The Indianapolis Colts haven’t won the AFC South since 2014. Can they win it this upcoming season?
For that to happen, though, they’ll have to stop C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans. Houston has won the division the past two years. Garrett Podell of CBS Sports wrote about Stroud and coach DeMeco Ryan’s success together in Houston:
“What do Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino and Houston Texans Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud have in common? They are the only two quarterbacks to win their respective divisions in each of their first two NFL seasons, minimum 250 pass attempts, according to CBS Sports Research.”
“Since Stroud and Texans coach DeMeco Ryans arrived in Houston, they have experienced immediate success. They’re one of just three quarterback-coach duos to win at least one playoff game in each of their first two seasons (2023-2024) in NFL history, joining the Baltimore Ravens duo of Joe Flacco and John Harbaugh (2008-2009) and the New York Jets duo of Mark Sanchez and Rex Ryan (2009-2010).”
Stroud and Co. are perhaps the most talented team in the AFC South. But that doesn’t mean the Colts can’t surprise everybody and win the division.
Can the Colts Prevent a Texans’ Three-Peat and Win the AFC South?
Improved Defense in Indy
Last season, the Colts finished with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs. A bad defense was one of the reasons for the team’s disappointing year. Fortunately, the defense should be much better in 2025. Indianapolis parted ways with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and replaced him with Lou Anarumo. Anarumo’s defense helped the Cincinnati Bengals make a Super Bowl appearance during the 2021 campaign.
This offseason, the Colts gave Anarumo an upgraded defense to work with. The team signed quality defenders like Charvarius Ward, Camryn Bynum, and Joe Bachie. Later in the draft, they selected edge-rusher J.T. Tuimoloau, cornerback Justin Wally, and defensive tackle Tim Smith. The new guys could team with defenders like DeForest Buckner, Kenny Moore II, and Zaire Franklin to give Indy a top-notch defense this upcoming season.
Talented Offense
The Colts have a lot of talent on the offensive side of the ball as well. They lost center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries to the Minnesota Vikings. Yet their offensive line should still be fine without the duo. Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves, Kelly and Fries’ replacements, should step up and do a commendable job. Plus, Indy still has seven-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson.
The Colts also have a good wide receiver room that’s led by Michael Pittman, Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce. Plus, tight end Tyler Warren, whom the team drafted 14th overall this year, could immediately emerge as a star.
In addition, the Colts still have Jonathan Taylor on the roster. The 2021 rushing champion remains one of the best running backs in the NFL. This offseason, the team signed a solid backup for Taylor in Khalil Herbert and drafted D.J. Giddens out of Kansas State. They should provide much-needed depth.
Quarterback, of course, is a huge question mark. Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones will battle for the starting job. Who will win? Look for Richardson to be QB1. Richardson, the fourth overall pick in 2023, has gotten off to a disappointing start to his career. He has battled several injuries and struggled as a passer. Yet, he has shown flashes of becoming a star.
Richardson is primed for a breakout year. It’s time for him to prove he’s the franchise quarterback he was predicted to be. Look for him to finally have a great year and help the Colts win the AFC South title in 2025.
Yes, the Texans have a realistic shot at a three-peat. But don’t be surprised if Indy gets the job done instead.
Main Photo: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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