3 Indianapolis Colts predictions for the 2023-24 season
The Indianapolis Colts were very disappointing, to say the least in 2022. However, next season could prove to be much better for the rebuilding franchise.
Colts hired former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen as head coach, replacing interim coach Jeff Saturday.
Colts hire Shane Steichen as new head coach. https://t.co/P1M1drj3Mq
We'll see what the franchise can accomplish under the leadership of Steichen, who helped guide the Eagles to this year's Super Bowl.
Let's take a look at three Colts predictions for next season:
#1 Whatever quarterback the Indianapolis Colts draft will win Rookie of the Year
It's pretty much a guarantee that the Colts are going to select a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft. The team currently has the fourth overall pick. If they stay at that spot, they could possibly end up with C.J. Stroud or Will Levis. Bryce Young would be an option if they pull off a trade with the Chicago Bears, who own the No. 1 overall pick.
Don't be surprised to see the next Colts QB—whoever that will be—pick up NFL Rookie of the Year honors for the 2023-2024 season.
#2 Jonathan Taylor will bounce back after an injury-plagued 2022-2023 campaign
Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was spectacular during the 2021 season, leading the league with 1,811 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns.
Unfortunately, things weren’t so pretty this past season. Taylor missed six games due to injury as he produced 861 yards and four touchdowns.
Colts RB Jonathan Taylor undergoes ankle surgery, plans to be "100 percent ready to rock" (via @RapSheet)
nfl.com/news/colts-rb-… https://t.co/ftKXLyWHcz
Look for the Wisconsin product, who had ankle surgery in January, to bounce back next season, especially if the Colts can manage to fix their offensive line issues.
#3 The Indianapolis Colts will finish with an 8-9 record
Heading into last season, the Colts were expected to win the AFC South and maybe even reach the Super Bowl. That wasn't a ridiculous prediction, considering the presence of former MVP quarterback Matt Ryan, Jonathan Taylor, one of the best running backs and solid receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
However, the Colts definitely underachieved, finishing third in the AFC South behind the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans with a 4-12-1 record.
With Steichen, a healthy Taylor, and a future star QB acquired through the 2023 draft as well as a good defense, the Colts could surely improve next season. An 8-9 record is a reasonable prediction.