The Indianapolis Colts concluded their 2024-25 regular season with a 26-23 overtime victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on Jan. 5.
This win brought their final record to 8-9, placing them second in the AFC South behind the Houston Texans (10-7) and marking their fourth consecutive season missing the playoffs.
The Colts’ season, characterized by inconsistency and missed opportunities, continues to be a recurring theme.
“Listen, you try and talk yourself into thinking these games don’t mean a lot to ease your mind, but it is still an NFL game,” Colts quarterback Joe Flacco said following the win over the Jaguars. “It is still our profession. There is always something on the line. I know it didn’t mean anything for the Colts and what we are doing this year, but victory in this league goes a long way, no matter what.”
They began with a 2-2 record, securing wins against the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers but suffering losses to the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers. Midseason struggles included a three-game losing streak against the Jaguars, Texans and Minnesota Vikings, highlighting difficulties in maintaining momentum. Injuries to key players tested the team’s depth and resilience.
In his second year as a starter, quarterback Anthony Richardson displayed both promise and areas needing improvement. He passed for 1,814 yards and eight touchdowns with 12 interceptions, showcasing his dynamic playmaking abilities but also facing challenges with consistency.
Running back Jonathan Taylor reaffirmed his status as one of the league’s premier backs, amassing 1,431 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. Notably, Taylor broke the franchise record for most touchdowns in the first five seasons and topped 100-yard rushing games. Notably, Taylor had eight games where he racked up over 100 rushing yards, including a 200+ rushing yards performance.
The defense had standout individual performances but faced challenges in cohesion and consistency. Linebacker Zaire Franklin led the team with 93 tackles, the third-most in the NFL. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner contributed significantly with 24 tackles and 6.5 sacks, disrupting opposing offenses.
Despite these individual efforts, the Colts’ defense allowed 427 points over the season, averaging 25.1 points per game, ranked sixth worst in the league.
Head coach Shane Steichen’s season highlighted the challenges of building consistency within the team. While there were moments of strategic creativity, the overall execution often fell short, leading to an underwhelming record.
Steichen said there is more to come when asked about his future as Colts head coach.
“I love being the head football coach here,” Steichen said on Jan. 5. “I love everything about it. I love this team. We will have an evaluation early this week, but I am excited to be here.”
The 2024-25 season for the Indianapolis Colts reflected unmet potential and the need for strategic reassessment. An 8-9 record underscores the necessity for organizational changes to break the cycle of mediocrity and reestablish the Colts as contenders in the AFC South.
Colts owner Jim Irsay said he “believes in Steichen and General Manager Chris Ballard, likely hinting at their return next season.
“We want to put a winning product on the field that our fans can be proud of,” Steichen said.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on TikTok @3Noral. For more sports news, click here.
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