With the common season formally completed, the Indianapolis Colts finish at 4-12-1, as unhealthy as they’ve been in current reminiscence.
This yr is now going within the rearview mirror, and it’s time to take a short have a look at the opponents that the Colts will face in 2023 and the way they faired by means of 2022. We’ll begin with the six video games that might be performed towards the AFC South.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2 video games): 2022 (9-8; AFC South Champions)
Obligatory Credit score: Robert Scheer-USA TODAY Sports activities
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The emergence of franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence lastly occurred alongside new head coach Doug Pederson and lots of smart signings in free company. With the Jaguars being the lone AFC South consultant within the playoffs, it would doubtless be robust for the Colts, whether or not house or away.
Houston had one other tough season underneath new (and now fired) head coach Lovie Smith. With a younger corps forming for the defensive secondary and rookie working again Dameon Pierce it exhibits that Houston is likely to be a franchise quarterback away from being again within the AFC South championship dialog.
Tennessee began about as sizzling as you possibly can within the NFL. Sadly, the Mike Vrabel-led crew fizzled out badly within the second half of the season. This was partly as a result of miraculous amount of accidents the group withstood. In full power, and with the powerhouse assault of Derrick Henry, the Titans can pose a tricky matchup for anybody and often do towards Indianapolis.
Cincinnati Bengals (Away): 2022 (12-4)
Obligatory Credit score: Colin Boyle-USA TODAY NETWORK
Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Joe Mixon, and Tee Higgins have the Bengals passing assault and offense on red-hot ranges of effectivity. Merely put, with all of those gamers returning absolutely in 2023, the Bengals present no indicators of stopping their offensive reign of terror anytime within the years to return.
With Jacoby Brissett taking part in a lot of the video games, Deshaun Watson completed the season after serving a suspension. The Browns nonetheless have a really sturdy protection and working assault with the duo of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, however with the latter hitting a contract yr in 2023, it would have to be seen if the Browns proceed to assist Watson alter to his return with a powerful working sport on two fronts. If Watson can get the rust shaken off and return to his Texans kind, this group would erupt offensively with Amari Cooper at his disposal.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Dwelling): 2022 (8-9)
Obligatory Credit score: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports activities
The Buccaneers haven’t loved the success of the earlier years with Tom Brady, however they’re nonetheless profitable their division within the NFC South and are going into the postseason with arguably the best participant in NFL historical past. Like many groups, 2023 has a plethora of questions for Tampa to reply.
The Falcons began the yr with quarterback Marcus Mariota however completed with rookie Desmond Ridder. With rookie extensive receiver Drake London claiming Atlanta’s number-one receiver for the long run, the youth motion appears to be beginning for Arthur Smith. The Falcons are as shut as just about the remainder of the NFC South to profitable the division in 2023.
Carolina noticed their former head coach Matt Rhule fired after a 1-4 starting to the season. Now underneath interim coach Steve Wilks, Carolina has rallied to complete 7-10. The draft and potential offseason strikes may form the trajectory of this franchise for years to return.
New England Patriots (Away): 2022 (8-9)
Obligatory Credit score: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports activities
The Patriots’ offense had its struggles this yr with second-year quarterback Mac Jones. Nonetheless, that is nonetheless a Invoice Belichick-led group that performs sturdy protection and runs the ball effectively. With a wholesome Rhamondre Stevenson and doubtlessly new free-agent provides in 2023 they may very well be a tricky late-season opponent.
The Raiders had a season they didn’t see coming. Anticipating the mix of Derek Carr and Davante Adams to result in severe playoff competition, the other occurred, resulting in the benching and hiatus of Carr to complete the yr. Will head coach Josh McDaniels be capable of rally the franchise again into relevance? Vegas should reply many offseason questions.
With a mess of accidents occurring, primarily to high gamers (Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and Allen Robinson), the Rams had their season derailed after beginning the yr struggling. If present coach Sean McVay returns, the Rams are at all times a competitor.
The Ravens had accidents to famous person quarterback Lamar Jackson, but nonetheless received sufficient to sneak into the playoffs. With the belief that Jackson will get retained with a brand new shiny contract, the Ravens want weapons to assist him be more practical within the passing sport to really take this group to a championship degree.
The Saints struggled worse than anticipated underneath Dennis Allen. Nonetheless, with a contemporary quarterback, this group could be a contender once more. Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton did what they might, however the offense simply couldn’t transfer exterior of Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave. The Saints are at all times robust yr after yr, so search for some offseason strikes to deliver them again.
But once more, head coach Mike Tomlin finishes with a profitable document. All of this with a rookie quarterback in Kenny Pickett (initially the starter was Mitch Trubisky), a rookie extensive receiver in George Pickens, and a below-average protection towards the go. The Steelers will proceed constructing round Pickett and can doubtless end with one other profitable document.
With the yr now over and the NFL Draft in solely three months, the Colts have lots to consider and take into account. With the opponents laid out, the Colts have a schedule filled with gritty, robust, and robust groups that each one need to win their respective divisions, and hopefully, a Lombardi trophy.
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How will Indianapolis deal with the 2023 season? These questions might be answered within the upcoming months.