One NFL analyst recently highlighted a reason why the Indianapolis Colts should be optimistic going into the 2026 season.
Why should Indianapolis Colts fans be optimistic heading into the 2026 season?
Following the team’s late-season collapse this past year, the Colts have now missed the playoffs in five consecutive seasons, but GM Chris Ballard still remains at the helm.
Under Ballard, the Colts have two playoff appearances in nine seasons, won playoff win, and no division titles.
So what is a reason to be hopeful heading into next season?
If you ask Pro Football Focus’ Thomas Valentine, the play of the Colts through the first half of the 2025 season is the reason why. Valentine believes that was no fluke.
“For the first 10 weeks of the season,” wrote Valentine, “the Colts led the league in EPA per play and were second in success rate on offense.”
Valentine also notes Jonathan Taylor’s high level of play during the first 10 games, along with the Colts’ offensive line unit ranking top five in pass blocking and run blocking.
“It feels far away, but it was real,” Valentine added. “The Colts beat the Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos while playing well against the Los Angeles Rams. Keeping head coach Shane Steichen in the building is a big bonus, too. There’s a formula there for the Colts to tap into.”
This, of course, is operating under the assumption that Daniel Jones returns as the Colts’ quarterback — and that seems to be the direction this is headed.
Colts’ principal owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon believes this as well. How Ballard adapted his roster-building approach last offseason, paired with the success the Colts had early on — which is believed to be repeatable and sustainable — are two reasons why he is back as GM.
