Defensively, Colts took RE Chase Young last draft and the superstar has been a pillar of excellence having 10.5 sacks and 56 tackles, including 10 for loss, in his rookie campaign. On the other side the Colts had big hopes for DE Tyquan Lewis however he only tallied 3.5 sacks and 34 tackles in a prove it year and Colts management was not impressed. Other ends Clearly and McLeod never materialized and Colts could be look to draft yet another DE this next draft. Also adding to the problem, DTs Wilkerson, Dareus, and Poe are all 33 now and have not been yet re-signed. Colts drafted several DTs late last draft and have a plan there however they aren't nearly ready for starting roles. The Defensive Line aside from Chase Young is in major flux.
The Colts linebacker group led by standout MLB Darius Leonard is solid. LOLB Matthew Adams and Jarrod Davis look to be in the fold. The Colts have a decision to make on ROLB Kemoko Turay, who they franchised last season but he only wound up with 40 tackles, 9 for loss, and 1 int last year. Is he worth the price at 28?
The Colts secondary is their strongest position group on the defense with CBs Byron McCoy, Kelvin Franks, Rock Ya Sin and Jalen Thompson and safeties Malik Hooker, Quentin Wilson and Jaye Parker backing up. Any addition here would be only for depth and grooming
The Colts finished 6-10 and missed the playoffs. Time for reflecting on the offense and it's strengths and weaknesses.
There's definite reason for excitement looking at the QB room with superstar QB Jordan Love taking the mantle last year and going into year 2. Brissett will continue to back up making a solid group.
The running back room in solid with Superstar Richie Godfrey backed up by Nyhiem Hines. Star Perry Faulkner will move into the #3 spot with Pumphrey most likely leaving.
The WR room there could easily be ab addition in either FA or the draft especially now that Devin Funchess will most likely not be retained. Jaylon Smith and Star Harmon Rutland will push for the #3 spot. Only Parris Campbell and Zay Jones are probably starting locks.
The TE room is solid however both Ebron and Walller will be 30 and Mo Alie Cox is on the roster bubble. Colts could look to upgrade the TE position if they see fit.
The left side of the offensive line is solid with LT Braden Smith and LG Quenton Nelson making an imposing duo. Center Ryan Kelly is also solid however he'll be 30 and in a contract year so a replacement my be sought after to groom. The right side has been problematic at times however it's full of young and improving talent with 23 year old RG Lee Green, and RTs Darius Acosta (25) and Trey Adams (24)in fold.
Week 17, the Colts final opponent of the season they traveled to Los Angeles to face the Chargers.
The game started out with Chargers taking a long first possession down for the games first Touchdown. Next possession, Colts drove the filed got in LA territory however stalled and were forced to kick a field goal. Next possessions for each team end result was the same Chargers scoring another touchdown and Colts matching with a Field Goal. Score at the half was 14-6.
Second half it was all defense with no one scoring again. Colts were more bend don't break making good plays in the secondary when needed. Chargers did their damage with mad pass rush led by Bosa's ridiculous 6 sacks. Every time Colts moved forward they were sent back taking sacks, 7 on the game in all.
Chargers also played the ball control game running the option most of the game running 21 times to just 8 passes and winning the time of possession 17:01 to 10:59 making for a mostly a boring game.
Colts finish the season 6-10 after starting the season 0-7.
During the exciting 24 - 20 victory over the Raiders, the Colts received some bad news from the doctors. Second year Star corner back Kelvin Franks fractured his forearm attempting to defend a pass and will miss 6 weeks. Being that it's week 16 already, and the Colts will not be making the Super Bowl, the Colts have put Franks in the Injured Reserve ending his season.
Franks held down the #2 cornerback role for 16 games and the Colts will need to find a replacement to fill that role in the final week of action. Cornerback Rock Ya Sin will mostly likely man the positon now in Week 17, and performed admirably in Franks absence making a huge interception in the week 16 that turned the complexion of the game.
Franks finishes the year with 59 tackles, .5 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and 8 deflections on the year. He will look to improve on his interception totals next season.
In an ensuing move, the Colts have called up Star WR Sydney Langford from the practice squad. Langford has been getting special training all year and hopes to make an impact next Sunday.
Week 16, the 5-9 Colts traveled to Oakland to face the 9-5 Raiders.
The game didn't start out so well for the Colts with rookie QB Jordan throwing an interception on the Colts first play of their first possession however the Colts defense held Raiders to a field goal after the I'll advised pass intercepted by FS Jonathan Abram. The next possession the Colts methodically took the ball down the field with Love finding TE Eric Ebron in the back of the end zone for the first TD of the game. The 2nd quarter the Raiders dominated play and the Colts found themselves leading 13 - 7 at the half.
