The Indianapolis Colts secured its first win of the 2024 season after a hard fought game against the Chicago Bears.
The Colts ended up winning the Sept. 22 game 21-6 over the Bears with some late-game heroics by defensive lineman and new addition from this offseason Laiatu Latu. The Colts now move to 1-2 for the year. Quarterback Anthony Richardson is finally showing a solid game start to finish game so Colts fans got the chance to see what they hope to be their franchise quarterback for years to come. By securing the first win of the season the future of the Colts season can be very successful if they carry on this momentum from Sunday. With star running back Jonathan Taylor averaging 5.1 yards per carry, the Colts running game seems to have picked up right where it left off in the 2023 season.
The Colts aim to continue its hot streak and get a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in next week’s home game. This would be a huge win for the Colts as the Steelers are a solid team and it would aid in the pursuit of a playoff birth. Although it is early in the season, do not be surprised if the Colts sneak into a Wild Card game this year, the Colts have one of the lowest strengths of schedules across the league, according to rankings made by ESPN analytics, and can possibly sneak its way in by winning the division.
The Colts have the offensive firepower on paper, but star receiver Micheal Pittman must remain healthy to keep the Colts’ playoff hopes alive. With Pittman in the lineup as receiver it allows Richardson to have a “go-to guy”, and allows the young quarterback a consistent target during late-game situations. Pittman also gives Taylor space to run because he is such a threat that defenses must key in on him all year. Based on early-season numbers, we can expect a great season by Taylor, as he looks to have a 1,000-yard rushing season and establish himself as one of the best young running backs in the NFL.
Looking at its schedule after the Steelers, the Colts are playing the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennesee Titans and Miami Dolphins. After the performances through the first three weeks, I believe the Colts will go 2-1 in its next three games. With the Titans and Jaguars struggling as franchises and looking to gain its footing amidst team rebuilds, this could be two easy wins if the Colts keep playing the way it does. The Dolphins have an elite, high-powered offense, but could still be missing its leader in Tua Tagovailoa. With Tagovailoa obtaining his third concussion against the Buffalo Bills, the question of his retirement is beginning to weigh on his potential of returning. This is going to play a major role in the Colts’ chances of winning the game as without Tua the Dolphins have no true leader on or off the field.
If the Colts are able to pull wins out and go 3-0 within the next three weeks, we could be looking at playoff contention here in Indianapolis. With high hopes for the season, Colts fans finally have a team to be excited about and want to watch on a weekly basis. This season may finally be the year we see a postseason run with the beginning of a new franchise with a new quarterback and some solid offensive pieces, as well as a bright future for our young defense.
