Three Colts That Need Improvement the Most in 2024

admin | January 20, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

The Indianapolis Colts had several players exceed expectations in 2023, but these three must improve their performance heading ahead.

After losing to the Houston Texans in Week 18, the Indianapolis Colts ended 9-8 and fell short of the playoffs. This ending exceeded the expectations of almost everyone who covers the NFL. Shane Steichen delivered a Coach of the Year performance in his debut season as the Indiana Pacers’ front man.

In 2023, several players, including linebacker E.J. Speed, defensive ends Dayo Odeyingbo and Samson Ebukam, and guard Will Fries, improved on previous seasons.

However, an active roster consists of 53 players, so there is always space for development. With that in mind, here are the three Colts players that need to step up the most in 2024.

Kwity Paye | Defensive End

Kwity Paye, a former first-round choice from Michigan, achieved career-highs in sacks (8.5), tackles (52), and forced fumbles (2). Paye performed well in run defense, earning a 78.1 grade from Pro Football Focus.

The consistency with which he gets to the quarterback is the source of his criticism and the reason for his inclusion on this list.

Paye had the second-most sacks on the team, trailing only Ebukam (9.5), but he was rarely involved in putting pressure on the opposition field general.

He recorded 28 pressures on the quarterback this season while playing 410 pass-rushing snaps. Paye needs to improve to be a first-round pick, since backup end Tyquan Lewis only had 44 pressures on 259 pass-rushing snaps, despite the seemingly significant margin.

When questioned about Paye’s first three seasons with Indy at his end-of-year press conference, general manager Chris Ballard said the following:

“Good, better. Excellent versus the run. I think he had his high sack total this year. He’s got some stuff he’s got to work on, rushing the passer, but good – he’s a good football player. I thought our front played really well. I thought our d-line played pretty good football.”

Paye’s fifth-year option will be open for the Colts to take or pass on in 2024, so we’ll see how that pans out for him as his offseason gets moving.

Rodney Thomas II | Free Safety

Free safetyRodney In his 2022 rookie season, Thomas II led the Colts in interceptions (4), tackles (52), and passes defense (6). This was far beyond Thomas’ seventh-round status (239th overall), surpassing expectations when drafted out of Yale.

Fast forward to 2023, when everything turned for the worst, with Thomas becoming a big problem for Gus Bradley’s scheme. According to PFF, Thomas had a poor tackle grade of 40.1 and missed 10 tackles. This is exacerbated by the fact that Thomas is the last line of defense as a free safety and should prevent big plays from occurring.

In addition to his poor tackling, Thomas struggled in coverage, allowing several big plays that affected the Colts’ season. The most obvious example came in Week 18 against the Texans, when Thomas made a poor read, allowing C.J. Stroud to complete an easy touchdown pass to fullback Andrew Beck in the second quarter.

Given Nick Cross’s strong performance in 2023, Thomas must improve in the coming year to avoid being replaced at free safety. If the Colts keep strong safety Julian Blackmon, it’s possible that Cross will be the starting free safety moving forward.

Alec Pierce | Wide Receiver

Alec Pierce, a second-year pass-catcher, appears on this list due to the absence of cannon-armed quarterback Anthony Richardson during the 2023 season.

Pierce was expected to thrive in his first year under Steichen’s offense, potentially racking up 800 or more receiving yards because to his deep ball talent and Richardson’s strong arm. Pierce was teamed with QB Gardner Minshew after Richardson suffered an AC joint injury in his throwing shoulder and missed the rest of the season.

Minshew is a veteran who understands Steichen’s offense, but he does not have the same style as Richardson. Instead, Minshew is a safer passer who prefers shorter throws to downfield attempts. This jeopardized Pierce’s pass-catching ability.

He finished 2023 with 32 receptions for 514 yards and two touchdowns. Aside from the touchdowns, Pierce did not improve on his rookie season (41 catches for 593 yards). He also only caught 49.2% of his 65 targets in his second season with the Colts.

While Pierce is an excellent wide receiver blocker, the NFL pays receivers to make consistent receptions rather than blocks. Pierce was unable to gain traction in 2023 and was unable to build enough momentum to aid his case.

It’s also true that in just two seasons in Pierce’s brief career, he’s had five quarterbacks throw him passes and three head coaches. With another offseason under Steichen’s offense and a full year with Richardson, perhaps the Cincinnati native can break out and silence his critics.

Ballard believes Pierce’s attitude and ambition, as he stated when asked what he thinks of the two years he’s spent with Indianapolis.

“Alec and I had a long talk. The things he does really well, and really why we drafted him, is getting down the field. That’s what he’s really good at. I think when we were able to use him in those situations, he was successful. I think we’ve got to continue to work on ways to let him do what he does well and that’s stretch the field. Still a young player, solid year, thought we probably could have – he’s so unselfish, you’re never going to hear him gripe or complain. He’s going to do whatever the team requires him to do but I do think there’s more in there.”