Within the realm of possibility, how good could this season be?
Super Bowl or bust. That is the mantra of some teams heading into the 2025 NFL season. That should be the goal, on some level, for all teams because striving to be the best is the only way a team can ultimately be the best. Realistically, however, that isn’t, nor should it really be, the goal of half the league next year. Improving, seeing what you have, and taking that next step are all more reasonable challenges and expectations for most franchises. The Indianapolis Colts fall into that tier. Just because a Super Bowl is the ultimate “best case” scenario, it doesn’t make it likely for Shane Steichen’s squad. What would be the best and most realistic outcome in 2025 then?
There are many avenues that would lead to a successful season for the Colts. Most scenarios start with the quarterback, however. That situation is fluid and very much up in the air, but to see Anthony Richardson take off in year three would make fans beam. With all statistical categories drastically improving and watching his intangibles take over during games, Richardson taking a giant leap and proving he is the quarterback of the future would be considered the greatest success. At least momentarily, the questions of “is he a bust” and “should the Colts start looking for his replacement” would cease.
No team is successful because of just one man. It takes a total team effort and seeing players like Latu, Warren, Pittman Jr., etc. all step up and take on bigger roles with more robust stat lines would be a welcomed sight. Once again, with so many options, it is hard to capture them all, but witnessing Warren be in the conversation of Rookie of the Year, Latu at least doubling his sack and total pressure numbers, and Pittman Jr. exceeding his 2023 numbers and showing up as a true number one receiver would all be signs of a best case scenario for 2025 and going forward.
A vastly improved quarterback and key players would come with a chance at the playoffs and an AFC South crown. Making the playoffs has been rare; winning the AFC South, even more so. Having a home playoff game after so many years of being on the outside looking in would be considered a massive step forward. Being back on top of a division they used to dominate would be nostalgic. Ultimately, the ride wouldn’t stop there. If the Colts could win at least one playoff game, there would be a collective sigh of relief as fans would feel they are leaving a desert and finding an oasis. A Super Bowl would be great, but one playoff win feels more in line for high-end possibilities in 2025 for this team.
Anthony Richardson coming into his own and looking like a franchise quarterback, key role players elevating their output, and the team making the playoffs and even winning a postseason game seems like the best possible scenario for the Colts in 2025. Even taking two out of three would be deemed a pretty successful outing, but pairing all of them together would create the ideal situation. Not only would it answer some questions for 2025, but it would set the stage for future success. Most likely it won’t all work out that way, but ideally it might.
