Can the Indianapolis Colts put an end to their playoff drought this season? One NFL analyst weighs in.

Can the Indianapolis Colts put an end to their playoff drought this season?

The Colts haven’t made the NFL’s postseason since 2020 and are one of six teams without a playoff appearance in four-plus years.

Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com recently ranked those six teams from the least likely to end their playoff drought to the most likely, and the Colts came in pretty high at No. 2 on this list.

No. 1 in these rankings were the Atlanta Falcons, while Nos. 3-6 consisted of the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, and the New Orleans Saints, rounding things out.

“The Colts are, for the most part, returning a roster that went .500 over the last two seasons under Shane Steichen,” wrote Bergman. “Their weaknesses in the secondary have been bolstered by the additions of Camryn Bynum and Charvarius Ward. Indy’s AFC South rivals in Tennessee and Jacksonville picked No. 1 and No. 2 in the draft and have major question marks, with less-experienced coaches at the controls and first-year stars in the spotlight.”

As we’ve discussed before, there is a lot to like about this Colts roster after the offseason additions that were made, even with the unknowns at quarterback.

To begin free agency, GM Chris Ballard reshaped the secondary by signing Charvarius Ward and Cam Bynum. The Colts also hired Lou Anarumo to be defensive coordinator, whose more aggressive and malleable defensive scheme should help elevate the play of the entire unit.

Up front is a defensive line unit that has been heavily invested in over the years. While on offense, the backfield still has Jonathan Taylor, who ranked fourth in rushing yards last season, along with the Colts having the only trio of receivers to all eclipse 800 yards in 2024, and a do-it-all presence at tight end with Tyler Warren.

Although, admittedly, there is a bit more uncertainty along the offensive line this season with the Colts relying on two relatively inexperienced players in Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves.

With that said, if Indianapolis can get somewhat steady play from the quarterback spot–and I emphasize if–with the roster around that player, Indianapolis should be able to find themselves in a position to make the playoffs and potentially end this drought.

The Indianapolis Colts have had a busy offseason filled with new signings and a few key losses. Some of those departures included longtime starting center Ryan Kelly and starting right guard Will Fries, who the team drafted in 2021.

Kelly had been with Indianapolis since 2016 and started 121 games before moving north to the Minnesota Vikings alongside Fries. The two will be replaced by Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves, who each garnered some experience last season.

CBS Sports analyst Jared Dubin set out to name every team’s biggest offseason losses, and for the Colts, Dubin looked no further than Fries and Kelly.

“The Colts, similarly, are losing two-thirds of their interior offensive line, and a longtime stalwart at center in Kelly,” wrote Dubin. “Fries was hurt last season but is still a very good player, and Indy is now replacing two starters on the inside in front of what is likely to be a very questionable starter under center, whether it’s Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones.”

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With the media focused on the quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones, it’s important to remember who will be blocking for them. Bortolini and Goncalves need to keep the O-Line steady for either passer and learn the play styles of both.

Last year, Bort started five games in place of Kelly and allowed zero sacks. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 22nd-best center out of 64 eligible players (65.1 overall grade). If he can build off a strong rookie season, the Colts should have their answer at center.

Goncalves, on the other hand, is a plug-and-play type of lineman who has experience across the board. He saw plenty of action last year when he filled in for Braden Smith as Smith dealt with personal issues. PFF gave Goncalves a 65.9 overall grade, ranking 51st among 140 eligible tackles.

The Colts need both guys to step up to establish ground dominance with Jonathan Taylor and either mobile quarterback. Indianapolis will be tested by some solid defensive lines, including T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Colts fans will get their first real look in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins in early September.

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INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — There’s seemingly a new sheriff in town. Well, not that Sheriff. No one replaces Peyton Manning in the eyes of Colts fans.

Nevertheless, the Horseshoe prepares to kick off veteran minicamp on Tuesday with Daniel Jones taking the majority — if not all — the starting quarterback reps as Anthony Richardson is sidelined with a right shoulder injury.

Head coach Shane Steichen said Richardson will be out “for the foreseeable future.” In the meantime, Daniel Jones has the opportunity to solidify his position as the starting quarterback.

Jones — who was signed by the Colts on a one-year, $14 million deal — has been acclimating to the team’s offense over the past few months.

“He’s been great. He’s done a really nice job for us, obviously, acclimating to the offense, learning the system,” Steichen said. “Obviously, (he’s) a smart guy, understands it. He’s picked it up real nice, and he’s done some good things so far.”

“He’s a veteran guy that comes in and works early, late nights, does all the right things.”

General manager Chris Ballard brought in Jones primarily to create competition for Richardson. With Richardson’s absence, Jones will take the majority of starter reps leading up to training camp next month.

Steichen noted that Jones has picked up the Colts’ system well and has shown positive attributes during his time with the team.

As the Colts prepare for the upcoming season, Jones’ performance in minicamp could play a crucial role in determining the team’s starting quarterback.

“We’ll see how it plays out,” Steichen said.

The Colts hold veteran minicamp Tuesday through Thursday at the team’s Indianapolis training facility. Training camp will begin July 22 at Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield.