The Indianapolis Colts are enjoying the bye week and are just beyond the midway point of the 2023 season.
With 10 games under their belt and seven remaining, this team is right in the thick of the competition for a playoff spot if things bounce their way a bit during the second half of the campaign.
Before we get into the final stretch of the season, we’re going to hand out some awards as the Colts come out of the bye week.
MVP
Winner: DT DeForest Buckner
There are few players who have had the same level of consistent impact. On a weekly basis, Buckner is making plays. Whether it’s dirsupting the top of the pocket as a pass rusher or bursting through the line to make a run stop, Buckner has been the most important player on the team. His 29 total pressures lead the team and are good for 10th-most among all interior defensive linemen. His 15.4% pass-rush win rate ranks 11th among qualified defensive tackles, according to Pro Football Focus.
Offensive Player of the Year
Winner: WR Michael Pittman Jr.
There are a few players worthy of this award at this point in the season, but Pittman Jr. is quietly having another strong campaign. Through 10 games, Pittman Jr. has 66 receptions for 677 yards and three touchdowns. He’s the catalyst of the passing game and is on pace to become the first Colts receiver to post 100 receptions and 1,100 yards since Reggie Wayne did so in 2012.
Defensive Player of the Year
Winner: CB Kenny Moore II
Opting to go with someone else besides Buckner due to his selection as the MVP, this was a very difficult decision. The Colts defense has had some strong performances this season from players like Zaire Franklin and Julian Blackmon. But Moore has returned to his Pro Bowl level of play. He’s allowing just 9.1 yards per reception and a 69.9 passer rating in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus.
Special Teams Player of the Year
Winner: K Matt Gay
Though Nick Cross also deserves some love here, we’re going to go with the man who is currently tied for the lead with seven field goals made of at least 50 yards. He’s 17-of-20 on field-goal attempts this season but one came from over 60 yards and another from over 50 yards. He’s been as advertised, and he’s been well worth the money.
Rookie of the Year
Winner: WR Josh Downs
Part of me wanted to go with cornerback Jaylon Jones, who has been impressive stepping into a bigger role than expected as a seventh-round pick. But it’s difficult to deny what Downs has done. Despite battling through a knee injury, Downs has made play after play and has earned the trust of both his teammates and the coaching staff. He has a bright future as a quick-winning play-maker in Shane Steichen’s offense.
Most Improved Player of the Year
Winner: DE Dayo Odeyingbo
The third-year pass rusher is really coming into his own. He’s fourth on the team with 20 total pressures and is coming off a game with a career-high three sacks over in London. The Colts have missed versatility of a pass rusher like Odeyingbo since they let Denico Autry walk in free agency. It will be very interesting to see how the rest of his season goes.
Biggest Surprise
Winner: Offensive Line
The entire unit as a whole has really stepped forward under new offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr in 2023. This unit was a major issue during the 2022 season and even though they haven’t been playing together a whole lot due to injuries, they are allowing the 11th-lowest pressure rate, according to Pro Football Reference’s advanced stats.
Biggest Disappointment
Winner: Anthony Richardson’s injury
This has all to do with the simple fact that we didn’t get to see a full season from Richardson and nothing to do with how he played. The No. 4 overall pick showed plenty of encouraging developments to have strong optimism toward the future, but it’s very disappointing we didn’t get to see his rookie campaign come to fruition.
Comeback Player of the Year
Winner: C Ryan Kelly
There are a few players deserving of this selection, but Kelly has truly returned to a high level of play. He’s playing with a lot more confidence and consistency while being the anchor the offensive line needs. His three pressures allowed are the fewest among centers with at least 240 pass-blocking snaps, proving he’s back to his Pro Bowl ways.
