to a demoralizing 3-5 record on the year. Soon after, Offensive Coordinator Pep Hamilton was fired from the organization. The offensive output looked awful, with not much happening on that side of the ball. It also probably didn't help that Andrew Luck was showing a mid 50's QBR (Quarterback Rating). He was replaced swiftly by Rob Chudzinski.

Chudzinski had a run with the Panthers as their Offensive Coordinator during the 2012-2013 season, working with Cam Newton. He has changed the offense in Indianapolis to function as a well-oiled machine, for the most part at least. It would appear he is doing well as the playcaller for the Colts, however, he has got to continue putting out drives that end in points on the board and security in the Colts record.

Through all these struggles, the Colts are still able to win out the AFC South. The Jacksonville Jaguars are not going to win the division. C'mon, lets face it. To be honest, neither are the Titans though they saw an opportunity at the beginning of the season, they were unable to seize it with such a young quarterback as Mariota. The Houston Texans pose an actual, viable threat to the Colts AFC South Division champions hopes. The Texans have finally been able to figure their offense out while still boasting an intimidating defensive line-up, this being headed by J.J. Watt of all people. Watt may struggle in the coming weeks however, as he just recently broke his hand in practice. Regardless of the status of J.J. Watt, the Colts and Texans still have to meet once more this season, and that will be a game to see, as that game could very well make a decision in who has hopes of being playoff bound this year. As obvious as it sounds, the Colts success in taking a playoff bid will come down to closing out games while still retaining a stout offense and stonewall defense. The playoffs are in sight, it is just a matter of the Indianapolis Colts taking the necessary strides in all phases of the game to get there.