Maybe the 2022 season was a good thing for the Colts. The franchise has never really faced reality after the retirement of Andrew Luck. They’ve put together a lot of patched-up teams with the hopes that it would work. For the most part, they have. Entering last season, they were the favorites to win the AFC South. Though, that didn’t happen. Now, looking forward to the 2023-2024 season the Indianapolis Colts have a fresh start at Quarterback.
2022-2023 Results
As mentioned above, the Colts entered the 22-23 season as favorites to win the AFC South. Over the past four seasons, the Colts have used a different Quarterback. Last season it was Matt Ryan‘s turn to lead the franchise. He hit the wall hard and was bench. The Colts fired Frank Reich and made the shocking choice to hire Jeff Saturday, who had no coaching experience beyond high school, as the interim coach.
The Colts went 1-7 with Saturday at the helm. One of those losses was on the wrong end of the largest comeback in NFL History. When the Minnesota Vikings rallied from down to 33-0. That led to the Colts hiring Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Coordinator Shane Steichen. Thanks to the Colts bottoming out, they also landed a top pick in the draft. They settled with Anthony Richardson at No. 4.
Key additions
QB Anthony Richardson
The Colts have needed to start fresh at the QB position for quite some time. Over the last four years they have gone through Jacoby Brissett, Phillip Rivers, Carson Wentz and Ryan. There is some risk with Richardson though, he’s only started 13 collegiate games. He may need to develop, though no other quarterback that fits the physical profile that Richardson does. He blew away the scouting combine, setting multiple testing records for QBs.
K Matt Gay
A season ago, the Colts went through both Chase McLaughlin and Rodrigo Blankenship. Gay will be an improvement over both. The 29-year-old is consistently getting better and has averaged a 87.8% Field Goal percentage in four years.
In order to be successful, the Colts need to surround Richardson with good young receivers. McKenzie has some experience but is still just 27 years old. He can serve as a veteran receiver to help a younger receiving core.
Key Departures
While the offense struggled mightily last season, the defense didn’t. The Colts featured a top-10 defense in both run and pass defense. The Colts were 10th in total sacks, Ngakoue had 9.5 of those.
In his time in Indianapolis, Campbell looked like he would be a good receiver for years to come. In 2022, he finally broke out with 60+ receptions for over 600 yards.
The 32-year-old safety was a big cog in the Colts defense last season, with a total of 96 tackles. Losing a former Super Bowl champion in the locker room might hurt the chemistry.
Season Outlook
The Indianapolis Colts are going to experience some growing pains during the 2023-2024 season. They have both a new head coach and a new quarterback, which could lead to a recipe for success in the near future. Defensively, DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart should be able to hold down the fort up front again. Offensively is where they may have some pains. The Colts are finally rebuilding though and could compete again soon.
Record Floor: 3-14
Record Ceiling: 7-10
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