The Indianapolis Colts have made a resounding statement in the NFL this season, boasting a remarkable 4-1 record following five weeks of play. The Colts have shown their mettle – both on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. They lead the league with a very impressive scoring margin of 14.8 points per game. The team has become one of the NFL’s hottest teams behind star running back Jonathan Taylor and pro bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. They are all continuing to pick up steam!
In their season opener against the Miami Dolphins, the Colts rolled to a 33-8 victory. This victory marked the beginning of their present-day victory, with Taylor developing into a key contributor. The elusive running back is currently the league’s leading rusher with 480 yards on the ground. This performance cements his stature as a no-doubt, high-end RB1 regardless of matchup. His presence has truly been critical to the Colts’ offensive firepower.
In Week 5, the injury-depleted team’s offense reached its absolute peak against the Las Vegas Raiders. They were coming off their largest margin of victory in a single game in 12 seasons, crushing the Raiders 40-6. The Colts led by an unbelievable 37 points at one point in this game – talk about a beatdown. Head Coach Shane Steichen expressed admiration for the efficiency of his offense, noting that the team managed six drives that resulted in six touchdowns.
On the other side of the ball, defensively the Colts have made their mark as well. DeForest Buckner has played more than the average pass-rusher, ranking seventh among defensive tackles in snaps played last season. He’s been a key cog on defense overall, though his snaps have actually gone down from Week 4 to Week 5. Buckner ended up playing only 33 snaps in that season-opening victory over Miami. His recent display is evidence of the longer-term tactical shift that the team has made.
Zaire Franklin, a linebacker for the Colts, emphasized the team’s resilience and commitment to hard work, stating, “To be honest with you, whether we have one touchdown or 40 points, we’re all playing hard.” This mentality permeates the entire roster, as players stay locked in on their game plan no matter what the score reads.
The Colts’ +117 scoring margin — that’s second best in the league — along with their overall performance has turned a lot of initial heads and analysts’ eyebrows. Stephen, a winner of the 2015 Indiana Associated Press Media Editors contest for column writing, has placed in the top 10 for explanatory journalism at the national contest. More importantly, he focused on the ways the team’s execution, almost as an afterthought, has produced spectacular results during games.
With the season moving forward, the Colts are in a great position to continue their momentum from the new year’s success. Taylor’s game-breaking speed makes him a dangerous offensive weapon. Buckner’s domineering defensive impact cements the Colts’ foundation for sustained success.
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