The Colts continued their 2024 season at home on Sunday against an AFC rival team in the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins were 2-3 on the year, coming off the bye week. The Colts saw the return of starting quarterback Anthony Richardson after missing multiples weeks due to injury.
The Colts now sit at 4-3, currently second in the AFC South and just 1 win back from the leaders. The Colts managed to get over .500 for the first time this year. The national media have moved the Colts up in the power rankings board after their win against the Dolphins. Here is how the Colts stack up in the week 8 power rankings.
ESPN has the Colts at 20.
“Jones was drafted to compete as a depth player, but he has been elevated out of necessity to the Colts’ top outside cornerback situation. The 22-year old, who was drafted in the seventh round in 2023, ranks fifth in the league with eight passes defensed this season. Jones has also created a “tight window” on 33% of throws on which he has been targeted, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. That’s a respectable number for a long-shot player who has been asked to play a huge role in his second season.”
NFL.com has the Colts at 18.
“The Colts might be determined to play an entire season of one-score games. They’ve won four of five to get over .500 for the first time this season, yet the excitement is very much bridled because of who they’ve beaten (especially the quarterbacks) and how those games have unfolded. Anthony Richardson made his return to the lineup and started the game 1-for-7 passing, also coughing up the ball in a goal-to-go situation. He had a 22-yard run and a 33-yard throw to Michael Pittman Jr., but the big-play element just wasn’t there for the Colts most of the game. Richardson at least got something going with his legs, and Shane Steichen might have to put his QB in harm’s way more often to get this offense juiced up a bit. The defense settled down and made some game-changing plays in the second half, but a better team than the Dolphins could have stolen this game.”
CBS Sports had the Colts at 18.
“They are 4-3, but they haven’t looked that good in getting there. Yet here they are one game behind the Texans in the division as they face them this week in Houston.”
Bleacher Report has the Colts at 17.
“After outlasting an injury-depleted Miami Dolphins team Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts are above .500 for the first time this season. Indy also got starting quarterback Anthony Richardson back for the game. But the Colts offense struggled once again with Richardson under center. The second-year quarterback completed less than half his passes for just 124 yards. Indy had only 284 yards of total offense and went 4-for-13 on third down.
After the win, Richardson told reporters that the only numbers that mattered to him Sunday were those on the scoreboard. “We expected to come into this game and get the win, that was our whole mindset,” Richardson said. “It makes me feel good that we got the ‘W’ even though the offense was struggling a little to find consistency.”
Head coach Shane Steichen echoed a similar refrain.“Obviously, we want to finish with touchdowns down there,” Steichen said. “We’ve got to be better, I’ve got to be better (on play calls), but we found a way to win the game and that’s what matters.”
Richardson returned to the Colts lineup after two weeks of recovering from a hip injury. Currently, he’s a liability as a passer. His 48.5 completion percentage is easily the league’s worst. But Indianapolis needs to know if its coaching staff can develop the supremely talented athlete. Head coach Shane Steichen must be more creative with his play-calling while playing to Richardson’s strengths. Right now, nothing with the Colts offense is consistent.”
Pro Football Network has the Colts at 24.
“Somehow, the Indianapolis Colts are 4-3 despite having the 19th-ranked offense and the 22nd-ranked defense. You have to give them credit for finding ways to win, but it doesn’t seem sustainable. What Indianapolis appears good at is staying in games and giving themselves a chance. All seven of the Colts’ games have been decided by one score, so being 4-3 is a credit to their nerve under pressure.
The positive side of things is that, even with Anthony Richardson not playing particularly well, this team is in the fight for the AFC South and the AFC playoff picture. The offensive line is playing beautifully, which should only help him improve. Those improvements need to come quickly, though, as the Colts have the Texans, Vikings, and Bills in the next three weeks.”
