INDIA PARK, IN (AP) — Anthony Richardson’s growth was to be the yardstick by which the Indianapolis Colts evaluated their performance this season.
Rather, the situation was altered by the rookie quarterback’s season-ending right shoulder injury.
At the halfway point, the Colts are within one win of a.500 record and in the running for the playoffs thanks to first-year coach Shane Steichen’s skillful handling of a number of unexpected turns and turns, the most notable of which was the loss of Richardson in Week 5.
Following the Colts’ 27-13 victory over Carolina on Sunday to end a three-game losing streak, Steichen remarked, “There are waves up and down in this league.” That’s included in this league. The key is to be consistent in the process. We must maintain consistency throughout all three phases, week in and week out.
The Colts (4-5) have been navigating rough seas thus far by riding those waves.
Richardson, the fourth-overall draft pick in April, only managed to complete one game due to injuries, despite showing a lot of promise in his four starts.
Gardner Minshew, who took his place, made eight mistakes in his first two starts in October, both of which ended in defeat. Though Bill Belichick and the Patriots (2-7) will most likely present Minshew with some unusual obstacles next weekend in Frankfurt, Germany, he has bounced back the last two weeks.
NFL rushing champion Jonathan Taylor (ankle) and three-time All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard (back) have eased their way back into action after offseason surgery, and they are only now beginning to regain their pre-injury form. Up to early October, Taylor’s ugly contract dispute served as just one more distraction. The deal was for a three-year, $42 million extension.
Additionally, despite leading the NFL in tackles for loss and strip sacks, Indianapolis’ defense had allowed a league-worst 28.6 points per game coming into last weekend.
But for some reason, Steichen’s tenacious Colts seem ready for a surge in the second half. With one of the easiest remaining schedules in the league, Indianapolis hopes to build on the momentum from their most recent victory against just seven other AFC teams.
As a football team, “I think we all understand what we have,” Minshew remarked on Sunday. “I believe we can be really good if we play to our potential.”
What Is Effective
Rating. The offense has totally overcome its setbacks from the previous campaign. Despite losing Richardson, the Colts are now 8.8 points ahead of last season and seventh in the league with a scoring average of 25.8 points per game. The only team to score 20 points or more in each of the nine games is Indianapolis.
WHY HELP IS NEEDED
Protection. Yes, Indiana outplayed rookie quarterback Bryce Young of Carolina with impressive football. The Colts gave up a season-low 13 points while allowing just one pick-6 in a game to Kenny Moore II, making him the first player in franchise history to do so. Proving that is the norm rather than an exception is the new objective.
ACCESS UP
Zack Moss, RB. Moss, who spent his first three NFL seasons as a role player, has been the most pleasant surprise of all. It’s been a breakthrough season this year. Despite missing the first game due to an arm injury, he has already set career highs in carries (132), yards (615), and touchdown runs (five) in just eight games. He has also shared carries with Taylor since Week 5. Moss is still the league’s top rusher and should benefit from a lucrative new contract the following year.
CASE DOWN
TEL Alie-Cox, Mo. Alie-Cox’s role has been significantly reduced because there are now five tight ends on the active roster and Jelani Woods is on injured reserve. Yes, the 30-year-old leader in the locker room is still a former college basketball star. He has only hauled in five passes for 72 yards and one touchdown, though.
SUCCESSES
With Richardson’s shoulder surgery, Leonard’s sluggish start, and Taylor’s early absence, it hasn’t been easy to start. RT Four games have been missed by Braden Smith (hip, wrist), and LB Zaire Franklin (knee), who leads the league in tackles (102) did not play on Sunday. Josh Downs, an impressive rookie wide receiver, may miss time due to a knee injury sustained on Sunday. DT Grover Stewart has been suspended for six games.
