2023 Season-In-Review

Record: 9-8

It was a roller coaster season for the Indianapolis Colts in 2023. After endless hype around Anthony Richardson, fans got just two games to watch their No. 4 overall pick. He suffered a season-ending injury in Week 4 and the job was handed to Gardner Minshew. After a 3-5 start, Minshew and the Colts found their groove and won four consecutive games. A 9-7 Colts team got the chance to win a game to get into the postseason in Week 18 but fell to the Houston Texans.

2024 Indianapolis Colts Season Preview

Offense

Key Additions: QB Joe Flacco, WR Adonai Mitchell, OT Matt Goncalves

Key Losses: QB Gardner Minshew, RB Zack Moss, WR Isaiah McKenzie

The Colts believe they have their quarterback of the future but the Anthony Richardson project took a major halt in year one. Richardson suffered an early injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. He showed a true dual-threat on the field. If he is able to stay healthy, this gives the Colts a boost coming off a nine-win season.

To provide insurance behind Richardson, the Colts added the backup quarterback that had the most success last season — Joe Flacco. Whoever is under center will have a strong group of wide receivers.

Michael Pittman Jr. agreed to a three-year, $70-million extension this offseason. Josh Downs is a second-year receiver that proved valuable in the slot but Indy continued to improve. It added Adonai Mitchell in the NFL Draft and there are now plenty of weapons for the quarterbacks to work with.

Not only do the Colts have strong receivers but Jonathan Taylor will be back on the field. He did not play the first four games last season holding out for a new deal and dealt with injury problems as well. Now, there is no contract issues and at full strength, the Colts have an elite rushing attack once again.

Indianapolis will have a strong interior in front of Taylor as well. Quenton Nelson continues to be one of the top guards in the league while Ryan Kelly is a center that is well above-average.

Defense

Key Additions: DT Raekwon Davis, DE Laiatu Latu

Key Losses: DE Jacob Martin

The 2024 NFL Draft was a historic one as the first 14 picks in the draft were used on offensive players. The Colts came in at No. 15 and had their pick of any defensive player of the bunch. Indy added edge Laiatu Latu, who is expected to make an impact right away. He will join Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam as a pass-rushing trio for the Colts.

On the interior, the Colts have DeForest Buckner. It is a major benefit to have a strong pass rush when your best defensive player is along the interior offensive line. An improved pass rush always helps the secondary as well and that is something the Colts need.

The group of corners in Indianapolis could have used an upgrade. Latu was too good to pass on in the draft. JuJu Brents and Dallas Flowers will return as the starters on the outside and leave much to be desired. At safety, Julian Blackmon and Nick Cross remained healthy, which helped create continuity.

The defense for the Colts will continue to be led by an elite front seven and hope the secondary can keep up just enough.

Schedule

Week 1: vs. Houston Texans

Week 2: at Green Bay Packers

Week 3: vs. Chicago Bears

Week 4: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 5: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 6: at Tennessee Titans

Week 7: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week 8: at Houston Texans

Week 9: at Minnesota Vikings

Week 10: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week 11: at New York Jets – Sunday Night Football

Week 12: vs. Detroit Lions

Week 13: at New England Patriots

Week 14: BYE WEEK

Week 15: at Denver Broncos

Week 16: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week 17: at New York Giants

Week 18: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Record Prediction: 7-10