RJ White of CBS Sports recently highlighted reasons to “back the Colts” this season, along with reasons to “fade the Colts” this season. And as you’d expect, the outcome hinges on what happens at quarterback.
Let’s begin with the positive. As White mentions, there’s a lot to like about the roster that the Colts have around the quarterback position. In the backfield is Jonathan Taylor, who finished fourth last season in rushing yards. At tight end, the Colts added Tyler Warren, and they were the only team in the NFL last season to have three wideouts each eclipse 800 receiving yards.
White also notes that Shane Steichen has fielded a league-average team record-wise, despite getting below-average play at quarterback. On defense, the secondary has been revamped, and the addition of Lou Anarumo as defensive coordinator with his more aggressive and disguise-heavy scheme should help elevate the play of this entire unit.
All that said, the Colts don’t need high-end quarterback play to find success this season. With just steady play from the position, there is a path for them to stack some wins.
Now, on the flip side of all that, if the Colts still don’t get that steady quarterback play, well, there’s only so much the rest of the roster can do to overcome that.
“If things don’t click for Richardson or Jones, the Colts will likely have a bottom-five QB situation in 2025, and that’s tough to overcome no matter the talent on the rest of the roster and in the coaching ranks,” wrote White.
And while not to the extent of the quarterback position, it is worth noting that compared to this time a year ago, there are more questions along the offensive line for the Colts, as they presumably rely on Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves to start at center and right guard.
Having whoever is under center in a consistent position to be successful starts with the offensive line providing a running game to lean on and time in the pocket.
So, can the Colts finally make it back to the playoffs this year, or will it be another disappointing season? The answer to that question is most likely determined by what happens at quarterback.
