In almost every NFL season, there is one team that is under the radar to begin the season and then surges into contention late in the season. The AFC, in particular, has many young teams that are hungry to contend and contend now. The Indianapolis Colts are no exception to this and as they look to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020, they will also look to contend in the AFC for the Super Bowl.
Since Andrew Luck retired in 2019, the Colts have been struggling to get back to winning ways. As mentioned, they only have one playoff appearance since 2019. They also have not won a playoff game since the 2018 season. That being said, though, this new-look Colts team has all of the tools to get back to winning and contending. They still have many powerhouses in front of them like the Houston Texans in their division. They also have powerhouses like the Bengals, Bills, Chiefs, Jets, and Ravens.
So, how can the Indianapolis Colts overcome the powerful AFC and become a contender in 2024?
The Colts Path to Being a Contender in the AFC
The Quarterback
For the first time since 2018, the Indianapolis Colts will have the same quarterback starting in game one for back-to-back seasons. Drafting Anthony Richardson with the number four overall pick could prove to be one of the biggest and best decisions the Colts have made since drafting Andrew Luck in 2012. Richardson was injured for the vast majority of his rookie season. However, he is coming back in year two on a mission to prove doubters wrong and get this team back to winning ways.
Richardson is a dual-threat athlete who has quick feet, long strides, and a cannon of an arm. Although he started in four games, he only played in 12 quarters. Throughout his time on the field, he finished with 577 yards passing, 136 yards rushing, and seven total touchdowns. Richardsons did not play much in his rookie season, but he showed that he is an explosive talent. For the Indianapolis Colts to be a contender in the AFC, they will need Richardson to pick up right where he left off in 2023.
The Offensive Weapons
The Colts are a team with talent all over their offense. Aside from the quarterback, the most impactful weapon Indy has is Jonathan Taylor who is looking for another MVP-like performance. Taylor is coming off an injury-laden season in which he was also injured during that offseason. In 2024, however, he is healthy and hungry to dominate the league again.
As well as having an elite running back, the Colts are not short on talent at receiver. Michael Pittman Jr. is entering his fifth year in the league and is hoping for the best year of his career. After signing a big three-year extension, he too is hungry to produce and dominate. Josh Downs is entering his second year in the league and is coming off a very productive rookie year. Alec Pierce is entering his third year and is looking for a breakout 2024 campaign. With a healthy Anthony Richardson as his quarterback, Pierce will be primed and ready to showcase just how talented he is.
The Colts also have five tight ends who are all in the hunt for the number one tight end spot. Jelani Woods is probably the favorite to get the spot. However, do not count out Kylen Granson, Will Mallory, Drew Ogletree, and even Mo Alie-Cox. Needless to say, there are weapons all around. For a conference like the AFC that is covered in offensive talent, the Indianapolis Colts will need their guys to produce if they want to contend.
The Head Coach
Shane Steichen is entering his second season as the Colts head coach. After a tremendous first year of coaching, he is ready for more. Steichen will rely, heavily, on Richardson to showcase the explosive capabilities that he displayed as a rookie. He will also rely on Taylor to get back to the healthy MVP-caliber running back that he once was. He will also look to rely on Pittman Jr. as the veteran receiver as well as the young receivers who are hungry to prove their worth.
In 2023, Steichen had to compete with his backup quarterback, Gardner Minshew on top of having to rotate running backs with Jonathan Taylor being injured. Throughout all of that adversity, the Colts still managed to rank eleventh in points per game with 23.3. With a healthy unit heading into 2024, Steichen’s offense will look to build upon last season’s success.
As a whole, this Indianapolis Colts team has all of the tools to compete in the AFC. They have their franchise quarterback who has proven that he belongs in this league. They have a top-tier running back with weapons on the outside. Lastly, they have the head coach who has proven, in just one season, that he is an elite offensive mind. The Colts have a lot to contend with in the AFC, but on paper, they can match up with just about all of them.
Main Photo: [Michelle Pemberton/Indy Star] – USA Today Sports