Opening possession of the 3rd quarter the Colts got as far as the Raiders 41 yard line and kicker Brett Maher nailed a 58 yard attempt to 13 - 10. Next possession, Rock Ya Sin made a fabulous interception of a Withrow pass however Colts stalled and were forced to punt to the Raiders 19. A few plays later, Withrow bombs one to Jeudy for a 72 yard catch and run down the right sideline. Next play, Colts dialed up a I can do that too double move for Zay Jones for 47 yards and eventually FB Burton scores to make it 20 - 17 just as the 3rd quarter ended. 4th quarter, Raiders have to punt. Colts drive down the field field and Love finds Nyheim Hines in the end zone for a 3 yard reception. Still with alot of time left, Raiders get careless with the ball trying to make a kill shit down the field however it winds up in the hands of Colts rookie cb Jalen Thompson for the game clinching interception. Colts play keep away converting 2 first downs and preserve the 24 - 20 win. Excellent confidence booster for this young team, moving to the record to 6-9.
Next up: Chargers
Week 15, the Colts had a home game with the rival Texans.
The Colts opened the scoring in a unlikely manner with standout rookie DE Chase Young stuffing Derrick Henry in the end zone for a safety after a coffin corner punt by Rigoberto Sanchez. The Titans scored a touchdown on a Mariota stike to receiver AJ Brown to make it 7 - 2 Titans at the half. The Titans scored the next TD in the 2nd quarter with Derrick Henry powering his way 9 yards into the end zone to take the 14 -2 lead. After that it was all Colts scoring the next 13 points unanswered and sqeaking by for the 15 - 14 victory.
RB Richie Godfrey was the workhorse rushing 20 times for 83 yards however it was fullback Burton that took the 3 yard dive in for the line Colts touchdown. Young superstar QB Jordan Young had a nondescript day going 19 for 23 for 163 yards and 0 TDs, however most importantly no interceptions. Devin Funchess led the all Colts receivers with 6 catches for 46 yards against Titans stout defense. Defensively, LB Leonard and CB Franks both had 9 tackles apiece leading the team. Honorable mention and Colts player of the game to punter Rigoberto Sanchez for his 57.3 average on 4 punts including one inside the 5 pinning Titans and leading to a 1st quarter safety, and playing a huge part in helping the Colts win the field positon battle during the game.
Next up: Raiders
Week 14, the 4-8 Colts took their 3 game winning streak to East Rutherford, New Jersey to face the 7-5 Giants. In order to be competitive in this game, the Colts knew they were going to have to put up points; and they did, scoring 30 in the contest however the Colts defense couldn't stop the juggernaut Giants off some led by RB Saquon Barkley and WR Calvin Ridley. Every time Colts would score on a hard fought drive, the Giants would then just go down the field in q flash and score. Rookie QB Jordan had the best yardage game of his life to date throwing for 347 yards and 3 TDs however the ole interception bug came back to bite him and the team twice. The Giants defense held Godfrey in check with him only amassing 32 yards on 9 carries. Receivers Zay Jones and Parris Campbell took in 13 catches and 250 yards plus 2 TDs combined. On defense,their wasn't much of it really, RE Chase Young added another sack to make 10.5 on the year.
Next up: at home vs Titans
Week 13, The 3-8 Colts traveled to Tennessee to face the reeling Titans and barely edged out the Titans 27-20. It was a bitter sweet but meaningless victory as the Titans were missing their main contributor, their Owner E_Warren24. But as they say in the business, we'll take it.
For QB Jordan Love, this was his first game without an interception this season, throwing for 217 yards and 2 TDs. The running back duo of Richie Godfrey and Nyheim Hines rushed for 100 yards on 31 carries and 1 TD. Godfrey also added 52 yards and a TD on 3 catches in the victory. On defense, the Colts produced 4 sacks with standout rookie RE Chase Young getting another 2 sacks in this contest for 9.5 sacks thusfar on the season.
Next up: at Giants
Week 12, the 2-8 Colts traveled to Foxboro to face the 2-8 New England Patriots.
The Colts started out slow not scoring in the first quarter, but then started to add a TD apiece the 2nd and 3rd quarters however still found themselves losing 21 - 14 after 3 quarters. It was after that the Colts scored 14 unanswered points in the 4th and won the contest 28 - 21 and held on in the closing seconds to seal it. Rookie QB Jordan Love went 208 yards and threw 2 TDs leading the team to victory, despite 3 early interceptions. RB Richie Godfrey was one his game rushing for 80 yards and a TD and also receiving 3 catches for another 43 yards. Both TE Eric Ebron and WR Zay Jones had 3 catches for 43 yards in the game. WRs Devin Funchess and Parris Campbell didn't have the yardage totals buy caught 1 TD apiece. On defense, CB Byron McCoy had yet another solid performance incepting a key pass late in the 4th.
Next week: at Titans
The 1-8 Colts remained at home for their 3rd straight home game in as many weeks, facing the Texans again this season.
