The Indianapolis Colts (2-2) showed some serious resilience after falling into a 23-0 hole against the Los Angeles Rams (2-2) in Week 4. They fought their way back to tie the game, sending it to overtime. But they ultimately came up short of a victory.
Still, it was an impressive showing from a young team working under a new coaching staff. Falling that far behind, especially halfway through the third quarter, would have spelled doom under previous regimes. But it’s clear this team has a fire inside them that will keep them competitive throughout the entire game.
Buy Colts TicketsThe way they fought back to force overtime certainly helped them in the power rankings. In most cases, the Colts find themselves in the high teens. Their highest ranking is 14 while the lowest ranking is down at 26.
Each week, we’ll round up where the Colts sit in the power rankings according to several outlets. Next to their ranking, the number in parentheses indicates the change from the previous week. A positive number means they’re moving up the power rankings.
Here’s where the Colts stand in the Week 5 power rankings:
USA TODAY
Author: Nate Davis
Rank: 17 (+2)
Link to article
Author’s Take: “They’re off to a generally promising start. But how will that be impacted as attention invariably shifts to RB Jonathan Taylor (PUP/ankle), who’s eligible to return to the team whenever Indy brass sign off … assuming trade talks are not resuscitated?”
Touchdown Wire
Author: Jarrett Bailey
Rank: 18 (–)
Link to article
Author’s Take: “If I had to pick the perfect comp for the Colts, I’d say they are the Teen Titans. They’ll eventually grow into being respected members of the extended Justice League. Right now, though, they are learning, and looking competitive while doing it.”
Bleacher Report
Author: NFL Staff
Rank: 21 (-1)
Link to article
Author’s Take: “The Indianapolis Colts need a road trip.
Home sweet home has been anything but for the Colts, who dropped their seventh straight at Lucas Oil Stadium after falling in overtime to the Los Angeles Rams in overtime Sunday. It was a game in which the Colts dug a 23-0 hole only to come storming back to tie it.
For rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, it was a mixed bag. The youngster threw a pair of touchdown passes, rushed for 56 yards and led the comeback that got the Colts into overtime. But he also completed just 11 of 25 pass attempts.
After the game, Richardson said the Colts just need to play with more consistency and fewer mistakes.
“We stopped shooting ourselves in the foot,” Richardson told reporters. “Limit the penalties and started working the offense the right way—the way we thought we should’ve been doing it in the first half. Just focusing on each and every play. The first half, we didn’t do that. So we just tried to limit all the penalties and stuff that we were doing to ourselves and tried to play against the other team instead of playing against ourselves.”
“Accuracy and consistency remain issues with Indy’s rookie signal-caller,” Davenport said. “But there are going to be ups and downs with a young quarterback, and it was Richardson’s athleticism and arm talent that helped get the Colts back in this game. The Colts may not be a good team yet, but a month into the 2023 campaign there have been multiple signs that Richardson is going to be a problem for NFL defenses once he gets a little experience.”
ESPN NFL Nation
Author: Stephen Holder
Rank: 17 (+3)
Link to article
Author’s Take: “Defensive efficiency: 68.0 (7th)
Biggest issue on defense: Secondary
The pass rush has been intermittent, but the performance of the secondary is concerning right now. There were numerous uncontested throws in Sunday’s loss to the Rams, with rookie receiver Puka Nacua left wide open on the game-winning touchdown pass in overtime. The Colts rank in the bottom third of the league in completion percentage allowed (68.7) and opponents’ yards per pass attempt (7.6). Cornerback, in particular, is an issue — especially given that starting corner Dallis Flowers suffered a torn Achilles on Sunday.”
Sporting News
Author: Vinnie Iyer
Rank: 17 (+7)
Link to article
Author’s Take: “The Colts lost but looked great with Anthony Richardson doing it as they are now in a four-way tie for first and last in the AFC South. They also do well against the run and can still run with Richardson, Zack Moss, and soon, maybe, Jonathan Taylor. The pass defense is the major issue, though.”
Pro Football Network
Author: Dalton Miller
Rank: 14 (-1)
Link to article
Author’s Take: “The Colts are already a whole lot of fun. After trailing 23-0 midway through the third quarter, they managed to bring the game back to a 23-23 tie with a chance to win the game on a final possession in regulation. They may have gotten away with it, too, if it wasn’t for Kylen Granson’s meddling hands (dropped the third-down bomb.)
It took three touchdowns, two two-point conversions, and an extra point to tie the game. Anthony Richardson only managed to complete 44% of his passes, but he also threw two TDs, no interceptions, and converted on two, two-point conversions through the air.
He has a long way to go as a passer. The passing attack may not be incredibly “efficient” with him from a completion percentage perspective, but they will be explosive. Shane Steichen is coaching to Richardson’s strengths, just as he did Justin Herbert as a rookie and Jalen Hurts as a young passer.”
NFL.com
Author: Eric Edholm
Rank: 26 (+2)
Link to article
Author’s Take: “Colts fans really let me have it last week, some of them making excellent points against my “unfair” ranking of this team at No. 28. I trusted my eyes watching them, and felt the Week 3 shocker at Baltimore came with fortunate turns. Through one half of Sunday’s overtime loss to the Rams, I felt a little smug. Then the scrappy Colts threatened to make me devour my words. Anthony Richardson looked like a capital-P Playmaker in the second half. Zack Moss ran hard. The defense — especially Dayo Odeyingbo — suddenly was great. And how about Andrew Ogletree ! The grit isn’t lacking, and the roster isn’t bad. But most weeks, Indianapolis won’t be able to fall behind 23-0, fail to get Michael Pittman Jr. involved until late, and still expect to compete.”
Yahoo Sports
Author: Frank Schwab
Rank: 20 (-1)
Link to article
Author’s Take: “The Colts have won both away games but lost both at home. Anthony Richardson needs receivers who can catch.”
CBS Sports
Author: Pete Prisco
Rank: 20 (-6)
Link to article
Author’s Take: “They fell way behind against the Rams, but Anthony Richardson impressed in bringing them back to get to overtime. The defense let them down all day.”
