Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Colts HC Shane Steichen is not content with 7-1 start

By Zachary Cariola | Last updated Oct 29, 2025 11:09 AM ET

The Indianapolis Colts have proved to be one of the top teams in the NFL through the first eight weeks of the season, sitting at 7-1 atop the AFC and the AFC South.

The Colts are poised to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020 as winners of four straight and are benefiting from the resurgence that quarterback Daniel Jones is having after being labeled a "bust" while he was with the New York Giants for the first six years of his career. Colts head coach Shane Steichen isn't content with their 7-1 record, though.

Shane Steichen is not quite satisfied with great start Colts have gotten off to

Sitting as the best team in the AFC, most teams would take their foot off the gas and stay content with where they are, which is not in the cards for Steichen and the Colts. As games get more meaningful with the calendar turning toward November and December, Steichen said this is when the season really starts.

"You always want to start fast in this league," Steichen said to Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star. "All 32 teams are trying to start fast and go win as many as you can. September, (October) -- great. But I think the season starts in November, December. That's where it really starts to pick up. You've got to play at your very best starting in these next two months."

Colts need to maintain their game plan to continue having success

The Colts have shown they have the best offense in the league (385.3 yards), ranking slightly better than the Dallas Cowboys, who rank second (384.1 yards). The efficiency of the offense cannot be overlooked, as running back Jonathan Taylor, who is the league's leading rusher with 850 yards and 12 touchdowns (three more than Josh Jacobs, who is second), has made the offense so special.

Jones' play has also proved to be why the Colts are in the position they're in, ranking fourth in passing with 2,062 yards and throwing 13 touchdowns and three interceptions. The one downside of the Colts has been their defense. Thankfully, it's average, ranking 24th (345.1 yards) for total defense, while having one of the best pass rushes (eighth, 93.1 yards) in the game.

Despite some of their shortcomings on defense, the offense has shown it can overcome them, which will be key heading into the second half of the season. Facing a handful of teams that are contending for the playoffs, the Colts must maintain their above-average offense to continue to have success.

Zachary Cariola

My name is Zachary Cariola and I have been a sports fan for as long as I can remember. My areas of expertise are MLB, NBA, and NFL. You can find my other work on Southside Showdown from FanSided and at Chicitysports where I cover all Chicago sports. When not watching sports, I love spending time with my family and learning history.

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