The Indianapolis Colts were one win away from competing in the playoffs but instead find themselves sitting at home with the majority of the league preparing for the 2024 offseason.
Even though it was a decent surprise the Colts were in a position to compete for a playoff spot considering the amount of injuries along with the addition of a rookie head coach working with a backup quarterback, there were plenty of bright spots who helped get Indy to that position.
Here are six Colts who exceeded expectations during the 2023 season:
1
DE Samson Ebukam
When the Colts signed Ebukam in free agency, it was easy to see the upside given his athletic traits. But the Colts got a well-rounded edge defender, who posted career-high numbers in Gus Bradley’s system. Ebukam was a consistent threat from the edge, leading the team in sacks (9.5) while also posting career-high marks in total pressures (48), quarterback hits (17), tackles for loss (10) and forced fumbles (three). He also added 22 run stops, according to Pro Football Focus.
2
DE Tyquan Lewis
Few players have a bounce-back story like Lewis. After tearing both of his patellar tendons in consecutive seasons almost exactly one year apart, Lewis returned with a massive chip on his shoulder for 2023. He tied a career-high with 4.0 sacks while he posted career-high marks in tackles for loss (nin), quarterback hits (13) and total pressures (44).
3
S Julian Blackmon
Blackmon was turning in a Pro-Bowl-caliber season before a shoulder injury ended his season prematurely during the final month. Moving into the strong safety role, Blackmon thrived in coverage while adding another layer to the run defense. In coverage, he allowed a 55.8 passer rating on 43 targets. He also added 19 run stops, which led all Colts safeties.
4
LT Bernhard Raimann
The second-year left tackle made good on his breakout candidacy. Raimann allowed just four sacks on the entire season, all of which came against elite edge rushers in the form of Myles Garrett, Josh Allen and Trey Hendrickson twice. He also was a strong run blocker, ranking in the top-10 in ESPN’s run-block win rate, alongside right tackle Braden Smith.
5
RG Will Fries
Fries was far from perfect, but the fact that he gave the Colts a quality option at right guard made a massive difference. His availability was crucial as he played the second-most snaps on the offensive line. He allowed only four sacks and 30 total pressures while grading out as a decent run blocker. It seems to be his job to lose going into the 2024 season even if it wouldn’t hurt to bring in some competition.
6
S Nick Cross
The second-year safety exceeded expectations because he didn’t become the starter until roughly the final month of the season. Once he took over from Rodney Thomas II, though, he shined. Cross was fantastic in coverage, allowing a 53.9 passer rating while lining up all over the defense, but mostly from the free safety position. The future is bright if Cross can build off the way he finished the 2023 campaign.
