5 Way-Too-Early Predictions for Indianapolis Colts Offense

The Indianapolis Colts made many moves and hires for offensive efficiency, let's predict what could happen in 2023.

Predictions aren't easy. They're even more challenging when factoring in rookies and new coaches being brought into an organization. However, with the Indianapolis Colts, there is a new energy with head coach Shane Steichen and rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson that will be heading to Lucas Oil Stadium.

With an intriguing combination like Steichen and Richardson, it's fun to think of predictions for what this new Colts offense could accomplish in the upcoming season. With that on the slate, let's run down five predictions or milestones that could become a reality with the injection of youth and talent in Indianapolis.

1.) Anthony Richardson Starts Week 1/Records 25+ Total Touchdowns

Steichen has mentioned that playing is the best way to learn football. Well, this is the simple reason why I think Richardson will be under center in Week 1. Now, if the coaches feel he needs to be more smooth in OTAs and training camp, this goes out the door. But I believe the offensive staff fits Richardson, and they will groom him well enough to start getting those precious NFL reps right away.

It's not too hard to imagine Richardson could be a threat with his feet in a Steichen-led offense. However, he will be able to get multiple opportunities to be creative with a backfield led by Jonathan Taylor, which will always be the number-one priority for a defense to stifle.

Pair this with Richardson's weapons in the short and deep game, and it could happen. Another point to make a case for this prediction is how often Jalen Hurts was used in short-yardage/goal-line situations with Steichen on the Philadelphia Eagles.

Yes, the Colts have a more talented back in Taylor, and the overall running back committee, but Richardson is around 6'5" and 245 pounds. Trust me, he will be used in the short game plenty. Below is what I think an entire season with Richardson could produce regarding QB numbers.

• 17 games
• 250-of-450 passing (55%)
• 3,095 passing yards, 23 TD/17 INT
• 135 carries
• 685 rushing yards (5.1 avg.), 8 rushing TD
• 6 fumbles

2.) Jonathan Taylor Will Bounce Back to a Pro Bowl

Taylor is still the most important player on the Colts offense. Last season he couldn't eclipse the thousand-yard mark due to lackluster offensive line play and abysmal quarterback operation. However, given Steichens' work with the backfield in Philadelphia, this is an excellent time for Taylor to bounce back with a vengeance.

If the previously mentioned Richardson can go day-one and get somewhat of a grasp on the offense early, I predict Taylor could even slap a Pro Bowl nod onto 2023. Here are my predictions should everything line up as expected.

• 17 games
• 320 carries, 1,465 rushing yards (4.6 avg.)
• 15 all-purpose TD (13 rushing, 2 receiving)

3.) Isaiah McKenzie Will Start as Kick/Punt Returner

Cornerback Dallis Flowers was fantastic in the return game under special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone. However, now with Brian Mason at the helm, he could go with the experience. That favors newly acquired Isaiah Mckenzie perfectly, which is where I think Mason goes.

Through seven seasons, McKenzie has 108 total returns (58 punts/50 kicks), 1,630 total return yards (518 punts/1,112 kicks), and a punt return score.

Could there be a chance that both playmakers, Flowers and McKenzie, return together? Maybe. But if there's a path, I think it goes McKenzie's way.

4.) Jelani Woods has 10+ Receiving Touchdowns

The tight end position can be a raw rookie quarterback's best friend being so close to the line of scrimmage. Well, with a 6'7" target that can run the speed that Jelani Woods can, it's a perfect marriage with Richardson for red-zone targets.

If the Colts cannot punch it in on the ground, I see Woods being the highest priority to throw to in the red zone. While it's hard to see how many touchdown passes Richardson could throw, it's not difficult to think the rookie would love throwing to the sure-handed monster red zone threat that is Woods.

5.) Josh Downs Will Win Offensive Rookie of the Year

Yes, I said it. After the inspiring video of Josh Downs being drafted by the Colts went viral, it was easy to see that he won't lack the determination and persistence to be great.

Arguably the biggest bargain from the Colts' 12-man draft, Downs will be essential for Richardson to get into a rhythm with for short, quick passes. It should also be mentioned that Downs might be smaller but can play bigger than his size indicates. This makes him a wild-card downfield threat for Richardson, too. All of this, put together, gives me a feeling he will put numbers up that will win him Offensive Rookie of the Year. Below is what I'm thinking.

• 17 games
• 93 catches
• 1,030 receiving yards (11.1 avg.), 7 TD

Outlook

It's difficult to land any predictions in the NFL. The Colts did a great job of navigating the draft to get talent where it was needed. There is a strong chance some rookies will make early impacts that will last all year. We won't know if any of these predictions are right for a while, which makes it such a joy to think of them.

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