Colts’ power rankings roundup Week 3: Steady moving up
The Indianapolis Colts (1-1) found their way into the win column with a 31-20 win over the Houston Texans (0-2) at NRG Stadium in Week 2.
The divisional win came on the back of a strong start from rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, who exited after the first quarter due to a concussion. Gardner Minshew was fantastic in relief while the defensive line was stout for the majority of the contest.
Each week, we’ll round up where the Colts sit in the power rankings according to several outlets. Next to their ranking, the number in parentheses indicates the change from the previous week. A positive number means they’re moving up the power rankings.
Here’s where the Colts stand in the Week 3 power rankings:
USA TODAY
Author: Nate Davis
Rank: 26 (+3)
Link to article
Author’s Take: “At 21 years and 118 days old, QB Anthony Richardson is the youngest quarterback in the Super Bowl era to score multiple rushing TDs in a game. He also hasn’t finished either of his first two career starts, and a concussion could prevent him from playing in Week 3.”
Touchdown Wire
Author: Jarrett Bailey
Rank: 24 (+3)
Link to article
Author’s Take: “Anthony Richardson looks like Zeus on a football field. That’s great. Anthony Richardson has that Josh Allen gene where he doesn’t slide and is now in concussion protocol. That is bad. Richardson is fantastic, and it looks like Shane Steichen is, too, but the potential-star quarterback needs to be more cautious.”
Bleacher Report
Author: NFL Staff
Rank: 27 (+1)
Link to article
Author’s Take: “Last week, Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters that he and rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson had discussed using caution while scrambling to prevent injury.
“I think there is a fine line, but I think if you go look at it statistically, most quarterbacks if they do get hurt—if you look at all the numbers—it’s within the pocket more than anything,” Steichen said. “Again, we have those conversations weekly about when to be smart.”
As it turns out, Steichen might have jinxed his young quarterback.
Early on, it appeared Richardson was on his way to an epic performance against the Houston Texans. He rushed for scores on each of the Colts’ first two drives. But on that second touchdown, Richardson took a shot to the head that landed him in the concussion protocol.
On Sunday, the Colts survived without Richardson. Tailback Zack Moss averaged almost five yards per carry, and backup quarterback Gardner Minshew was sharp in relief of the rookie.
But the young quarterback suffering an injury in just his second start undoubtedly threw a scare into both the Colts and their fanbase. To make a run at relevance in the AFC South, they need their electrifying signal-caller on the field.
“The Colts’ victory Sunday over the rival Texans proved to be both promising and disheartening,” Sobleski said. “On the positive side, the rebuilding squad looked well-coached. Steichen concocted a varied offensive game plan that resulted in 353 total yards and 31 points. However, Richardson didn’t return to the game after being evaluated for a concussion.
“Richardson looked great with a pair of rushing touchdowns to open the game, but he has now played in two games and hasn’t finished either. As big, burly and athletic as Richardson is, he must protect himself better than he has so far.”
ESPN NFL Nation
Author: Stephen Holder
Rank: 27 (+3)
Link to article
Author’s Take: “Player: WR Michael Pittman Jr .
Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2023 season
Running back Jonathan Taylor ‘s contract situation has dominated the headlines, but Pittman is also at the end of his rookie contract and is doing his best to drive up his value as a free agent. Pittman has 16 receptions for 153 yards and a touchdown through two games. He has been highly productive, averaging 93.5 receptions over the past two seasons, and it’s possible he’ll wind up as one of the higher-paid receivers in the NFL given his age (25) and consistency. The Colts have the second-lowest wide receiver payroll in the NFL by average salary. Could that finally be changing?”
Sporting News
Author: Vinnie Iyer
Rank: 26 (+3)
Link to article
Author’s Take: “The Colts got enough from Anthony Richardson early to jump-start their offense in Houston, but now need to keep producing without him in the short term. The defense just isn’t good away from the front, however.”
Pro Football Network
Author: Dalton Miller
Rank: 24 (+2)
Link to article
Author’s Take: “The Indianapolis Colts may go as far as their freakishly athletic quarterback can take them. He’s played more under control and consistently than even his greatest supporters could have dreamed. However, a concussion on a touchdown run in the first quarter kept us from seeing what he might accomplish with a full 60 minutes against the Texans.
The rub is and will be his ability to remain healthy with such a heavy dose of the rushing attack falling on his shoulders. No matter how big and athletic a man is, hits accumulate.
But Shane Steichen and Gardner Minshew are familiar, and Minshew stepped in cleanly in Richardson’s absence, completing over 80% of his attempts while taking care of the football.”
NFL.com
Author: Eric Edholm
Rank: 30 (–)
Link to article
Author’s Take: “You have to be encouraged by — and concerned with — Anthony Richardson through two games. He hasn’t looked overwhelmed facing NFL defenses, he’s thrown some really nice passes and he’s been dangerous as a runner, scoring three TDs and averaging 5.8 yards per carry. But he’s also left two straight games with injury. In Week 1, he left late with a knee injury, and in Week 2, he landed in the concussion protocol. Gardner Minshew did what a good backup should, helping pad the lead he inherited, but the Colts want Richardson be out there — and they surely want him to protect himself better. If he can cut down on the injuries, Indy might really have something. For now, though, an impressive win is marred by a smidge of fear.”
Yahoo Sports
Author: Frank Schwab
Rank: 27 (+2)
Link to article
Author’s Take: “Anthony Richardson was the first Colt with two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter of a game since Edgerrin James in 1999, according to NFL Research. He is the next generation Cam Newton, a huge man with exceptional running skills, a cannon arm and a much better passer than anticipated as a rookie. Now he needs to stay healthy.”
CBS Sports
Author: Pete Prisco
Rank: 24 (+5)
Link to article
Author’s Take: “Anthony Richardson got off to a great start against the Texans, but then left with a concussion. But he showed he can lead this team on the road, which is a good sign as the Colts won for the first time.”
