Can the Colts Continue Their Magical Season Following Their Bye?
As we head into Week 11, the Indianapolis Colts go into their bye with an 8-2 record, going 2-0 in divisional play. This will give the team time to reflect on what they have done successfully and use their momentum from their past wins as they push for the first seed in the AFC. Running back Jonathan Taylor is becoming known as a playmaker and is the leading candidate for Offensive Player of the Year. He has 1,399 all-purpose yards and 17 total touchdowns, and it’s only Week 11. While he’s been spectacular, Daniel Jones has revitalized his career as the quarterback. After being cut by the New York Giants, Jones signed with the Colts and currently has one of the best records in the NFL. If the Colts use this week to rest up and get to the film room, they could go into the second half of the season with a high potential of gaining the number one seed in the AFC.
While their offense has been dominant, their defense has also been efficient. The Colts rank third in the league in pressure rate at 39.4% and have accumulated 17 sacks, which is in the top 10. Their front seven applies pressure on the QB, forcing them to get the ball out early and make bad decisions. This relentless pressure causes the quarterback to turn the ball over and get off the field on third down. About a week ago, the Colts traded for defensive back Sauce Gardner. Gardner brings veteran presence and the ability to be left on an island, making him one of the best coverage corners in the NFL. With the team already being so terrific, adding another playmaker like Gardner will elevate the Colts' secondary to a high level. His ability to hold premium wide receivers to under 50 yards and even shut them down as a whole is the reason the Colts’ general manager traded two first-round picks to get him. The Colts' defensive coordinator knows that he can leave Gardner one-on-one, elevating their team in more ways than one.
As the Colts go into their bye week, they have all of the tools to make a run at the Super Bowl. Between Jonathan Taylor playing like the Offensive Player of the Year, Daniel Jones revamping his career, and the Colts recently acquiring Sauce Gardner, they have one of the most complete lineups in the NFL. This week gives them the chance to clean up their mistakes and be keen on the end goal. As long as their offensive and defensive coordinator keeps doing what they are doing, we may see Jones hoist the trophy.
