The 2023 season may be over for the Indianapolis Colts, but there are plenty of positives to take away from it.
First-year head coach Shane Steichen squeezed out nine wins despite injuries and inexperienced players on his Indy roster.
Ultimately, those nine wins weren't enough to win the AFC South or make the postseason. But given that the previous year before Steichen's arrival the Colts had four wins, this is a massive improvement.
While there were veterans and stars like cornerback Kenny Moore II, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., running back Jonathan Taylor, and guard Quenton Nelson, there were also many obstacles to overcome at crucial positions and points in the season.
However, even after losing his rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson to injury following week five, Steichen didn't flinch with veteran passer Gardner Minshew at the helm.
In a recent interview on The Green Light with Chris Long, Steichen went into further detail on Richardson and Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Steichen on Stroud and how Richardson's skills are similar:
Steichen said:
"Yeah, I think him within the pocket was really special."
Steichen continued:
"He could create outside the pocket and he had his eyes down the field. He'd create those big ones."
"Sometimes he'd make them with his legs, but he'd also create them getting outside the pocket and making these, you know, 30-yard in-cut throws, you know, moving outside pocket."
To finish, Steichen gushed about how excited he is for Richardson's return to the field.
"What he brings to the table with from his playmaking ability. You know, the first four weeks that he played, the big plays that he was able to create, you know, the touchdowns with his legs that he was able to create. Can't wait to get him back on the field this fall for sure."
Richardson fits what Steichen wants to do offensively, which is to become more explosive.
As long as Richardson can remain healthy, the Colts have an opportunity to push the Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans for the AFC South crown and could make a splash in a competitive conference in 2024.
Steichen also praised wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne and assistant linebacker coach Cato June on the podcast.
Steichen said of his position coaches:
"Playing here both of them being former Colts in the building is huge for our players."
Steichen continued by saying:
"They got their pictures on the wall and they're coaching and they're in the wide receiver room and the linebacker room and their pictures are on the wall. So, it's awesome to have both those guys in our building."
Wayne missed the Hall of Fame this season but will be on the ballot again in 2025 for a legendary career in Indianapolis as a wide receiver.
June was a seven-year linebacker who notched a Pro Bowl with the Colts in 2005.
Both Wayne and June were also on the Colts' Super Bowl XLI championship team.
The Bottom Line:
Steichen has the Colts looking and feeling different than the franchise has since Andrew Luck's era of football.
Coming off of a season where the team outplayed what many believed they'd accomplish, the sky is the limit. Hopes are also as high for where the Colts can go from here.
Their success will all depend on Richardson staying on the field, what happens in free agency, and who Indianapolis decides to select in the 2024 NFL Draft.
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