In the constantly shifting landscape of the NFL, teams rise and fall, and certain franchises experience years of struggle that seem to define their place in the league. The Indianapolis Colts, once a perennial playoff contender with Super Bowl aspirations, have found themselves on a downward trajectory, especially when compared to other teams in the NFC. While the Colts are officially in the AFC, the comparison to the NFC’s weakest is worth making to analyze how this franchise has faltered in recent seasons.
In this analysis, we will explore five key reasons why the Colts are currently among the weakest teams in the NFL, struggling to keep up with the competition both within their own conference and in relation to NFC counterparts. From inconsistency at quarterback to a lack of roster depth, these observations will highlight the ways in which the Colts have become one of the most underwhelming teams in the league.
1. Quarterback Carousel: A Dismal Search for Stability
One of the most glaring weaknesses of the Indianapolis Colts has been their inability to find long-term stability at the quarterback position. Over the past few seasons, the Colts have cycled through a range of quarterbacks in an attempt to fill the massive void left by Andrew Luck’s abrupt retirement in 2019. While Luck was one of the most talented quarterbacks of his era, his sudden departure left the franchise scrambling.
Since then, the Colts have tried a mix of veterans and inexperienced players, including Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan, and most recently, rookie Anthony Richardson. Rivers, at the tail end of his career, gave the team some hope with a playoff berth in 2020, but his time was short-lived. Carson Wentz was supposed to be the answer, but he failed to live up to expectations, resulting in his departure after just one season. Matt Ryan was a significant signing in 2022, but age caught up with the former MVP, and the Colts were forced to move on once again.
Now, with the selection of Richardson, there’s hope for the future, but relying on a rookie quarterback to turn the franchise around in such a tough division is a gamble. This ongoing cycle of quarterbacks not only disrupts the team’s offensive continuity but also affects the overall team psyche. Without consistent play under center, it’s nearly impossible to contend with top NFC teams that have clear and stable quarterback play.
2. Lack of Offensive Identity and Scheme
A successful NFL team must have a strong, coherent offensive identity, but the Colts have struggled with this for years. The team has failed to establish a consistent offensive philosophy, switching from a power-run game to a pass-heavy offense depending on the quarterback, and without much of a clear blueprint for success. The Colts’ inability to fully commit to one offensive approach has left them perpetually in search of balance, while other teams have excelled by finding a system that works for them.
Under head coach Shane Steichen, who was hired in 2023, there is hope that the offense will take on a more stable identity, especially with the development of Richardson. However, with a first-year head coach, a rookie quarterback, and a roster that lacks top-tier skill-position players, the Colts face significant growing pains. Moreover, their offensive line, which once was a strength, has become a liability, as it has struggled to protect quarterbacks in recent seasons. This disarray up front further limits their offensive capabilities, especially for a team relying on young talent.
For comparison, the NFC has teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles that have found success through a powerful, defined offensive identity. The Colts, by contrast, are still trying to figure out what their identity is, and this instability has kept them from truly competing in the league.
3. An Underwhelming Roster Compared to NFC Contenders
Looking at the roster from a league-wide perspective, it’s clear that the Indianapolis Colts are significantly behind most NFC teams in terms of talent. The Colts’ defense is arguably the team’s strongest unit, but even that has been inconsistent. Star linebacker Shaquille Leonard has been dealing with injuries, and while the team boasts a solid defensive line, it lacks a true game-changer or top-tier playmaker like many NFC teams.
By contrast, look at some of the NFC’s best: teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and 49ers feature dominant defenses filled with playmaking talent across all levels. These teams are filled with top-notch pass-rushers, ballhawks, and linebackers capable of swinging a game in their favor. While the Colts have a few bright spots like linebacker Zaire Franklin and cornerback Kenny Moore, they simply don’t have the depth or game-changing talent to compete with the NFC’s elite.
On offense, while Jonathan Taylor is an elite running back when healthy, the Colts have a barren receiving corps that pales in comparison to NFC teams that boast explosive playmakers. Players like Deebo Samuel and A.J. Brown dominate NFC defenses, whereas the Colts are still waiting for their next true star to emerge in the wide receiver group.
The Colts’ lack of depth across both sides of the ball leaves them at a significant disadvantage when compared to the depth and talent seen in top NFC franchises.
4. Inconsistent Coaching and Front Office Decision-Making
Another major issue plaguing the Indianapolis Colts is their inconsistency in leadership. The Colts have seen an alarming amount of turnover in key positions over the last few years, particularly at head coach and in the front office. After Frank Reich was dismissed in 2022, the Colts hired Jeff Saturday as interim head coach, a decision that raised eyebrows due to Saturday’s lack of coaching experience. Though Steichen, who had success as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator, has the potential to bring stability, the franchise’s inability to establish a consistent coaching structure has been damaging to its development.
The front office, under general manager Chris Ballard, has also struggled to make effective decisions. While Ballard is generally considered to be a competent GM, his failure to consistently build around the quarterback position and the lack of effective drafting (particularly in skill positions like wide receiver) has held the team back. Other NFC teams, such as the Eagles with Howie Roseman and the 49ers with John Lynch, have been able to consistently build championship-contending teams through smart drafting, player development, and effective decision-making. The Colts, on the other hand, seem to be stuck in a rut, making reactive decisions rather than setting a clear, long-term vision for success.
5. A Disconnected Fanbase and Organizational Dissonance
Finally, the Indianapolis Colts have seen a decline in fan engagement and support. Once a proud franchise with a loyal fan base, the Colts have struggled to maintain momentum in recent years. The departure of Andrew Luck, combined with the team’s subsequent struggles, has left a sense of disconnect in the fanbase. There’s also a growing sense of frustration with ownership’s inability to field a competitive team, leading to growing discontent and a loss of the once-strong energy that the Colts had in their heyday.
This lack of organizational coherence—from ownership down to the coaching staff—also permeates the team culture. In contrast, NFC teams like the Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, and Minnesota Vikings, though they’ve had their own challenges, have seen consistent leadership that fosters a clear direction. The Colts, in contrast, seem lost in a maze of identity crises and poor decisions, with little sense of cohesion in their operations.
Conclusion: The Colts’ Struggles to Compete with NFC Teams
In conclusion, the Indianapolis Colts’ current position as one of the NFL’s weaker teams is due to a combination of factors: inconsistent quarterback play, lack of roster depth, poor front-office decisions, and a coaching carousel. While teams in the NFC such as the Eagles, 49ers, and Cowboys have solidified their place as contenders with defined identities, elite talent, and stable leadership, the Colts remain mired in uncertainty. Until they can address their leadership issues, make smarter personnel decisions, and establish a clear offensive identity, they will continue to lag behind their NFC competitors and struggle to re-enter the playoff conversation.
As the Colts look to rebuild, it’s clear that there is a long road ahead, and while the NFC’s weakest teams may not be as far out of reach as those in the AFC, the Colts still have a great deal of work to do before they can consider themselves contenders once more.
Leave a Reply