Six bold predictions for the 2023 Colts season

4. Offensive line will return to top tier status

The regression we saw last season from the Colts offensive line was real. They looked lost and just got bullied most of the season. That ends this season. With a new coaching staff we will see the return of a top tier offensive line. Tony Sparano Jr takes over for Chris Strausser and the line will again be led by veterans Quenton Nelson, Braden Smith and Ryan Kelly. Left tackle Bernhard Raimann will cement himself into the undisputed starting left tackle for the future of this team. With Danny Pinter out for the season, Will Fries has a great opportunity to keep his job on the offensive line.

3. Shaquille Leonard will not live up to his current contract

The biggest question mark on the defense has always been the status of All-Pro LB Shaquille Leonard. When he plays, he is the unquestioned leader of the defense and is a disruptor to all offenses. Last year he only got on the field for three games because of a broken nose, a concussion, and a nerve issue. He got another surgery and is hoping to return to form again this season. He recently suffered another concussion in the preseason, but has since cleared protocol.

He signed one of largest linebacker contracts in NFL history (at the time) in 2021. The Colts do have an out in the contract in 2024 and it could seriously be considered after this season. While he was present for the entire training camp, there is the mental side of the game and the challenge of coming back from a string of injuries and being able to return to the high level of football he is known for. The injury-riddled 2022 season will begin to show in Leonard’s performance.