The Indianapolis Colts have gone from a team many predicted to finish last in the AFC South to establishing themselves as one of the Super Bowl favorites, silencing all critics with their dominant 7-1 start. Their remarkable turnaround is a testament to the masterful coaching of Shane Steichen, the MVP-caliber performance of Jonathan Taylor, and the career renaissance of quarterback Daniel Jones. The Colts are not just winning, they are doing so with an offensive efficiency that is setting historic benchmarks.
Colts Establishing Themselves as Super Bowl Favorites
Daniel Jones’s Career Revival
The signing of Jones in the 2025 offseason was largely viewed as a stopgap measure, with skepticism surrounding his consistency and turnover issues during his tenure with the New York Giants. However, under Steichen’s innovative offense, Jones has been completely revitalized, playing the most efficient football of his career.
Through eight games, Jones boasts a 71.2 completion percentage and has thrown for over 2,000 yards with 13 touchdowns and only three interceptions. This level of ball security and precision is a stark departure from his time with the Giants.
Steichen’s system has leveraged Jones’s strengths, creating a “point guard” role where he can distribute the ball efficiently to an underrated group of pass catchers. He has also improved his pocket awareness and mobility, with his high passer rating against pressure being particularly notable. The result is an offense that is both balanced and lethal.
Jonathan Taylor’s Dominant Return to Form
Complementing Jones’s aerial attack is Taylor, who is playing at an elite level after dealing with injuries in previous seasons. The healthy running back is not only leading the league in rushing yards (850) and rushing touchdowns (12), but is also averaging a highly efficient 5.9 yards per carry. His incredible performance on the ground forces defenses to honor the run, which in turn creates opportunities for Jones and the passing game.
Taylor’s dominance has put him in the conversation for FedEx Ground Player of the Week multiple times this season and has led to comparisons with some of the greatest running backs in NFL history. As one of the most prolific players in the league, his ability to grind out tough yards and break off explosive plays makes the Colts’ offense one of the most difficult to defend.
Shane Steichen’s Offensive Masterclass
The architect behind the Colts’ offensive juggernaut is the head coach Steichen. The third-year coach has cultivated a system that maximizes the talents of his players and operates with breathtaking efficiency. Under his leadership, the Colts are leading the NFL in points per game (33.8) and rank first in several other advanced offensive metrics, including Points Per Minute of Possession.
Steichen’s innovative use of analytics has also been a key factor in the team’s success. He is unafraid to go for it on fourth down in short-yardage situations, and his aggressiveness has paid off with a 100 percent conversion rate in those moments. His willingness to challenge conventional wisdom and trust his players has created a high-octane offense that is nearly unstoppable.
Defensive Consistency and Overall Strength
While the offense has grabbed the headlines, the Colts’ defense has quietly provided a solid foundation for the team’s success. Though not ranked among the league’s elite in total yards allowed, the unit is holding opponents to an impressive 19.3 points per game, good for sixth best in the NFL.
Led by defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, the defense is generating timely turnovers and complementing the explosive offense. This ability to force mistakes and limit scoring opportunities ensures that the offense has the chance to operate with maximum efficiency.
Outlook for a Historic Season
With the best record and point differential in the NFL, the Colts have transitioned from a hopeful contender to a legitimate Super Bowl favorite. As the season progresses into November and December, traditionally a time when the best teams separate themselves, the Colts are already playing at an exceptionally high level.
Their historic offensive pace, combined with a capable defense, makes them a formidable opponent for any team in the league. The story of the 2025 Colts is no longer a surprise, it’s a testament to a perfectly executed plan, elite talent, and brilliant coaching that has put them on a path to a potential championship.
Main Image: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
