The Indianapolis Colts bounced back from a three game losing streak with a strong defensive performance against 2023 number one overall pick Bryce Young. The win improved the Colts record to one game under .500, making the second half of the season crucial to playoff hopes.
Unfortunately, injuries have plagued the Indianapolis locker room with rookies Anthony Richardson, JuJu Brents, and Josh Downs all missing playing time throughout the season. While big playmakers are left on the injury report, hidden gems will need to shine to keep the Colts' playoff chances alive as the season arrives at the halfway point.
Thankfully, general manger Chris Ballard has a golden eye for talent. The defense has only two players who were drafted in the first round of an NFL draft, and both are on the defensive line. Late-round picks and undrafted free agents such as Zaire Franklin and Kenny Moore II make up the remaining spots, displaying Ballard's ability to find overlooked talent to fill the starting roster.
As each game gets more meaningful, the Colts will need big plays to come from anyone on the field. From a defense that has struggled thus far to an offense that has given the ball away far too much, here are some hidden talent that deserve more opportunities heading into Week 10.
3. TE Andrew Ogletree deserves more targets
The 6-foot-5 tight end Andrew Ogletree has only nine catches on the year but still has 147 yards, giving him an average of over 16 yards per catch. Eight of Ogletree's nine catches have resulted in first downs, with two of those being a touchdown.
The former Youngstown State player missed out on the entire 2022 season for the Colts last year due to a knee injury. For his first season healthy, Ogletree finds himself as the Colts' fifth-highest receiving yards leader on the year. Outside of the passing game, Ogletree has been an efficient blocker for the quarterback as he is ranked seventh in pass blocking by PFF.
This angle on OgleTree’s TD is still insane despite the loss🫡 #ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/OnRDqFsE9c
— Colts Coverage (@Colts_Coverage) October 30, 2023
Head coach Shane Steichen should look to give Ogletree's playmaking a bigger role in the Gardner Minshew offense. The two have connected for plenty of big plays already, including a huge touchdown against the New Orleans Saints two weeks ago.