5 Best Performances from Colts' 2023 Season
The Indianapolis Colts had a roller coaster 2023 season, with multiple highs and lows in the entry campaign of the Shane Steichen era.
While Indy inevitably missed the playoffs by the slimmest of margins, they still compiled a 9-8 record and played well with inexperience, injuries, and new additions to the roster.
With all things considered, they exceeded expectations and displayed plenty of young talent across the board for Steichen's squad.
Despite the Colts' season being over, these five players deserve recognition for their individual feats and performances throughout the year.
Matt Gay | Kicker - Week 3 Win vs. Baltimore Ravens
Gardner Minshew | Quarterback - Week 7 Loss vs. Cleveland Browns
Kenny Moore II | Cornerback - Week 9 Win vs. Carolina Panthers
Dayo Odeyingbo | Defensive End - Week 10 Win vs. New England Patriots
Jonathan Taylor | Running Back - Week 18 Loss vs. Houston Texans
Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor was limited for part of the 2023 campaign with ankle and thumb injuries and didn't make his debut until Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans.
Despite his smaller game load on the year, Taylor ran for 741 yards on 169 carries (4.4 avg) and 7 touchdowns. He also threw in 19 catches for 153 yards and another score, totaling 8 all-purpose TDs.
While Taylor showed his usual burst and efficiency after recovering from his injuries, perhaps no contest had this on full display more than the Indy season finale against the Houston Texans.
In a matchup that decided the AFC South champion and a Wild Card spot, the Colts fell short by a score of 23-19.
But the loss wasn't on Taylor, as the former NFL rushing champion had his game of the year. He pulled 30 carries for 188 yards (6.3 avg) and a dazzling 49-yard TD run to keep the game competitive and exciting.
It's fitting that Taylor's best 2023 performance came in a game where everything mattered.
He'll look to be closer to that type of player in 2024.
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