The Indianapolis Colts looked like they were back on track for the postseason for the first time since 2020 after last week's great game versus Miami. Week 2 will provide their first real test, especially for three key players from Week 1's victory.
A lot of the Colts stepped up last week on both sides of the ball. Rookie tight end Tyler Warren had a terrific game, just as we expected. The defense was overwhelming, and the offense overall was historically good. Scoring on all seven possessions is exactly the kind of efficient offense head coach Shane Steichen envisioned when he made Daniel Jones his starting quarterback.
Okay, I think I've said all I want to say about the amazing game Danny Dimes turned in last week versus the Dolphins. I mean, other than yeah, he passed the test. Of course, I'll have more on Jones as it's warranted.
This trio of sophomore Colts can prove Week 1 was no fluke
He and Warren were far from the only players who stood out in Week 1. Three players in their second year in Indianapolis can show that they're truly as good as they looked last week when they take on the Broncos in Week 2.
The Colts had a major shakeup on their offensive line coming into 2025, and they depended on two of last year's rookies to step into starting roles. Both played even better than could be expected. In addition, a rookie defensive lineman from last season was needed to increase his workload this season. He passed his assignment with ease as well. Now it's time to see if that was real.
Tanor Bortolini
The second-year center was the Colts' third-highest graded center last year, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). To be accurate, there wasn't much difference; starter Ryan Kelly was graded at 67.0, while Bortolini scored 65.1. Considering that they were comparing the performances of a nine-year vet to a rookie, Indianapolis felt comfortable going with Bortolini.
It paid off last week, as he allowed just one pressure and was the highest-graded O-lineman on the team. Can he repeat that against the Broncos, who racked up six sacks and 20 pressures last week? We'll know the answer to that by about 7:30 Sunday night.
Matt Goncalves
Bortolini's O-line buddy Matt Concalves moved inside this year, after taking over for Blake Freeland at tackle in Week 9 last season. Freeland was placed on injured reserve and is out for the season. But the Colts had already moved on from guard Will Fries and installed Concalves inside. As it turns out, that was the right choice.
Like Bortolini, Goncalves only gave up one pressure against Miami. He received PFF's highest pass-blocking grade last week, and his run-blocking was nearly as effective. The Colts ran just as well to the right as they did to the left. Then again, Denver promises to bring a bigger challenge than the Dolphins presented last week for Jonathan Taylor and DJ Giddens.
Laiatu Latu
Second-year defender Latu presents his own questions, but they have little to do with his ability. He missed practice on Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's tilt. Yes, that might affect your fantasy lineup, assuming you have the Colts, but it's not like Tyler Warren is questionable. Besides, Indianapolis has a very promising replacement ready to go.
As for Latu, if he can play, the Broncos could be in for trouble. He was third on the team in sacks as a rookie despite getting just one start. He showed that it was no fluke last week versus the Phins as he had one pressure and his first career interception. He earned PFF's highest defensive grade last week, and looks like he's on track to be the next star Lou Anarumo helps produce.