Indianapolis Colts Face Significant Changes, Aim to Challenge for AFC South in 2025
The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2025 NFL season with a renewed sense of optimism tempered by the reality of significant roster changes and a competitive AFC South division. After narrowly missing the playoffs in 2023 and following that up with an eight-win season in 2024, the Colts are eager to take the next step under head coach Shane Steichen, who is entering his third year at the helm. However, their inability to defeat division rival Houston in the regular season series last year proved to be a major obstacle in their quest for the division title, a hurdle they must overcome to achieve their postseason aspirations.
Offensively, the Colts showcased a strong ground game in 2024, ranking among the league’s top 10 rushing units. This success was driven by a combination of effective play-calling and the emergence of talented running backs. However, the passing attack lagged behind, failing to provide the necessary balance to consistently move the ball downfield. This imbalance was further complicated by quarterback instability, as the Colts were forced to rely on two different starters throughout the season.
Anthony Richardson, the team’s prized young quarterback, started 11 games, compiling a 6-5 record. While Richardson demonstrated flashes of brilliance and undeniable potential, his inexperience and occasional struggles were evident. Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco stepped in for six games, managing a 2-4 record. Flacco provided a steady hand and experience, but his limitations were apparent, particularly in terms of mobility and arm strength. The Colts’ quarterback situation remains a critical area of focus as they look to solidify the offense.
The 2025 offseason has been marked by significant changes for the Colts, both in terms of personnel and coaching. The offensive line, a cornerstone of their rushing success, suffered major losses with the departure of starting linemen Will Fries and Ryan Kelly in free agency. These departures create a void in the trenches and put pressure on the coaching staff to find suitable replacements and maintain the effectiveness of the running game.
Defensively, the Colts underwent a significant overhaul with the hiring of former Cincinnati Bengals coordinator Lou Anarumo as their new defensive coordinator. Anarumo brings a proven track record of success and is expected to implement a more aggressive and sophisticated defensive scheme. However, he will face challenges due to the departure of key defensive players. Defensive lineman Dayo Odeyingbo and linebacker E.J. Speed, both valuable contributors, signed elsewhere in free agency, leaving holes in the Colts’ defensive front seven.
Despite these losses, the Colts were active in free agency, making several key additions to bolster their roster. The secondary was a major area of focus, with the signings of safety Cam Bynum and cornerbacks Charvarius Ward and Corey Ballentine. These additions are expected to significantly upgrade the Colts’ pass coverage and provide much-needed experience and leadership in the defensive backfield. Offensively, the Colts added quarterbacks Daniel Jones and running back Khalil Herbert to provide depth and competition at those positions. Jones could be the primary backup to Richardson, and Herbert could add more explosiveness to the Colts’ running game.
The 2025 NFL Draft presented another opportunity for the Colts to address their needs and add young talent to their roster. In the first round, they selected tight end Tyler Warren, filling a significant void at the position. Warren is a versatile player with the potential to contribute as both a blocker and a receiver, providing a valuable weapon for the Colts’ offense. On Day 2 of the draft, the Colts focused on defense, selecting edge rusher JT Tuimoloau in the second round and cornerback Justin Walley in the third round. Tuimoloau is expected to bolster the Colts’ pass rush, while Walley adds depth and competition to the cornerback position. On Day 3, the Colts added developmental prospects, including quarterbacks Riley Leonard and running back DJ Giddens.
The 2025 season is a pivotal one for both Shane Steichen and Anthony Richardson. Steichen faces the challenge of integrating new players into his system and maximizing the potential of his young quarterback. Richardson needs to demonstrate significant progress in his development, improving his accuracy, decision-making, and overall consistency. Their partnership will be crucial to the Colts’ success.
However, the Colts face a significant challenge in their quest to challenge for the AFC South title. The Houston Texans, led by their own young quarterback C.J. Stroud, have emerged as a dominant force in the division. To surpass the Texans, the Colts must improve their overall performance and find a way to win the head-to-head matchups that proved so decisive in 2024.
The Colts’ schedule for the 2025 season presents a challenging but intriguing slate of games. As a member of the AFC South, they will face their division rivals (Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans) twice each, once at home and once on the road. This year, due to the NFL’s rotating schedule, the Colts will also face the entirety of the AFC West and NFC West divisions. These matchups will pit them against some of the league’s most talented teams and quarterbacks.
In addition to their divisional and scheduled conference opponents, the Colts will also play the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, and Atlanta Falcons. These matchups are determined by the teams that finished in the same position in their respective divisions in 2024.
The NFL is set to release the full 2025 schedule on Wednesday, May 14th, revealing the exact dates and times for all 18 weeks of regular season action. The release is expected to occur around 8 p.m. ET, similar to last year’s schedule announcement.
The 2025 season promises to be an exciting and challenging one for the Indianapolis Colts. With a revamped roster, a new defensive coordinator, and a young quarterback eager to prove himself, the Colts are poised to compete for a playoff spot and potentially challenge for the AFC South title. However, they face significant hurdles, including a tough schedule, a competitive division, and the need to integrate new players and coaches into their system. The Colts’ success in 2025 will depend on their ability to overcome these challenges and capitalize on their opportunities. The Colts’ fans await to see whether the horseshoe can be a symbol of luck and victory in the coming season.
