Magic 8 Ball Picks for the 2024 Indianapolis Colts

admin | June 15, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Mattel’s Magic 8 Ball has predicted the future since 1946.

We asked a few questions about the Indianapolis Colts one by one, and the replies were varied.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, users ask the ball yes or no questions, shake it, and then turn it over to disclose the response. We used an online version to ask the following:

Will Anthony Richardson stay healthy for a full season?

Magic 8 Ball says: Most likely

Richardson’s often reckless style of play was a source of concern during his rookie season, as he only made it to Week 4 before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, and he did not play beyond halftime in two of his four starts. And, despite having the AC joint in his throwing shoulder surgically fixed, he is still not fully recovered after missing the final practice of mandatory minicamp due to shoulder soreness.

Last season, Richardson had the greatest percentage of dropbacks (29.6) in which the quarterback was responsible for the defense generating pressure, according to Pro Football Focus. Richardson will be involved in a number of scrambles and designed runs due to his exceptional athletic ability. However, the Colts need to improve his protection by reducing the number of unnecessary hits he absorbs throughout the season.

Are the Colts a playoff team?

Magic 8 Ball says: Ask again later

Last season, Indianapolis was one 23-19 Week 18 loss away from representing the AFC South in the playoffs (despite playing backup quarterback for the final 13 games). So, given the Colts were so close to the playoffs a year ago, it’s logical to believe they can make it this year, right?

Aside from its top two draft picks, Indianapolis did little to strengthen its roster this summer. Although the Colts kept some of their own free agents, they only signed two players from other clubs last season. The Texans certainly improved from last season, as could be claimed for the Jaguars and Titans, but the Colts did not.

Does rookie edge-rusher Laiatu Latu make the Pro Bowl?

Magic 8 Ball says: Don’t count on it

Many scouts and draft experts ranked Latu as the best edge-rusher in the 2024 draft, therefore the Colts’ selection at No. 15 may be considered a steal. But Indy’s pass rush was perhaps its best strength in 2023, so signing Latu was more of a luxury than a necessity.

The Colts have a good rotation of players who get after the quarterback, and with Latu joining the likes of Samson Ebukam (9.5 sacks), Kwity Paye (8.5), Dayo Odeyingbo (eight), and DeForest Buckner (eight), his chances to actually distinguish out and rack up sacks may be limited — at least in 2024.

Will Jonathan Taylor contend for another rushing title?

Magic 8 Ball says: Yes

Taylor played only 10 games last season due to injuries, but he appeared to rediscover his groove after Thanksgiving, running for 418 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 4.9 yards per carry in his final four games.

Zack Moss, who rushed for 794 yards and five touchdowns during Taylor’s absence, is now in Cincinnati. And, with Taylor probably healthy and earning the majority of the carries, he should be able to replicate his 2021 performance, when he carried for 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns.