NFL analyst calls Indianapolis Colts an overrated team in 2024 | Sporting News

The Indianapolis Colts seem to be one of the most polarizing teams going into the 2024 season.

Some believe the Colts have the upside to win the division if things go according to plan. Others aren’t so bullish on the tandem of head coach Shane Steichen and quarterback Anthony Richardson going into Year 2.

In listing the most underrated and overrated teams in the NFL ahead of training camp, Mike Jones of The Athletic believes the Colts belong in the latter group.

MORE: Colts GM provides update on Anthony Richardson’s shoulder

Jones acknowledged the fact that the Colts exceeded expectations with a backup quarterback in 2023.

He also acknowledged the fact that most expect Steichen and Richardson to take a step forward before getting into why the Colts are overrated.

“But Anthony Richardson is essentially still a rookie, having played only four games before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury that required surgery. Not only does the quarterback have rust to knock off, but he also still has quite a bit of learning to do,” Jones wrote.

He’s not wrong in the sense that Richardson is essentially going into his rookie season again. The lack of reps and experience were major question marks going into his actual rookie campaign.

MORE: 5 things the Colts must prove to skeptics in 2024

Even so, the talented dual-threat quarterback already flashed some upside to be a game-changing talent. The injuries will certainly be a question mark on his profile, but the talent is there.

And those watching closely could already begin to see the strides he was making before the shoulder injury ended his season.

So much of the Colts’s success hinges on the surgically repaired shoulder of Richardson, and they will go as far as he takes them.

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