Headlines for Some of Colts' Most Crucial Matchups of 2023

“The Richardson Era Begins”

This statement may seem premature for some of you reading this, but I’ve heard from inside the Colts building there is serious interest in playing Anthony Richardson early. If training camp goes well and he's able to show himself to be further along than many thought around the league, I think he will be the Week 1 starter. Richardson’s main concern as a prospect is his inexperience as a starter at Florida, and the best way to improve that element would be getting him as many live game reps as possible.

“Stroud vs. Richardson 1”

The AFC South landed three of the top four quarterbacks from the 2023 draft class, two of which were drafted inside the top four with C.J. Stroud and Richardson. This matchup could be the first of many games that Stroud and Richardson get to go head-to-head. A rivalry that fans on both sides are hoping will prove their QB is the best from the 2023 class.

“The Future of the QB Position?”

The NFL landscape has changed drastically over time. One of the biggest changes occurring right in front of our eyes as of late is at the quarterback position. The days of strictly being a pocket passer seem to be in the past with more and more quarterbacks joining the league adding a mobility element that we simply didn't see often during the days of Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. This matchup could see two of the better athletes to ever play the quarterback position square off between Richardson and Lamar Jackson. Their success at the pro level could very well draw the blueprint for how quarterbacks of the future play at the high school and college levels, which could result in the future of the quarterback position being forever changed.

“Tannehill’s Last Start Against the Colts?”

The third top rookie QB in the AFC South is Will Levis. His situation, though, doesn't seem to add up to starting Day 1 for the Titans with Ryan Tannehill under contract. With the Colts' first matchup being this early on in the season, I don't feel confident in this being the first battle that Levis and Richardson have at the NFL level. Though I do think it very well could be the last time Tannehill is under center as a Titan against the Colts, which some fans may not think is notable but since joining the Titans, Tannehill is 6-1 as a starter against the Colts.

“Can Jet Lag Cure a Curse?”

The Jaguars, prior to this game, will be coming off back-to-back games played in London, England. So the Colts will get to play them off a week of extra travel than normal. Looking at the Colts' recent history of playing in Jacksonville, they need every advantage they can get. The Colts will have two losing droughts they are looking to end, both against the Jaguars. Starting out in Week 1 where the Colts will try to win their season opener for the first time since 2013. Then the second coming here in Week 6, where the Colts will try and get their first win in Jacksonville since 2014.

“Reich’s Revenge”

The 2022 Colts season was like a movie, but not in a good way. It seemed like everything that could go wrong did last season, which led to the Colts making a shocking mid-season firing of then-head coach Frank Reich. Reich, this offseason, would land on his feet as he was named the head coach of the Panthers. If the firing itself wasn't enough fuel to make Reich take this game personally, the way his exit occurred did the trick. Not only was Reich fired via text, but the team also replaced him with Jeff Saturday, with no NFL coaching experience. I expect to see Reich as dialed in as we have ever seen him when the Colts travel to Charlotte during Week 9.

“Die Rivalität ist Zurück Aber in Deutschland”

“Die Rivalität ist Zurück Aber in Deutschland” in English is, “The Rivalary is Back, but in Germany”. You may recall the notable words Colts general manager Chris Ballard used in reaction to Josh McDaniels leaving the Colts at the alter. And while it was in good fun, those words have some truth to it. Although the Manning vs. Brady years are in the rearview mirror, there is just something about when these two teams are on the opposite sides of the field to each other, tensions with all involved are high. Two years ago, I was in attendance for the game at Lucas Oil Stadium, and fans on both sides still take the rivalry very seriously. And Jonathan Taylor’s game-winning touchdown run is the loudest moment I’ve experienced inside Lucas Oil. After last year’s blowout loss, this fan base will demand a better outing, and they will get to do so in the NFL’s second-ever game in Germany.

“Richardson vs. Levis 1”

There are a lot of factors that play into this coming to fruition. One being the success the Titans have had with Tannehill in 2023. But with the roster in Tennessee having many questions, I believe this matchup in Week 13 has a solid shot at being the first NFL matchup between Richardson and Levis. The Richardson vs. Levis debates amongst the Colts fanbase this draft cycle were by far the most talked about subject this offseason. The Colts showed which they preferred by taking Richardson at pick four, where both were available. But the only people who have the ability to truly answer which side of the debate was “right” are these quarterbacks themselves via their play at the NFL level.

“The Measuring Stick Game”

When teams are in the “rebuilding/retooling” stage, games like this one help answer how far they are away from truly competing. The Bengals are among the best teams in the AFC, and the NFL as a whole, and in my opinion, the best team the Colts will face in 2023. With the game being this late in the season as well, both teams should be well into their grooves for the season. Win or lose, this game has the ability to help the Colts make decisions going forward on building the roster with the hopes of competing with teams like the Bengals.

“No First to Lose this Time Around”

Last year's season finale between the Colts and Texans had gigantic ramifications on the NFL offseason. The Texans converted a 4th-and-20 on what would set up the game-winning two-point conversion. That would lead to the Texans losing out on the first-overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft and would give that honor to the Chicago Bears. This year though, that thought won't even be on the minds of the Texans as they traded their 2024 first-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals on draft night this year. So the attention will be on both teams' rookie QBs who could very well be going into their second head-to-head matchup against each other in the NFL with the hopes of both franchises being that this is a rivalry that will go on for the next decade and beyond.