INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
2023 Record - 9-8
Head Coach - Shane Steichen
Key Additions - Laiatu Latu (DL), Joe Flacco (QB), Raekwon Davis (DL), Eric Tomlinson (TE), Arlington Hambright (OL)
Key Losses - Zack Moss (RB), Gardner Minshew (QB), Isaiah McKenzie (WR/KR), Henry Black (DB), Jake Martin (LB)
2023 STATS LINE
PASSING - Gardner Minshew (3,305 yards, 15 TD, 9 INT), Anthony Richardson (577 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT)
RUSHING - Zack Moss (794 yards, 4.3 ypc, 5 TD), Jonathan Taylor (741 yards, 4.4 ypc, 7 TD)
RECEIVING - Michael Pittman (109 receptions, 1,152 yards, 4 TD)
SACKS - Samson Ebukam (9 1/2)
INTERCEPTIONS - Julian Blackmon (4)
OUTLOOK FOR 2024 - Last season, the Colts were like two different teams . . . The first four games were played with rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, but he suffered a season ending shoulder injury in the fourth game and then Gardner Minshew (since moved on to the Las Vegas Raiders) took over. This year, Colts head coach Shane Steichen is looking forward to having Richardson on the field for the entire season.
Indianapolis finished 15th overall in total offense (337 YPG) with a rushing offense (121.1 yards per game) that was in the top ten in the NFL. The Colts scored 23.3 points per game and will have both Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor in tow this year. Taylor had injury issues a year ago and rushed for 741 yards (4.4 ypc) and scored seven touchdowns. He will be a big part of the offense once again as long as he stays healthy. The wide receivers are led by Michael Pittman, who had a career season with 109 catches. Adonai Mitchell, Josh Downs and tight ends Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox will be counted on in the passing game as well.
The Colts defense will look to be better in the red zone in 2024 after allowing 24.4 points per game last season (28th in the NFL) even though they had 51 quarterback sacks and 15 interceptions. They allowed 350 yards per game (24th overall) and were weak against the run, giving up 124 YPG. Samson Ebukam and DeForest Buckner (8 sacks) lead the front line and edge rushers Kwity Paye (8 1/2 sacks) and Dayo Odeyingbo (8 sacks) add to the pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Rookie defensive end Laiatu Latu (UCLA) will also look to make an impact. The secondary has cornerback Kenny Moore II (three INT) and safety Julian Blackmon leading the way.
The AFC South is an interesting division heading into this season as the Colts, Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars are all in the mix to finish in first place. One game separated the three teams a year ago in the final standings, so anything is possible. The Colts went 3-3 in division play last year and as long as Richardson is the dual threat he showed early in the season running and passing, the offense should move the ball with consistency. Taylor will be counted on heavily for the rushing game and the wideouts will look to share the wealth in receptions after Pittman seemed to be the main target as last season went on. The defense has to do better in the red zone and picking up the slack getting turnovers (plus-2 last year) would definitely help Indy toward a playoff push this season.
TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - vs. Houston
Week Two - at Green Bay
Week Three - vs. Chicago
Week Four - vs. Pittsburgh
Week Five - at Jacksonville
Week Six - at Tennessee
Week Seven - vs. Miami
Week Eight - at Houston
Week Nine - at Minnesota
Week Ten - vs. Buffalo
Week Eleven - at N.Y. Jets
Week Twelve - vs. Detroit
Week Thirteen - at New England
Week Fourteen - BYE
Week Fifteen - at Denver
Week Sixteen - vs. Tennessee
Week Seventeen - at N.Y. Giants
Week Eighteen - vs. Jacksonville
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