Colts must overcome weakness in order to contend
Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson will have a lot on his plate during his first season in the NFL. Which is expected for a first-year signal caller, after all. It remains to be seen when the Colts will officially hand him the keys, but it's only a matter of time before Richardson is the […]
Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson will have a lot on his plate during his first season in the NFL. Which is expected for a first-year signal caller, after all.
It remains to be seen when the Colts will officially hand him the keys, but it's only a matter of time before Richardson is the starting quarterback in Indianapolis. Unfortunately, Richardson and the Colts will need to overcome an obstacle in order to contend in the AFC South.
That obstacle being the weapons around the rookie passer. Aside from All-Pro Jonathan Taylor and the running backs, there's not a whole lot of proven talent for Richardson to get the ball to outside of Michael Pittman.
Pittman is the go-to target in the passing game. Alongside him are Alec Pierce, who flashed in moments as a rookie, free agent addition Isaiah McKenzie, and veteran Ashton Dulin.
Indianapolis let Paris Campbell walk in free agency, as he signed a deal with the New York Giants. Then, the Colts drafted North Carolina wideout Josh Downs in the third-round. Downs could be the answer, but he's obviously unproven.
There's some talent at tight end, led by the duo of Mo Allie-Cox and Jelani Woods. But strictly at wide receiver, there are question marks. That's where Pro Football Focus considers to be the weakness on the roster.
Biggest weakness in 2023: Pass-Catching Options
Outside of Michael Pittman Jr., there’s a lot to be desired regarding pass catchers in this Colts offense. Neither Alec Pierce nor Jelani Woods made big impacts as rookies, though there is plenty of room for development and a reasonable expectation of improved performance in 2023.
Which means the load for Richardson – or whoever begins the season at quarterback – is even heavier. Fortunately, Taylor and the ground game should be just fine. Especially in Steichen's run scheme.
But it's difficult to argue against the pass catchers being an obstacle for the Colts. Of course, the developments of Pierce and Downs can quickly turn the position from a weakness into a strength. Time will tell in that regard.
