The Indianapolis Colts’ season ended 20 days ago. Over the last 20 days, I’ve had time to reflect on both the good and the bad things that transpired throughout the season.
Below, you’ll find a list of things that were good, bad, and the things that need to improve going forward.
A: Alec Pierce:
Alec Pierce had a down year. He had more receptions and yards in his rookie season than he did this year. He posted the same number of touchdowns. It feels like all he can do is go deep and make contested catches. That’s it.
It feels like Chris Ballard missed on this pick, which sucks because I was excited when the Colts drafted him, but he’s a bad route runner, and he can’t create separation from defenders. The Colts wasted a second-round pick on him.
B: Blocking:
The blocking was much improved this year from last year. Part of that was Steichen making things easier on the offensive line, but they could actually run the ball this year. They were a top 10 rushing offense this year, compared to being in the low 20s last year.
C: Cornerbacks:
The Colts drafted four defensive backs last draft. Only Julius Brents feels like he could be a long-term solution. Kenny Moore had another solid year, but he can’t defend on the outside. Cornerback is a position the Colts need to keep trying to adjust.
D: Downs (Josh Downs):
Alec Pierce might be a bust, but Josh Downs is not. He should be a good slot option for the Colts for the next several years. He had an impressive rookie season.
E: EJ Speed:
He was awesome this year. His emergence was why the Colts were able to release Shaquille Leonard. Between Speed and Zaire Franklin, the Colts should be solid at linebacker next year.
F: Fourth Overall Pick:
The Colts spent the 4th overall pick on Anthony Richardson who we saw appear in 4 games and only attempt 84 passes. Richardson’s presence injected a new energy into the Colts franchise and fan base, but he’s got to deliver on the promise he showed in college and limited playing time this year, or it could be a long next few years for the Colts.
G: Gardner Minshew:
Gardner Minshew’s ability to step in for the Colts and play quarterback at an above average level allowed us to have the unexpected season we had. Coming into the year, the Colts were not expected to compete for the division or for a spot in the playoffs, because of Minshew’s play they were. I know Minshew wants to be a starter somewhere, but I’d love to see the Colts bring him back as the backup to Anthony Richardson.
H: High Level Play Calling:
Steichen immediately showed us why the Eagles’ offense was successful under him. He’s one hell of a play caller who consistently put players in positions to succeed. That’s why the Colts had a near top 10 scoring offense on the season.
I: Inessential Amount of Tight Ends:
The Colts have too many tight ends. They had 4 tight ends with at least nine receptions. They don’t need that many tight ends. It’s a waste of a roster spot. Three should dress, and two should play. Get rid of one of them.
J: Jonathan Taylor Controversy:
After a lot of Jonathan Taylor contract controversy, they got it figured out. In the games he played he was good, but I wouldn’t have paid him. NFL running backs grow on trees. I watch the Ravens play 6 different running backs every year and find success with all of them. Running back success is based off of the offensive line, and the scheme.
K: Kylen Granson:
Remember when I said the Colts have too many tight ends? Granson is one of the ones they should keep. He was a threat in the passing game and a decent blocker. I really like Granson.
L: Leonard:
It was the end of an era in Indianapolis. Shaquille Leonard was released. It sucks to see a player that meant a lot to the city of Indianapolis leave, but it was the right decision. Franklin and Speed are more than capable of carrying the load at linebacker, and they’re way cheaper.
M: Michael Pittman Jr.:
Michael Pittman Jr. had the best year of his career. He set career highs in receptions and receiving yards. It was an impressive season, but the Colts still need to upgrade their WR1. Pittman would be an excellent number 2 receiver.
N: New Head Coach:
Shane Steichen proved that he’s here to stay. He’s not a finalist for AP Coach of the Year. That’s ridiculous. No one else besides Kevin Stefanski, who should win the award because he made the playoffs after starting 4 different players at quarterback, did more with less. Either way, it was an impressive first season from the new coach.
O: Overachieving:
The Colts overachieved this year. Their over/under before the season was set at 6.5. They won 9 games with a backup quarterback. That’s quite the achievement.
P: Pass Protection:
The pass protection was a lot better this year compared to last year. They went from allowing 3.5 sacks per game to 2.4 this year.
Q: Quentin Nelson:
Part of the improved blocking has to do with Quentin Nelson putting together a good season. He stayed healthy, as he continued to prove why he’s a Hall of Fame left guard.
R: Rushing the Passer:
The Colts pressured the quarterback as well as anyone in the NFL this year. They averaged 3 sacks per game and had 4 players with 8 sacks or more.
S: Swing Pass/Six Receptions:
I still can’t believe that Steichen called a swing pass to a running back with 6 receptions on the year with the playoffs on the line. It’s the one thing Steichen did this year that I really questioned.
T: Trouble Free Schedule:
The Colts played one of the easiest schedules in the NFL. I don’t say that to take away from the performance the Colts displayed this year. I say it because it’s true. The NFC division they played was the NFC South. Arguably the worst division in the NFL, on top of that, they got to play everyone in their division twice, and the AFC South wasn’t that great this year.
U: Using What He Has:
Shane Steichen did an outstanding job winning with a lack of talent. He didn’t have Anthony Richardson or Jonathan Taylor for most of the year, and he found a way to win.
V: Very Important Year Incoming:
This next year has the potential to be a big year for the Colts. They need to find out what they have with Anthony Richardson. If he’s the guy everyone thinks he is, then the Colts could make the playoffs next year. I have that much faith in Steichen.
W: Wide Receiver Needs:
I like Josh Downs, I like Michael Pittman Jr., and Alec Pierce looks like a bust. The Colts would benefit from adding a legitimate number one wide receiver. It’ll help Richardson early in his career.
X: X-Ray:
Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson both missed time with injuries. X is hard, cut me a break.
Y: Youth:
When the season started, the Colts were the 5th youngest team in the NFL this year, and they won 9 games. There’s some potential on this roster.
Z: Zach Moss:
Zach Moss did a great job filling in for Jonathan Taylor. He set career highs in rushing yards per game and rushing touchdowns in a season.