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

There were plenty of detractors when General Manager Chris Ballard signed then-free agent kicker Matt Gay to a monumental four-year, $22.5 million contract.

This signing came after multiple seasons of shakiness at the position, with some games being lost due to underwhelming consistency.

Despite these doubters, Gay showed his worth in Week 3 against the now Super Bowl contender, Baltimore Ravens.

In a gritty game, Gay was perfect, hitting all five field goal attempts (four from 50-plus yards) and an extra point. In total, he accounted for 16 of the 22 points and connected on a game-winning 53-yarder in overtime to win the battle in Baltimore.

Gay had some misses after this game while sustaining a hip injury, but this performance was incredible and displayed his accuracy and kicking power.

Gardner Minshew | Quarterback - Week 7 Loss vs. Cleveland Browns

Going into the Week 7 contest against the red-hot Cleveland Browns defense, many figured quarterback Gardner Minshew would be handled easily. At this point, the Colts were a game removed from losing rookie passer Anthony Richardson to the season (AC joint sprain).

However, Minshew put on a show with a mere 23 passes thrown. He completed 15 of those tosses for 305 yards and 2 touchdowns. What was more surprising was what he did with his feet, scoring two more times on the ground on 3 rushes for 29 yards.

Altogether Minshew had 4 all-purpose touchdowns and 334 total yards from scrimmage, this ultimately wasn't enough as the Colts lost 39-38 in dramatic fashion involving questionable officiating from the NFL referees.

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Kenny Moore II | Cornerback - Week 9 Win vs. Carolina Panthers

In Week 9 against the Carolina Panthers and then-head coach (and former Colts leader) Frank Reich, the headline was a potential revenge game for Reich.

What panned out wasn't what the Panthers or quarterback Bryce Young wanted, as cornerback Kenny Moore II was on fire defensively.

From start to finish, Moore was everywhere and overwhelmed Young with tight coverage and perfect timing with throws.

Moore threw together a stat line of 8 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 2 interceptions returned for touchdowns.

The Colts went on to win 27-13 in Carolina in a game where Minshew and the offense weren't very effective. Moore's 14 points were the winning margin, and the result may have been different if he hadn't put on a career performance.

Dayo Odeyingbo | Defensive End - Week 10 Win vs. New England Patriots

Colts defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo came into 2023 with expectations to continue ascending as a power rusher against opposing quarterbacks.

He showed the height of his potential against the New England Patriots in Frankfurt, Germany in Week 10.

The third-year defender systematically destroyed the Patriots' offensive line, sacking the QB 3 times and constantly applying pressure.

Indy had to seal the game in the fourth quarter for a low-scoring 10-6 victory, but Odeyingbo was a massive factor in getting Steichen his fifth win of the year.

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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