The Indianapolis Colts player 28, Jonathon Taylor, playing against the Tennessee Titans. Taylor has been playing for the Colts since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft. Photo by @colts on Instagram
The Indianapolis Colts came into the year with high expectations from the public and the media, however these expectations did not hold true. When the Colts’ Head Coach, Shane Steichen, chose to start veteran Daniel Jones over Anthony Richardson, the move raised concerns. Jones, who had an underwhelming tenure with the Giants marked by inconsistency and turnovers, represented the safer, however less appealing option for the fanbase. Richardson on the other hand, was viewed as the franchise’s long-term future; however, the third-year QB has battled injuries and turnover through his first two years. The decision by Steichen raised questions about the team’s direction; however, after their first three games, Indianapolis looks like a well-oiled wagon as they look to race to their best record in 10 years.
The Colts have longed for a franchise quarterback ever since Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck who were both Colts legends. Steichen, however, may have just found his answer, at least for the short term, in Jones. The signal caller has revitalized his career in Indianapolis as he used his fresh start to his advantage. In his first three games, Jones has not lit up the stat sheet; however, he has been efficient and made timely plays when needed. He has thrown a touchdown in each of their first three games with an average passer rating of 111.1.
Jones, however, does not work alone as the Colts offense has one of the most underrated running backs in the league, Jonathan Taylor. No. 28 has stood out so far and thrived in the offensive scheme. In his last two games, the running back accumulated 267 yards on the ground and even punched the ball three times this last weekend versus the Tennessee Titans. The wide receiving core has also been great as wideout, and veteran Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie tight end Tyler Warren have been reliable to start the year. Pittman Jr. has had four receptions or more in each of their first three games, with touchdowns versus Miami and Tennessee in weeks one and three. For Warren, who is in his rookie year, he has been a good blocker in the run game but also flashed in the passing game. The tight end has not crossed into the end zone yet for his first NFL TD, however, in his last two games combined, he has totaled 155 yards receiving on 11 catches.
The Indianapolis Colts players celebrating in the locker room after a big win. Photo by @colts on Instagram
The Colt’s defense has proven to be effective enough to win games as they’ve forced multiple turnovers in the first few games to keep pressure on the opponent’s offense. However, the unit has also shown inconsistency. Last weekend, Indianapolis gave up 28 points to Denver, exposing multiple flaws in coverage and run support. The Colts will need a bigger push from the defense in bigger games, as up front, they have not been stout enough. Nick Cross, however, has notably put together a good start to the season as he leads the team in tackles with 20, with Joe Bachie just behind him at 18. If Indianapolis can put forth a stable defense, they will likely be able to maintain success throughout the year.
The boys from Indy will still be underdogs for the presumable future due to their lack of success in former years; however, they have put the league on notice. Steichen and ownership in Carlie Irsay-Gordon have this team in a great spot, with a growing winning culture and a renewed organizational vision. Indianapolis appears to be laying the foundation to not only compete in the present but for also years to come in the Hoosier state.
