The Indianapolis Colts haven’t been to the playoffs since the 2020 campaign. However, they can get the jobs done this upcoming season with Anthony Richardson, Jonathan Taylor, and Michael Pittman Jr. leading the way. These exciting, young players have what it takes to form one of the top quarterback-running back-wide receiver trios in the NFL.
Due to injury, Richardson, Taylor, and Pittman have only been on the field together for a couple of plays. That came in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans last season. If the trio can stay healthy this upcoming season, will they become one of the league’s best?
Will These Indianapolis Colts Players Form an Elite Trio?
Indy’s Promising “Big 3”
The Colts had a disastrous 2022 season, finishing with a 4-12-1 record. In desperate need of a franchise QB, the team selected Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Richardson began last season looking impressive when he was healthy. He made plays with his legs as well as his powerful arm. He had four rushing touchdowns, including two against the Houston Texans in Week 2. Versus the Los Angeles Rams, he nearly led the Colts to a win despite being down 23-0 during the third quarter.
Unfortunately, a shoulder injury forced Richardson to play only four games as a rookie. If he avoids the injury bug, he could emerge as an MVP candidate in 2024.
Taylor has also dealt with injuries. The former Wisconsin Badger has missed 13 games over the past two seasons. He was dominant in 2021, leading the league in both rushing yards (1,811) and rushing touchdowns (18). He’s easily one of the league’s top running backs when healthy. The Colts are hoping he returns to his MVP form this upcoming season.
Meanwhile, Pittman has had a solid career since being drafted by the Colts in 2020. He was at his best last season, catching 109 passes for 1,152 yards and four touchdowns. The Colts rewarded the WR this offseason, re-signing him to a three-year, $71 million deal. Pittman is primed to make his first Pro Bowl in 2024, playing alongside a healthy Richardson and Taylor.
Remembering the Colts’ Peyton Manning-Edgerrin James-Marvin Harrison Combo
Long before AR-5, JT, and MPJ, there was Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James, and Marvin Harrison. They undoubtedly formed one of the most explosive offensive trios in NFL history.
Manning, of course, is considered one of the top three greatest quarterbacks of all time. James impressively led the league in rushing in both of his first two seasons. Meanwhile, Harrison has a whopping 1,102 receptions 14,580 receiving yards, and 128 touchdowns on his resume.
The “Triplets” played seven seasons together in Indianapolis, with each player going on to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In their 95 regular-season games together, the Colts went 70-25 and made the playoffs six times.
Indianapolis won a Super Bowl during the 2006 season. James missed out, though, after signing with the Arizona Cardinals the previous offseason.
Will Richardson, Taylor, and Pittman Jr. ever get on the Triplets’ level? While that’s unlikely, they can certainly develop into an elite trio if the injury bug stays away.
Main Photo: [Robert Scheer/IndyStar] – USA Today Sports
