Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season is officially here and it’s time to make some bold predictions for the Indianapolis Colts. As a fan, you always want your team to have a great season, but as we know, that’s not always the case. So let’s jump right into these bold predictions as we get the season started.
6. Anthony Richardson wont break 60 % completion rate
This is nothing new for Anthony Richardson as he has always hovered around 60 percent completion during his time with the Florida Gators, and unfortunately, I don’t see this changing this season. I think Richardson can achieve the completion rate but not in his first season. Expect Richardson to throw the deep ball more than we saw last season with Matt Ryan, which will make it more difficult to keep the percentage up.
Also, the simple fact is, he is a rookie, and he is going to make mistakes with routes and playbook errors. I think we can see the jump in his second season like we do with so many young players. The most recent example is Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen, who jumped to nearly 70 percent completion rate by year three after hovering around 60 percent.
5. Deon Jackson will lead all running backs with total yards from scrimmage
With all the drama surrounding Jonathan Taylor and the recovery of Zack Moss from a broken arm, we will see Deon Jackson get a bump up in playing time. Jackson is the third down running back and change of pace type. He can run the ball when needed but his forte is catching the ball out of the backfield.
When the play breaks down or when they need a quick dump off, Jackson will be the guy that Richardson will rely on. He caught 30 balls last season and I expect that to jump up and with the expected improvement of the offensive line, we could see a breakout season for Deon Jackson. The rushing yards of Anthony Richardson will cut into the Zack Moss’ share as well.
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.
2. Kwity Paye will have a 10-sack season
Massive season for the Colts 2021 first-round pick. He is eligible for an extension next season, so a solid year would help ease some doubts amongst fans and staff alike. Kwity Paye was a standout player at Michigan but had his time cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He has shown flashes since being drafted but has never jumped off the screen with his abilities yet.
He has shown steady improvement with four sacks his rookie season and six sacks last season. With all players having a clean slate under the new Steichen regime, we will see Paye’s talent and pass-rushing ability finally come to fruition. Gus Bradley believes in him and with former Colt Yannick Ngakoue now in Chicago, this is Kwity Paye’s make-or-break season. He just needs to stay healthy.
1. The youth movement will prove to be the right path
The biggest concern for the defense (and the entire team) is the youth movement happening in Indianapolis. The team does not have any players over the age of 30 but we will find that to be helpful in the long run. This team is not built for a playoff run this season. They won four games last year and had no direction.
While very young in all places, this season is going to be about progress and belief. The fanbase has grown tired of band aids on solutions. The new coaching staff will have more accountability and better overall coaching than was received last season after Frank Reich was let go. The cornerback room is incredibly young but sometimes the best path is the difficult one. The reps they will get will prove to be invaluable and crucial to the future of this franchise.