This time, the outcome was much better than the last with the Colts winning 35 -21 to improve their record to 2-8. It was an offensive explosion compared to weeks prior as the Colts threw for 254 passing and 102 rushing. Rookie QB Jordan Love had his first 4 TD game going 254 yards however still threw 2 ints and was sacked 3 times. Running backs Gofrey and Hines combined for 24 carrries and 96 yards rushing. Hines also contributed big in the passing game taking in 4 catches for 51 yards and a TD. Wide receiver Zay Jones added 6 catches for 76 yards a TD. On defense, this time iy was nickel CB Rock Ya Sin stealing the day taking in 2 interceptions. Rookie RE Chase Young had a half sack in the game.
Next up: at Patriots
Colts off their stunning victory over the Eagles, faced the pesky nemesis Jaguars Week 10. The game went as it has often did with the Jaguars trouncing the Colts 30 - 0 after 3 quarters and the Colts scoring mere TD late just so it wasn't a shutout. Jags QB Ryan Allman had a 153.1 passer rating with 242 yards passing and 3 TDs and 0 ints with WR Cooper Kupp being the main beneficiary receiving 3 catches for 114 yards and a TD.. Colts couldn't get anything going on this one and rookie QB Jordan Love had yet another multi inception day throwing 3 in this one. Not much more to write about in this forgettable game.
Next week: Texans at home
Week 9, Colts were finally back home since Week 4 to face the 3-4 Philadelphia Eagles.
Colts started out the game on fire racing to 20 - 10 halftime lead and eventually holding that leading and winning their first game in stunning fashion, 30 -17. The offense had a combined 282 yards and completed 15 first downs in the game however still weren't a model of efficiency this Sunday. Rookie QB Jordan Love passed for 185 yards and 1 TD however threw 2 interceptions. The Colts running game however remained productive with RB Godfrey running 68 yards on 19 carries and touched down twiced. Additionally, Nyheim Hines busted his lone carry for a 40 yard TD scamper. On defense, Malik Hooker was sensational intercepting Wentz twice and edge corners McCoy and Frank's kept Wentz honest breaking up 4 passes between them.
It's good to be back home, and after a 0-7 start to the season the team and the fans needed this one.
Week 8 the Colts remained in Texas for the last 2 weeks playing Houston Texans off a bye after playing the Dallas Cowboys Week 6.
The game was a defensive battle. Texans managed a 3-0 lead after the 1st quarter and by halftime the score was surprisingly Colts 7-6. After halftime the Colts couldn't muster any more points and the Texans scored a touchdown and a FG to preserve the victory late winning 15 -7. Colts tried to rally the last drive but it was all for naught. Much grittier effort though.
QB Jordan Love still is going through growing pains as a rookie throwing 4 interceptions in the game. RB Richie Godfrey had a productive day going 94 yards on just 13 carries but possessions were at a premium this game just having 27 totals offensive snaps. Zay Jones had 61 yards on 3 catches and Parris Campbell 39 yards on 2 catches but despite the good average both possessed they were stymied by turnovers and of course JJ Watt, who lived in the Colts backfieild registering 3 sack ans 6 tackles one being for a loss . On defense, standout rookie RE Chase Young had a breakout game having 8 tackles and 2 sacks.
Next up: Eagles at home
Colts entered the Week 7 by week a lowly 0-6 and off a 19-13 loss from the Cowboys in Texas. The coach called for more and more practice and training. No rest for the wicked. Focus was to get extra reps in while remaining in Texas, as the Colts had a game in Houston tbe following week. Special attention was focused on the WR group and the OLine on offense and the linebacker and defensive back group on defense. Colts still have alot of young talent on this team to turn things around and maybe come out of this season with a more respectable record and create promise for the 2023 season.
For the Colts week 15 matchup they headed to Dallas and the immaculate Jerry's World to take on America's Team, the Cowboys.
Colts got an opening stop and during their drive they took it down the Cowboys 11 but stalled and settled for the FG. Next drive Cowboys took the rock down the field but Cowboys rookie QB Fromm threw an int in the end zone however instead of safety giving himself up in the end zone, he took the ball out and got tackled on the 2 yard line. A few plays later on 3rd down Colts rookie Jordan Love got sacked in the league ND zone for a safety giving the Cowboys a life they didn't seem to have. They took that momentum and built a 12 - 3 lead at the half, which remained through the 3rd quarter. Cowboys scored again in the 4th to make it 19 - 3 but then the Colts took the ball down the field and kicked another FG to make it 19 -6. The Colts then made it interest scoring a TD their next possession on beautiful strike to Zay Jones from Jordan Love to make it 19 - 13. Electing to kick off, the Colts got a few quick stop and forced safety Malik Hooker forced a fumble from Cowboys rookie HB Adrian Killins. Suddenly things got interesting with just a minute left and change left. Colts got to the Cowboys 23 yard line and had several opportunities in the end zone with just a few seconds left but the Cowboys made a few knock downs and Colts wr Jaylon Smith couldn't hang onto the ball in the end zone the very last play of the game. Cowboys outlasted the Colts 19 - 13.
Cowboys TE Jalen Davis was virtually unstoppable taking in 6 receptions for 154 yards but somehow got held out of the end zone. On the Colts side, their biggest standout was on the defense with rookie phenom Chase Young having 3 sacks and 5 tackles.