Are the Colts playoff contenders?
Here we are then. Week 10 of the 2024 NFL season is under way.
Now is the time that we start to see the contenders separate from the rest. The question is, can the Indianapolis Colts keep pace?
With the seismic decision to bench Anthony Richardson after the Week 8 defeat in Houston, it appeared the Colts were changing direction.
Indianapolis were seemingly moving into a ‘win-now mode’, then they immediately fell to defeat to the Minnesota Vikings.
Not only did they lose, they also put in their worst offensive performance of the season. In fact their only touchdown came from their defense.
This has caused dismay among a fanbase who were sold the dream of developing a unicorn style quarterback to become the face of the franchise.
The grumblings at Lucas Oil Stadium are going to go up a notch should the Colts offense play anything like last Sunday again this week.
Unfortunately, it is just the small matter of the Buffalo Bills rolling into town.
The irony is not lost in Indianapolis. The Bills are led by a star quarterback who had a few struggles in his early years.
To stop the season from falling away, the Colts will need a big performance.
The 4-4 record when Richardson was benched could become 4-6 in the blink of an eye, and the schedule is not easing up at all in the next few weeks.
The positives this week though, is a practically fully healthy roster to pick from, with only Michael Pittman Jr ruled out.
In the world of the NFL and ‘next man up’ mentality, this presents a chance for Adonai Mitchell.
The rookie wide receiver has started to show flashes in recent weeks with some big plays.
The Colts certainly can win this game, but it is going to be difficult.
The pressure added by the decision to start Joe Flacco means patience is low among the fanbase.
Defeat this weekend will see the grumblings grow louder and a season that started with optimism, fall further away from all the preseason promise.
