Colts midseason report card: Grading how each unit has performed so far in 2024

After losing to the Minnesota Vikings in primetime, the Indianapolis Colts now sit at 4-5 heading into Week 10. Despite a polarizing season with plenty of drama on and off the field, Indianapolis is only one game below .500 and still has a 38% chance of making the playoffs, according to ESPN. While there’s a lot of NFL action left, let’s break down how the Colts are performing halfway through the season.

Overall

Grade: C

While it’s been an eventful year for Indianapolis fans, the in-game results have ultimately been average at best. The Colts are currently 22nd in points scored, 12th in points allowed, and 18th in scoring margin. They are playoff hopefuls, but not Super Bowl threats. They are neither rebuilding nor contending. They don’t win or lose regularly, and they don't blow out other teams or get blown out themselves. They are better than Economy (at least Basic Economy), but nowhere near First Class. This team is the definition of mediocrity.

Quarterback

Grade: D

The QB situation in Indianapolis is a mess right now. The 2023 No. 4 overall pick, Anthony Richardson, continues to struggle with his league-worst accuracy, while 39-year-old backup-turned-starter Joe Flacco is solid, but clearly past his prime. The Colts’ issues at the QB position are hurting them this year, while also throwing the franchise’s future into disarray.

Running Back

Grade: B

When available, superstar RB Jonathan Taylor has been excellent for Indianapolis. He’s averaging over 80 yards per game, nearly five yards per carry, and has five touchdowns in six appearances. However, Taylor’s checkered injury history reared its ugly head again this season when a high ankle sprain forced him to miss three games. Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson have been decent substitutes, but they just can’t match the former All-Pro’s production. If Taylor had been healthy all year, this grade would probably be an ‘A’.

Wide Receiver

Grade: C

The Colts have real depth at the WR position (between Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and Adonai Mitchell), but the results are lacking. While it's difficult to evaluate the WR room given the sketchy QB play, good pass-catchers make life easier for their offense, and this group isn’t doing that. The team’s No. 1 wideout, Pittman Jr., is having a down year with just one catch in each of the last two games. Pierce is always a home run threat, and Mitchell is a rookie with upside, but both players struggle with consistency. The lone positive in 2024 has been Downs, who is establishing himself as one of the top slot receivers in the NFL — but he can’t carry this unit by himself.

Tight End

Grade: F

The Indianapolis tight ends entered the season with low expectations, and they’ve somehow still disappointed. In total, Mo Alie-Cox, Kylen Granson, Drew Ogletree, and Will Mallory have combined for a measly 243 receiving yards this year, which is the second-lowest mark among all TE groups. The team has enjoyed some decent blocking from this position, but that isn’t enough to salvage a unit that has been a non-factor on offense.

Offensive Line

Grade: A

Led by Quenton Nelson, the offensive line has been Indianapolis’ greatest strength in 2024. According to PFF, the Colts' o-line has the top pass blocking, run blocking, and overall grades in the league. Their performance is even more impressive considering all the injuries the unit has suffered (eight different linemen have started at least one game). The Colts have one of the most expensive o-lines in the NFL, and that investment is paying off.

Defensive Line

Grade: C

Compared to an impressive 2023 season, the Indianapolis defensive line has taken a step back this year. So far, the Colts have recorded just 20 sacks, while allowing the second-most rushing yards in the league. This team posted 51 sacks last year and held opponents to a more reasonable 124 yards per game. Although Grover Stewart remains a standout defensive tackle, his interior partner, DeForest Buckner, has missed five games. On the edge, Dayo Odeyingbo, Kwity Paye, and rookie Laiatu Latu have been inconsistent, and haven’t replaced the lost production of Samson Ebukam. 

Linebacker

Grade: B

Despite some rough patches, the Colts’ starting linebacker duo of Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed are still delivering high-level play at the heart of this defense — Franklin leads the NFL in tackles, and Speed isn't far behind at No. 8. Indianapolis has defended much better since their horrible start to the year, allowing under 18 points per game over the last four weeks, and this pairing has played a crucial role. Beyond Franklin and Speed, Grant Stuard and rookie Jaylon Carlies have been pleasant surprises.

Defensive Backs

Grade: C

The 2024 Indianapolis secondary was widely considered the team’s greatest weakness. Fortunately, the DBs have outperformed their extremely low preseason expectations, but not by much. On a positive note, we’ve seen gradual growth from young talents Jaylon Jones and Nick Cross, a breakout campaign from waiver-wire pickup Samuel Womack III, and veteran leadership from Kenny Moore II. On a real note, the Colts are still 26th in passing yards allowed, 25th in opponent passer rating, and 29th in completion percentage allowed. There’s been a lot of improvement from this group in 2024; however, there’s room for plenty more.

Special Teams

Grade: D

A low grade for Brian Mason’s special teams unit may seem harsh. After all, punter Rigoberto Sanchez is actually one of the best at his position, and the return game is mediocre at worst. The issue is that Indianapolis kicker Matt Gay has been a liability from long distances, making only two of his five 50+ yard field goal attempts. Every game this season has been decided by a single score, which makes the Colts’ kicking problem a huge liability.

Coaching

Grade: D

On the field, a head coach’s job is to maximize the talent on their roster and execute a winning game plan. Off the field, they need to be a strong leader for their players and organization. Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen is falling short on all criteria right now. His playcalling and personnel decisions have been heavily criticized, his command of the Colts’ locker room is questionable, and his team has strayed way off course from the vision he laid out in his introductory press conference back in early 2023. This franchise feels like a rudderless ship right now, and much of the blame falls squarely on Steichen’s shoulders.