Are the Indianapolis Colts a Super Bowl contender? If that question were asked before the season, there’d be a lot of laughs. However, it’s not so amusing right now.
Indy currently owns a 3-1 record. They’re certainly one of the NFL’s most surprising teams this year.
It has been a long time since the Colts were considered a contender. They missed the playoffs the past four years and haven’t won the AFC South since 2014. That was back in the Andrew Luck era. Again, that was a long time ago.
The Colts are off to a great start, but it’s early. Anything can happen as the season progresses. Here are three reasons, though, why they should be taken seriously.
The Colts signed quarterback Daniel Jones this past offseason. He was brought in to battle Anthony Richardson for the starting job.
Many people expected Richardson to beat out Jones. Yet, Jones won the battle, leaving a lot of Colts fans scratching their heads.
However, it looks like the team made the right decision. Jones is having an excellent year and has revived his career in Indianapolis. The former New York Giant is the only quarterback in the last 75 years to start 3-0 with a 70% completion percentage, 850+ total yards, 6+ total touchdowns, and zero turnovers.
Jones came down to earth, though, in the Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He forced two errant throws that resulted in interceptions, as the Colts picked up their first loss of the season.
Every player has bad games. If Jones can play like he did during the first three games of the season, the sky is the limit for the Colts.Jones is surrounded by a great group of offensive playmakers. Jonathan Taylor is the cream of the crop. The two-time Pro Bowler is leading the league with 414 rushing yards. He was the rushing champ in 2021, and could be headed for another MVP-caliber season.
The Colts also have a quality wide receiver room. The group includes guys like Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs. Plus, rookie tight in Tyler Warren is off to a great start. It appears that the former Penn State star is going to have a phenomenal NFL career.
The Colts have an elite offensive line, but it struggled mightily against the Rams without injured guard Matt Goncalves. If Goncalves can shake off the injury bug, the offensive line should return to greatness.
Wait, does that subtitle read “solid defense?” The same Colts defense that allowed the Rams’ Puka Nacua to catch 13 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown? And the same defense that also gave up an 88-yard touchdown catch to the Rams? Yes, that defense.
The Colts’ secondary has been riddled with injuries lately. But once they get healthy, it will be a quality unit. Indy’s defense possesses several defensive playmakers. The group has talented players like DeForest Buckner, Kenny Moore II, and Charvarius Ward.
Perhaps the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills have the best chance to reach the Super Bowl this year. And, of course, you can’t forget about the Kansas City Chiefs. But don’t overlook the surprising Indianapolis Colts.
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