Colts resurgence has one gigantic red flag nobody’s talking about
There are a few reasons why the Colts are still fighting for respect despite their record.
It is really simple: the Colts are red hot. A 7–1 record, one of the best offenses in football, all while resurrecting a quarterback once labeled as a bust — it’s a lot to get done in one year. However, what should we make of a team that last made the AFC Championship Game in 2015? A year in which their star running back was still in high school, and their oldest player, long snapper Luke Rhodes, was still in college. How are we to view contenders when their institutional knowledge of winning is virtually nonexistent?
The odd thing is this isn’t only found in this Colts team. The top four teams in the AFC halfway through the year haven’t seen sustained playoff success in recent memory, and many haven’t been to the playoffs in some time.
At the top are the Colts, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2020. Then the Patriots, who haven’t won a playoff game since 2018. The Broncos, who haven’t won a playoff game since 2015. And finally, the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have lost in the Wild Card or missed the playoffs every year since 2020.
Obviously, you can’t be a winner until you start winning, so I want to stay away from “moving the goalposts” simply because a poor team last season is winning this year. To think, though, that an 8–9 Colts team from 2024 would be 7–1 in 2025 would have been difficult for anyone to believe this summer during OTAs.
There are a few reasons why the Colts are still fighting for respect despite their record.
So, what should we believe? As Chiefs fans, we’ve seen the end of Brady and the Patriots’ chokehold on the conference, and we have seen over the years the resurgence of teams like the Titans, Bengals, Bills, Ravens, and Dolphins as potential standard-bearers of the AFC. What makes this Colts team different, for good or bad?
First of all, the running game sets the Colts apart. Jonathan Taylor is a nightmare, and a good run game has historically made for a well-rounded offense and is difficult to stop in the postseason. Compiling 850 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns through eight weeks is an outstanding start and something to be fearful of with the Colts moving forward. Averaging three rushing yards before contact, Taylor benefits from a great offensive line to open lanes for him. A consistent run game makes life easy for both Daniel Jones in the passing game and for the Colts defense, staying off the field.
A better-than-average defense has kept the Colts’ opponents at bay. Ranked 23rd in yards allowed, the Colts are letting teams move the ball all over them. However, they’re ranked 6th in points allowed, meaning they hold their opponents to field goals or they force turnovers, in which they are also ranked 3rd. It is worth noting that the Colts allow almost as many first downs on defense as their offense picks up, but they find a way to get off the field. Whether this defense finds sustained success in the second half of the season remains to be seen.
Lastly, and maybe most importantly, a more than ideal schedule. The only teams the Colts have played that are above .500 are the Broncos, Rams, and Chargers. The rest of the opponents they have played are a combined 7–23 through the first eight weeks of the season. Hard to see a team underperforming when they have had opponents like the Colts have thus far in 2025.
With a remaining schedule that includes bouts against Kansas City, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, and Seattle, it seems improbable that this Colts team maintains a single blemish on their record throughout the second half. Moving forward, we will most definitely see a Colts team that will be challenged, and how they respond will be the true test of whether this team is as good as it seems.
Maxx Crosby Promises a Dominant Return: ‘We’ll Keep Battling Every Single Play’
The Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive line is facing a significant challenge with one of their leaders, Maxx Crosby, battling an injury. Known for his relentless play, Crosby has been a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense since joining the team. Despite the setback, Crosby remains confident and determined to make a dominant return to the field.
In a recent statement, Crosby made it clear that the injury will not define him or his team. “Injuries are part of the game, but they don’t define who I am. I’ll keep pushing, keep fighting, and I’ll be back stronger than ever. I’m not backing down, and neither is this defense. We’ll keep battling every single play,”
Crosby’s leadership on and off the field has been critical to the Raiders’ defensive unit. His relentless style of play, combined with his ability to disrupt offenses, has made him a key player. The injury is undoubtedly a blow to the defense, but Crosby’s mindset is clear: this is just another challenge to overcome. He is determined to return stronger and continue being a force for the Raiders.
Throughout his career, Crosby has faced adversity and emerged stronger each time. His determination to keep fighting, even in the face of injury, is not just about him — it’s about setting an example for the rest of the team. Crosby’s leadership is invaluable, and it’s evident that his commitment to the team is unwavering.
The Raiders have relied on Crosby’s energy and ability to make game-changing plays. His absence may temporarily shift the dynamic of the defense, but with Crosby’s mindset and his work ethic, his return will undoubtedly reinvigorate the team. His words,
As the Raiders prepare for their upcoming games, they will undoubtedly miss Crosby’s presence on the field. However, his resolve to return stronger, coupled with the defensive depth the Raiders have, will be key in sustaining their competitive edge. The team will need to rally together and maintain their defensive focus, knowing that Crosby will be back to lead them as soon as he is able.
For now, Maxx Crosby’s focus is on recovery, and when he returns, it’s clear that he’ll be ready to make his mark once again. His determination to overcome obstacles and keep fighting is a rallying cry for his teammates, and the Raiders will no doubt look to Crosby’s example as they continue to battle for a playoff spot.
