The Indianapolis Colts are in a position to finally get their franchise back on track this offseason. While it may take time to see results, the team (4-12-1) appears to have the right plan in place to be optimistic about 2023 and beyond. Here’s why:
1. Young QB, finally
Rather than piece together a team with subpar veteran QBs, the Colts will begin a proper rebuild by developing their own. If all goes according to plan, the Colts could get back into the playoffs in no time.
An intriguing crop of QBs will be available in the 2023 NFL Draft for Indianapolis to find its next signal-caller for the next decade. Indianapolis holds the fourth overall pick in the draft but could trade up.
Colts owner Jim Irsay already let it slip that Alabama’s Bryce Young caught his eye. Young is the projected top pick in the draft, so a trade with Chicago, which has the No. 1 overall pick, probably would be necessary to get him.
Other first-round QB options for Indianapolis include Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Kentucky’s Will Levis or Florida’s Anthony Richardson if he impresses at the combine.
2. An improved offense under new HC Shane Steichen
The 37-year-old Steichen comes in after leading Philadelphia’s offense to the league’s third-highest points-per-game total in 2022 (28.1); he’ll call the plays for Indianapolis this season. When it matters most, Steichen has proved himself capable. Philadelphia’s offense averaged 34.7 points in the postseason, the most among all playoff teams.
In addition to aiding the next starting QB, Steichen will help the receiving corps. Philadelphia averaged 389.1 passing yards per game this past season, also the third-highest in the league.
Eagles WRs A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith ranked in the top nine in receiving yards playing in Steichen’s system last season. Their success should be a reason to excite Colts wideout Michael Pittman, whose performance fell short of expectations in his third season (925 yards).
3. Stars are returning to full health
Injuries to its best players in 2022 hurt considerably. RB Jonathan Taylor, the NFL’s leading rusher in 2021, fought through ankle injuries all season before being shut down in December. In 11 games, Taylor rushed for 861 yards and four touchdowns.
On defense, the Colts played without All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard for most of the season. He played in only three games.
Ahead of the 2022 campaign, Leonard underwent back surgery, returning in Week 4. In the same game, he broke his nose, sidelining him until Week 8. Leonard’s back issues plagued him when he returned, and he had a second operation in November.
In 2021, Leonard had 122 combined tackles, four interceptions and eight forced fumbles.
