A breeze in the air and a colorful collection of leaves on trees can only mean one thing: It’s NFL season.
While many are focused on a Taylor Swift sighting in Kansas City and a crushing injury in the Big Apple, the Indianapolis Colts are — as of this writing — quietly off to a 2-1 start. After week three, they’re sitting in first place in the AFC South.
How long will the good times last? It depends on how the team addresses these questions.
Who’s going to make plays on the perimeter aside from Michael Pittman?
We know that whoever’s throwing the football for Indianapolis will be looking to Pittman regularly. Someone else needs to make plays downfield.
Rookie Josh Downs is already establishing himself as another threat in addition to Pittman. He was targeted a career-high 12 times for 57 yards — also a career best — versus the Ravens in week three.
“If you look back at this conversation in October, if Josh Downs is wide receiver two, (then) I would not be shocked at all,” Colts podcaster Cody Felger said.
And don’t forget about Alec Pierce, who’s in his sophomore season. The athletic receiver was targeted seven times in week three — more looks than in weeks one and two combined.
What’s the plan for the ground game?
Shane Steichen has made it clear: Protecting the pigskin is imperative.
Running back Deon Jackson fumbled twice in the opening game versus Jacksonville. He’s no longer on the team.
After missing the first game of the season due to a broken arm suffered in training camp, Zack Moss rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown in his season debut at Houston. He followed that up by eclipsing 100 yards and snaring a pass for a TD in Baltimore.
No matter what happens with Jonathan Taylor — the running back and the Colts have butted heads after failing to come to a contract agreement over the offseason — Moss runs hard and can catch passes when needed.
How will the defense hold up?
The defensive line looks up to scratch thanks to the trio of Grover Stewart, DeForest Buckner and Kwity Paye.
As of this writing, linebacker Zaire Franklin is leading the league in tackles (45).
Shaquille Leonard is back and healthy after playing in only three games last season. “Today was the best I’ve felt in a long time,” Leonard told ESPN’s Stephen Holder at the start of training camp in July.
It comes down to the secondary and who will contribute aside from slot corner Kenny Moore and safety Julian Blackmon.
“(It’s) pretty much an entirely new cornerback room,” Felger said.
The good news is that some of those guys are already making big plays: Rookie CB JuJu Brents, in a dazzling display of defense, forced a fumble and made the recovery in the first quarter of the Ravens game on Sept. 24.
Keep an eye on the secondary as the season progresses.
Will Anthony Richardson adjust his style of play?
Reports say that Jaguar quarterback Trevor Lawrence told Richardson to prioritize safety after the two teams clashed in week one. The advice from the Jags QB may not have stuck, as Richardson left in the first half of the Texans game after rumbling into the end zone on a rushing TD.
Minshew has done a fine job off the bench, but Richardson’s size and speed are most certainly keeping opposing defensive coordinators up at night.
At the end of the day, all men are mortal. The hits add up. Incorporating the occasional slide will go a long way for Richardson’s health — and the success of the team.
Three Games to Watch:
Colts at Jaguars (10/15/23)
Colts vs Patriots (11/12/23)
Colts at Bengals (12/10/23)
