Writing this on the heels of a disappointing loss makes the sentiment that fans of the Indianapolis Colts have plenty to be thankful for this year a more challenging prospect, but that doesn’t change the facts.
While the footing may have become uneven, the Colts are still leading the AFC South and are in the hunt for the number one overall seed in the AFC. With many thinking this could be a sub .500 team, realizing they are 8-3 after eleven games is truly remarkable. It goes beyond that however. There are some true building blocks and reasons for fans to be thankful for the present and hopeful for the future.
It all starts with winning. That is something this franchise has struggled to do recently. The story of the 2025 season isn’t fully written yet, but two-thirds of the way through, this is one of the best seasons over the last decade. Yes, there were flashes from teams led by Philip Rivers and Gardner Minshew but those weren’t names that were going to carry the Colts forward into the future. The Colts now have a roster with bona fide stars and budding ones. Jonathan Taylor has been a stud and proving himself to be one of the best running backs in the league. He is the old hat on this team, but there are new faces in Tyler Warren who have come on strong. The last time a rookie transformed a unit was Shaquille Leonard and while the ride didn’t last as long as fans would have hoped, it was a good one. If Warren can build on his rookie year, the sky’s the limit.
The Colts made one of the biggest trades ever by obtaining Sauce Gardner, and this year marked Chris Ballard really dipping into free agency for the first time to bolster the roster. If they can put it all together, it can be one of the strongest units in the league. Not only did the secondary strengthen but we are also witnessing players take big leaps. Laiatu Latu and Alec Pierce have made major strides this season. Latu’s sacks have jumped, he is getting more consistent pressure, and may have the best hands on the defense with three interceptions. Pierce is now looking like the receiver fans have been waiting on to show up. He isn’t good for just one deep throw a game. His route running and ability to make plays has taken a step forward.
Dare we mention Daniel Jones? The quarterback is a polarizing position, but one has to consider where this team has been. It has a been long time since anyone looked like they might last more than a season. The Colts literally trotted out Scott Tolzien at one point… It has been dark at times. Even Jones, with his flaws, looks like he could have the makings of a longer term solution. He isn’t getting a lifetime contract or the keys to the city, but he is a solid option, especially considering the circumstances. He has provided strong play and was in the MVP talks through the first third of the season. That counts for something.
So, yes, the Colts have struggled as of late. That is undeniable, but it doesn’t mean all hope is lost and this season hasn’t been successful to this point. The Colts finally look like a team with a sense of direction. They aren’t in “Band-Aid” mode anymore. There are players in place that can help lead this team for the next 3-5 years at least. Heading into the season, if someone were to have laid this out before you, you might have called them crazy. Fortunately, it is the truth, and that makes for a lot to be thankful for.
