The Indianapolis Colts nearly made the postseason in their first season under head coach Shane Steichen despite losing rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson early in the year. Now, armed with health and offseason upgrades, they look primed to get over the postseason.
Here are the most valuable Colts for the 2024 season.
5. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner
Buckner is invaluable to the Colts defense, providing vital veteran leadership and producing on the field. Entering his fifth season in Indianapolis, the 30-year-old has been a model of consistency, which helps set the tone for the unit.
Since joining the Colts in 2020, Buckner averaged eight sacks (32.5), 22 QB hits (87), 10.5 tackles for loss (42) and 10.5 tackles for loss (42) a season. Meanwhile, he’s also stayed healthy, playing 16 games in each of the last three campaigns.
4. Running back Jonathan Taylor
This time a year ago, Taylor’s days as a member of the Colts seemed number. However, after beginning the 2023 campaign on the PUP list, an agreement on a three-year, $42M deal in October signaled a long-term future.
The 25-year-old arrived at camp happy and healthy this year, setting the stage for a rebound campaign after struggling with injuries over the past two seasons. Likewise, Taylor and second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson have only shared the field for 10 regular season snaps heading into 2024, opening up a boatload of possibilities for the former All-Pro.
3. Head coach Shane Steichen
In 2023, Steichen proved capable of navigating through challenges after leading the Colts to a 9-8 finish despite losing quarterback Anthony Richardson only five weeks into the season. With a season under his belt, 2024 could be a big year for the second-year head coach.
Under Steichen, the Colts offense jumped from 27th to 15th, and there’s reason to believe they’ll only improve, especially with Richarson back. History shows the head coach can help talented quarterbacks reach another level, having overseen breakout years of Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts while serving as offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles.
2. Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
With lots of star power at wideout throughout the AFC South, Pittman sometimes gets lost in the shuffle. However, his importance to the Colts is virtually unmatched.
Playing most of 2023 with a backup quarterback, Pittman had arguably his best season. After recording career-highs in yards (1,152) and receptions (109), 2024 could be another breakout season for the fifth-year wideout.
Meanwhile, Pittman will be even more valuable to the Colts with Josh Downs out for the foreseeable future, nursing a high-ankle sprain.
1. Quarterback Anthony Richardson
For the Colts to be successful, Richardson is the piece that must fit. After being limited to just 173 snaps as a rookie, expectations are high entering his second NFL campaign, but the 2023 fourth-overall has all the tools to meet them.
Richardson offered an appetizer of his skillset and was seemingly growing a little more each game before going down with a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5. Through the air, he was efficient (59.5 completion percentage), recording 577 passing yards, three touchdowns and an interception while showcasing a tremendous impact on the ground, rushing for 136 yards (5.44 (YPC) with four scores.
Health is the top concern for Richardson, and despite the team’s success last season, losing him again would likely spell doom for their playoff hopes.
