2023 NFL Power Rankings: Indianapolis Colts

Biggest issue on defense: Secondary

The pass rush has been intermittent, but the performance of the secondary is concerning right now. There were numerous uncontested throws in Sunday's loss to the Rams, with rookie receiver Puka Nacua left wide open on the game-winning touchdown pass in overtime. The Colts rank in the bottom third of the league in completion percentage allowed (68.7) and opponents' yards per pass attempt (7.6). Cornerback, in particular, is an issue -- especially given that starting corner Dallis Flowers suffered a torn Achilles on Sunday. -- Stephen Holder

Colts fans really let me have it last week, some of them making excellent points against my "unfair" ranking of this team at No. 28. I trusted my eyes watching them, and felt the Week 3 shocker at Baltimore came with fortunate turns. Through one half of Sunday's overtime loss to the Rams, I felt a little smug. Then the scrappy Colts threatened to make me devour my words. Anthony Richardson looked like a capital-P Playmaker in the second half. Zack Moss ran hard. The defense -- especially Dayo Odeyingbo -- suddenly was great. And how about Andrew Ogletree! The grit isn't lacking, and the roster isn't bad. But most weeks, Indianapolis won't be able to fall behind 23-0, fail to get Michael Pittman Jr. involved until late, and still expect to compete.

They fell way behind against the Rams, but Anthony Richardson impressed in bringing them back to get to overtime. The defense let them down all day.

They're off to a generally promising start. But how will that be impacted as attention invariably shifts to RB Jonathan Taylor (PUP/ankle), who's eligible to return to the team whenever Indy brass sign off ... assuming trade talks are not resuscitated?

Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson isn't quite there as a passer (32nd in the league in completion rate at 56.9 percent), but former Eagles offensive architect Shane Steichen, now the Colts' head coach, is producing offense nonetheless. Richardson leads all quarterbacks in rushing on designed run plays (95 yards) and is averaging 5.7 yards per carry. He is the first quarterback in NFL history to have four rushing touchdowns in his first three career games.

You've got to be encouraged by Anthony Richardson scoring three touchdowns and leading the Colts back from a big deficit in his first game back from injury. Wins are the goal, but at least Indy is seeing encouraging things from the rookie quarterback. Still, the Colts scored 23 straight points before overtime and it's easy to see this as a missed opportunity at a win.

Jonathan Taylor is expected back at practice this week and we'll see what that means for the Colts' offense, but in the meantime let's watch Anthony Richardson make a throw that most NFL quarterbacks couldn't even dream of ...

completely normal throw. nothing to see here. pic.twitter.com/RetLyEeESs

— Steven Ruiz (@theStevenRuiz) October 2, 2023

If they had won that game in overtime, it would have been one of the biggest stories of the weekend.

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