AFC South Power Rankings Post-Week 5: Jaguars and Colts on the rise
• They'll face the Colts in Week 6 for sole possession of the division
No. 2 AFC South Power Ranking Post-Week 5: Indianapolis Colts (3-2)
The biggest surprise in the AFC South this year may be the Colts. Make no mistake, they have several playmakers but they also have a lot of glaring weaknesses across their roster. Besides a true No. 1 receiver, they could use another stud at linebacker besides Shaquille Leonard. A tight end would also help. That said, head coach Shane Steichen has worked with what he has and made the most of it.
Indianapolis' front four remains one of the best in the league. They stymied the Titans' running attack in Week 5 and limited Derrick Henry to less than 50 yards. Their offense was equally efficient, going 8-of-13 on third down (61.5 percent conversion rate). The fact that Anthony Richarson left the game with a shoulder injury and Gardner Minshew kept the team afloat made the win even sweeter.
Speaking of Minshew, he'll be in at quarterback for the foreseeable future. Following the game, he noted that this is still Richardson's team but he'll have the chance to show other teams that he's starting material. Working in Minshew's favor is that he won't have to win games by himself. Zack Moss showed in Week 5 that he can deliver when called upon and Jonathan Taylor should progressively be eased into the lineup.
Shane Steichen called Gardner Minshew the best backup QB in the NFL after the game.
— Dominic Miranda (@DomMirandaTV) October 8, 2023
"It feels good knowing you have a coach that believes in you and guys around you to rally around."
Goes on to say this is AR's team. Ultimate teammate. Closes out a W again. #Colts @WTHRcom pic.twitter.com/AZxuIY7Jcb
Next on the Colts schedule are the Jaguars at EverBank Stadium, where they haven't won since 2014. One of the biggest storylines surrounding the game will be whether they will end the streak or extend it.