Despite the turbulence faced by the Indianapolis Colts on both sides of the ball this season, they’ve still found their way into the late playoff push with just two games left in the year.

However, while the Colts might be alive in the hunt, they’ll have to iron out a few issues within their recent displays which may inevitably make or break their chances for a playoff spot for the first time since the 2020 season– especially on the offensive side of the football.

As ESPN and Aaron Schatz rattled off the most concerning stat trends within the NFL’s playoff bubble teams, the Colts had one of the most interesting to note of the bunch, and possibly the most impactful on the list– their pass offense.

“Pass offense is a pretty big category, but the entire concept is a problem for the Colts,” Schatz said in his rationale. “Indianapolis ranks between 13th and 15th in DVOA for run offense, run defense, pass defense, and special teams. But the Colts rank 25th in pass offense DVOA. If they don’t make the playoffs this season, the blame falls on the passing game.”

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The passing attack for the Colts has been nothing short of up-and-down across the entire season.

A rough start for Anthony Richardson eventually led to veteran backup Joe Flacco getting a couple of starting reps in the middle of the season. Then, Richardson returned to QB1 two weeks later to take the reins. Now leading into this week vs. the New York Giants, the situation under center is up in the air again as Richardson is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday’s contest.

It’s been a whirlwind on the offensive side. Yet, regardless of who’s taking the snaps on Sunday vs. the Giants, the Colts must be more efficient in their passing attack. Richardson throwing under a 50.0% completion rate for the year is far from sustainable to keep putting wins on the board, even as an elite threat in the run game.

In fact, Schatz mentions that the Colts’ passing offense has seen a bit of a drop-off in production from their short time with Flacco under center.

“Things have been worse with Anthony Richardson at quarterback than they were with Joe Flacco,” Schatz continued. “Richardson has incredible rushing skills and is also good at avoiding sacks. The problem is throwing the football. Richardson ranks 32nd out of 33 qualifying quarterbacks in passing EPA, barely ahead of the Titans’ Will Levis. Richardson is ridiculously behind every other qualifying QB in completion percentage. He’s completing 48% of his passes this season, while every other quarterback is above 60%.”

It’s no secret that Richardson’s development has been a project since being drafted two years ago, but with a second-to-last EPA per play right ahead of a now-benched Will Levis, something has to change fast.

Thankfully, easy matchups for the next two weeks against the Giants and the Jacksonville Jaguars can make a simple path for Richardson to perform well if he suits up. The fourth overall pick of the 2023 draft has shown clear flashes of talent and ability to be the franchise guy during parts of his first two years in the league, yet the details need some fine-tuning.

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The Indianapolis Colts today released their Friday injury report for Week 17 of the NFL season ahead of their Sunday game against the New York Giants.

Quarterback Anthony Richardson has been listed as QUESTIONABLE for Sundays game against the Giants due to back and foot injuries. Richardson has been unable to practice all week with what the team has described as “soreness”. It sure looks like it will be a very long shot for Richardson to play Sunday so expect to see Joe Flacco at quarterback this weekend.

Tight end Mo Alie-Cox has been listed as QUESTIONABLE for Sundays game against the Giants due to a toe injury. Alie-Cox has managed just one practice this week and looks to be another game time de vision. He did practice similarly last week and manage to play but it still looks unlikely he will manage to play. If he is unable to play expect to see Will Mallory active in his place.

Linebacker EJ Speed has been listed as QUESTIONABLE for Sundays game against the Giants due to a knee injury. Speed has only practice once this week and had to miss last weeks game due to the same knee injury. Speed looks like he will be a game time decision but leaning more to being unavailable this Sunday. If he is unable to play expect another week of Grant Stuard.

Guard Quenton Nelson has been listed as QUESTIONABLE for Sundays game against the Giants due to an ankle injury. Nelson has practice all week but has been limited the last two days. Nelson rarely misses game time so expect him to play this Sunday but if he cannot go then it could be rookie Dalton Tucker in his place.

Linebacker Jaylon Carlies has been listed as QUESTIONABLE for Sundays game against the Giants due to a shoulder injury. Carlies has managed to practice twice this week although only once as a full participant. Carlies looks like he may be able to play but if not then the Colts could be very thin at linebacker this week.

Cornerback Juju Brents has been listed as QUESTIONABLE for Sundays game against the Giants due to a knee injury. Brents has practiced all week in a bid to make his return from injured reserve. It appears he may be finally activated this week and return to game time this Sunday.

Anthony Richardson hasn’t practiced this week, but Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen isn’t ready to rule him out for Sunday afternoon’s game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.

Richardson, who is listed on the injury report with foot and back ailments, played throughout the Colts’ 38-30 victory over the Tennessee Titans last Sunday. However, Steichen told reporters on Friday that Richardson came out of the game feeling the injuries, and he’s been “really sore” all week. Steichen elaborated that it’s moreso Richardson’s back that’s been bothering him rather than the foot.

“We’ll see how the next 48 hours go,” Steichen said about Richardson’s availability this Sunday.

The Colts, who are still technically alive in the AFC playoff hunt, will be eliminated from contention if the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers both win on Saturday. “No matter what, we’re trying to go win a football game,” Steichen said when asked if Saturday’s results will affect whether or not Richardson plays.

If Richardson cannot play, Steichen confirmed it will be Joe Flacco getting the start at quarterback.

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Richardson missed Weeks 5 and 6 with an oblique injury earlier this season and then was benched in favor of Flacco for Weeks 9 and 10 before returning to the starting lineup in Week 11.

In 11 games this season, Richardson is 126-of-264 (47.7%) passing for 1,814 yards (6.9 YPA), 8 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions for passer rating of 61.6. He’s also carried the ball 86 times for 499 yards (5.8 avg.), and 6 touchdowns.

The Colts finish the season next Sunday, January 5 at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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