The 2024 season was supposed to be the "launch" year for the Circle City. We all felt it. With a healthy Anthony Richardson back under center and Shane Steichen entering his second year, the hype at Lucas Oil Stadium was actually palpable. But look at the final standings, and it tells a different, kinda frustrating story. The indianapolis colts record 2024 officially settled at 8–9, a slight step back from the 9–8 finish the year before.
It’s the kind of record that leaves a fan base in that weird purgatory where you aren't sure if you should be hopeful for the future or annoyed at the present.
Honestly, the season felt like a series of "what ifs." What if the defense didn't give up 427 points? What if AR-5 stayed healthy for all 17 games? Instead of a playoff berth, Indy fans got a second-place finish in the AFC South and a front-row seat to the Houston Texans taking over the division.
The Rollercoaster of the 2024 Schedule
If you followed this team week-to-week, you probably need a nap. It was exhausting. They started 0–2 after a heartbreaking 29–27 loss to Houston and a sluggish 16–10 showing at Lambeau. Then, things got interesting. They rattled off wins against Chicago and Pittsburgh, looking like they finally found their groove.
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But that’s the Colts for you.
By the time they hit the midseason stretch, the wheels kinda wobbled. They lost a 37–34 shootout to Jacksonville in October—a game where the defense basically stayed on the bus—and followed it up with a trio of losses to the Texans, Vikings, and Bills.
Key Game Results from the 2024 Slate:
- Week 4 vs. Steelers: A 27–24 gritty win that made us think the playoffs were a lock.
- Week 11 @ Jets: Richardson’s comeback game. He went for 272 yards and two rushing scores, including the game-winner. Pure magic.
- Week 17 @ Giants: The low point. A 45–33 loss to a struggling Giants team that officially killed the playoff dreams.
- Week 18 vs. Jaguars: A 26–23 overtime win to end the year on a high note, even if it was too little, too late.
The Anthony Richardson Conundrum
We have to talk about the quarterback. It’s the law in Indy. Anthony Richardson’s 2024 campaign was a total mixed bag. He played 11 games, finishing with 1,814 passing yards, 8 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Those 12 picks are the number that keeps Shane Steichen up at night.
His completion percentage sat at 47.7%. That's... not great.
But then you see the rushing stats. 499 yards and 6 touchdowns on the ground. He’s a tank in the red zone. The problem was the injuries (again). He missed time in October with an oblique issue and then sat out the final two games with a back injury. It’s hard to build a rhythm when your QB1 is in and out of the lineup like a revolving door.
When Joe Flacco stepped in for his eight appearances, the offense looked "safer" but way less explosive. Flacco threw for 1,761 yards and 12 touchdowns, but he also had 7 interceptions of his own. The veteran presence helped, but it was clear the ceiling of this team is tied to Richardson's development.
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Jonathan Taylor: Still That Guy
While the passing game was a mess, Jonathan Taylor reminded everyone why he’s one of the best in the business. He was the heartbeat of the indianapolis colts record 2024 push.
Taylor finished the year with 1,431 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. He averaged 4.7 yards per carry, which is wild considering defenses knew he was getting the ball. He had eight games with over 100 rushing yards. In a Week 16 win over the Titans, he absolutely exploded for 218 yards and 3 scores.
Without JT, this team probably wins four games. Max.
Why the Defense Struggled
Gus Bradley’s unit had some stars, but the overall numbers were ugly. They allowed 25.1 points per game, ranking them 24th in the league. The secondary was a massive liability for most of the year, giving up huge chunks of yardage to anyone with a decent arm.
- Zaire Franklin was a tackling machine, racking up 173 total tackles (93 solo).
- DeForest Buckner remained the anchor with 6.5 sacks despite missing time.
- Nick Cross stepped up in a big way with 146 tackles and 3 interceptions.
The pass rush was hit or miss. Kwity Paye led the team with 8 sacks, and rookie Laiatu Latu showed flashes of brilliance with 4 sacks and 3 forced fumbles, but they couldn't get consistent pressure when it mattered most.
What This Record Means for 2025 and Beyond
An 8–9 record means the Colts are sitting at a crossroads. General Manager Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen are expected to return, but the seat is getting warmer. You can’t miss the playoffs four years in a row in this league without people asking questions.
The "blueprint" is there. You have a superstar running back and a quarterback with the physical tools of a Madden create-a-player. But the consistency isn't. The 2024 season proved that "potential" doesn't win the AFC South.
Moving forward, the focus has to be on two things: keeping Richardson on the field and fixing the 29th-ranked pass defense. If they can’t stop the C.J. Strouds of the world, it won't matter how many touchdowns Jonathan Taylor scores.
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Actionable Takeaways for Colts Fans:
- Watch the Draft: Expect the Colts to target a high-end cornerback or safety early. The secondary needs a massive talent infusion.
- Monitor AR’s Offseason: Richardson’s mechanics and footwork are the keys to 2025. If that completion percentage doesn't hit 60%, the offense will stay stagnant.
- Appreciate Zaire Franklin: He’s arguably the most undervalued linebacker in the NFL right now.
Indy is close. They’re "one or two plays away" close. But in the NFL, that’s the difference between a Super Bowl run and watching the playoffs from your couch.