2023-10-06 22:05:00
This selection shouldn’t be too surprising, considering every single team in the division is 2-2. Indianapolis just currently sits at the top via tiebreakers. But I’m afraid the Colts’ tenuous hold on the AFC South is not sustainable, with an inexperienced rookie quarterback leading a collection of largely unheralded players on both sides of the ball. General manager Chris Ballard has assembled a roster loaded with traits and athleticism, and the future could be bright, but this team still has deficiencies that will be difficult to overcome over the rest of the 2023 campaign.
The Colts just don’t have an explosive playmaker in the passing game, and this lack of an outside threat will allow opponents to keep extra defenders in the box to slow down Anthony Richardson and Zack Moss — and maybe now Jonathan Taylor? — on the ground. In addition, Indianapolis’ offensive line has produced scattershot results that will make it hard to consistently win against the stingy defenses and explosive offenses in the AFC.
Gus Bradley’s defense has kept the Colts in the hunt with energy, hustle and relentless spirit, but a dearth of blue-chip talent could show up in the matchups that determine playoff positioning down the stretch. While effort, toughness and superb execution can produce wins against undisciplined teams, Indy must step it up to hold off the more talented teams vying for the division crown.
Jacksonville entered this season as a substantial favorite to win the AFC South, while Tennessee is aiming to win its third division title in four years. Houston might be the biggest surprise of all, with rookie QB C.J. Stroud shredding the Jaguars and Steelers in back-to-back blowout wins. Indy deserves credit for technically holding the throne at the outset of October, but I question whether this will be the team on top come January.
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