Top 5 best performance from Colts 2023 Season
These five showsheld for the Indianapolis Colts in 2023.
The Indianapolis Colts had a 2023 season with many ups and downs in their recruiting program, time Shane Steichen.
Indy certainly missed the playoffs by a narrow margin, but still had a 9-8 record and played well despite inexperience, injuries and new additions to the roster.
If anything, they exceeded their expectations, showing the wealth of young talent throughout Steichenand’s team.
Even Young Movie #039; At the end of the season, these five players will have the opportunity to be recognized for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.
Matt Gay | Kicker – Week 3 Victoria vs. Baltimore Ravens
There was a lot of criticism when general manager Chris Ballard signed Matt Gay to a four-year, $22.5 million contract.
This signing comes after a few seasons of positional confusion, and some games lost due to the intensity of the game.
Despite these doubts, Gay showed his worth in Week 3 against the current Super Bowl contenders Baltimore Ravens.
In the wild game, Gay was very good, making five field goal attempts (four from 50 yards or more) and kicking an extra point. In all, he scored 16 of his 22 points and had a 53-yard game-winning run in Baltimore.
Gay injured his hip after the game and had a few goals but this game showed his accuracy and kicking ability.
Gardner Minshew | Quarterback – Week 7 Loss to Cleveland Browns
Entering a Week 7 matchup against a red-hot Cleveland Browns defense, Gardner Minshew has plenty of wins that will be easy to handle. Meanwhile, the Colts are one game removed from rookie Anthony Richardson for the year (AC joint sprain).
However, Minshew appeared with only 23 passes. He completed 15 catches for 305 yards and two touchdowns. Most impressive was his footwork, making three runs for 29 yards and two scores on the ground.
Minshew scored four touchdowns and added 334 yards from scrimmage. In the end it wasn’t enough, as the Colts lost 39-38 in dramatic fashion that included an indictment of an NFL referee.
Kenny Moore II | Cornerback – Week 9 Victoria vs. Carolina Panthers
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Headlining the Carolina Panthers’ Week 9 matchup against then-coach (and former Colts coach) Frank Reich was Reich’s revenge game.
The Panthers, or quarterback Bryce Young, aren’t as good as cornerback Kenny Moore II on fire.
From start to finish, Moore is everywhere, impressing Young with the power of the story and the right moments.
Moore recorded 8 tackles, 2 passes defensed, 2 interceptions and a touchdown.
The Colts beat Carolina 27-13 in a game where Minshew and the offense were ineffective. Mooreand’s 14 points were the difference in points, and the result might have been different if he wasn’t in the prime of his career.
Colts running back Dayo Odeyingbo enters 2023 hoping to continue developing as a strong receiver against opposing quarterbacks.
Showed the peak of his ability in Week 10 against the New England Patriots in Frankfurt, Germany. The offensive line sacked the QB three times and continued to press.
Indy needed to close out the game in the fourth quarter for a 10-6 win, but Odeyingbo gave Steichen his fifth win of the season.
Jonathan Taylor | Running Backs: Week 18 loss to Houston Texans
Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor was limited for part of the 2023 campaign with thumb and ankle injuries and missed Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans.
Despite his limited volume this year, Taylor has rushed for 741 yards on 169 carries (4.4 avg.) and seven touchdowns. He threw 19 times for 153 yards and another score, adding eight scores.
Taylor showed his explosiveness and strength in the season after recovering from injury, but perhaps no run showed that more than Indy’s final run of the season until In the run that decided the AFC South champions and the wild card spot, the Colts fell behind 23-19.
But there was no loss for Taylor, as the former NFL player won Player of the Year. He had 30 carries for 188 yards (6.3 avg.) and a 49-yard TD run to keep the game competitive and exciting.
It’s true that Taylorand’s best performance in 2023 came in a game that mattered.
Heand seems to be closer to such players in 2024.