The Indianapolis Colts want more recognition for their efforts on the defensive side of the ball this season. However, their defensive success could hinge on the abilities of Robert Mathis, who is coming off a torn Achilles injury.

Mathis did not play a single snap for the Colts in the 2014 season. He was suspended for the first four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, and while serving that suspension, Mathis tore his Achilles tendon. The Colts missed his ability to pressure the quarterback on a consistent basis.

During the 2013 season, Mathis was nearly unstoppable. He played all 16 regular season games and finished with a career-high 19.5 sacks. He had never missed more than four games in a single season until the Achilles injury. He was one of their most reliable defensive players, and the team will need him to return to his previous form.

The Colts were more diverse with their pass rush last season but did not have one guy who commanded an offensive line’s attention. Jonathan Newsome led the team with 6.5 sacks. The Colts still have outside pass rushers like Bjoern Werner and Erik Walden, and they also added outside linebacker Trent Cole in the offseason. Cole will certainly be a force for the Colts, but the team will need Mathis to come back healthy in order to be a top 10 defense.

Mathis is hopeful he will be ready by the start of training camp, but owner Jim Irsay is unsure whether Mathis will be ready by that point. Whenever Mathis is allowed to return, the Colts will bring him back slowly. There is no need to rush him back onto the field. They do have the depth to cover for Mathis at the beginning of the season. It would not be surprising to see him used on a situational basis early in the season and then become a regular starter later in the season.

If Mathis returns healthy, he could be in store for an effective return season. Cole will command a lot of attention on one side of the ball. This will give Mathis chances to battle tackles one-on-one. Although coming off of an injury, this is still something Mathis can take advantage of. He is still quick and uses good technique to get by offensive tackles. Good technique can cover any losses in speed and power in pass-rushing situations.

The Colts want Mathis back, but they are not in any rush to put him on the field a lot early in the season. They have a bigger, year-long goal in mind. But if Mathis does come back like his effective 2013 self, the Colts could have a lot more than last year’s team total of 41 sacks.