These are uncertain times for Indianapolis Colts fans as they try to dig themselves out of a five-year playoff drought that general manager Chris Ballard was hoping the hiring of Shane Steichen would solve. In three seasons, Steichen has yet to deliver the Colts past the regular season and into the playoffs.
Last season, before Daniel Jones's untimely injury, it appeared that the Colts were on a trajectory to make the playoffs after a hot 8-2 start. Steichen and the Colts never won another game after Jones went down, subsequently placing the former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator on the hot seat.Â
In a division where the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans are clearly the better teams, the Colts' uphill battle is further highlighted by league projections and network rankings.
ESPN ranks the Indianapolis Colts with the 20th-best roster in the NFL
ESPN's latest ranking focused on overall team projections, and according to ESPN writers Mike Clay, Aaron Schatz, and Seth Walder, the Colts rank in the bottom half of the league going into next year. Does Steichen even have a chance?
With Jones returning as quarterback, healthy and on a new deal, there are hopes in Indianapolis, but also expectations. Not only is Steichen's job security on the line next season, but so is Ballard's. Should the Colts finish next season as the third-best team in the AFC South, as most view them, and they miss the playoffs again, time could be up for both men.Â
According to Clay, Shatz, and Walder, the Colts' chances of winning their division are next to impossible after landing as the 20th-best roster in the league, putting them in the bottom half of the NFL. The Jaguars were ranked 16th, while the Texans cracked the top 10 with the ninth-best roster, thanks to their crushing defense, no doubt.Â
On paper, the Colts have a respectable roster. On offense, they have the weapons in Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, Tyler Warren, and, of course, their biggest weapon, Jonathan Taylor. All in all, that's a solid arsenal for Jones to delegate the football to. Provided Jones looks like he did before his injury last year, the Colts offense has the potential to put up a ton of points.
As for defense, the depth outshines the big names, and that's what could hold them back. In a few years, the Colts' defense might be one of the league's best, considering a few of the draft picks from this summer are expected to become excellent players.
Combine them with Sauce Gardner and other key players in the backfield, and with Lou Anarumo calling the schemes, Indianapolis's future on defense appears on the upside.
Presently, though, it may not be enough to form a team worthy of competing for a championship or a playoff spot. Steichen may be marching toward an inevitable exit; maybe he knows it, maybe he doesn't. One thing is for sure: Steichen’s two best friends next season will be Daniel Jones and injury avoidance. Otherwise, the Colts have no chance.Â
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