Indianapolis Colts Shane Steichen: Case for Coach of the Year

When the Indianapolis Colts hired Shane Steichen as their next head coach, many thought it would be more of a rebuilding year. They had the fourth overall pick in the draft and took a raw prospect in Anthony Richardson. The roster wasn’t talent-rich on either side of the ball and while a rookie quarterback provides excitement, it doesn’t always produce wins. Ahead of week 14, the Colts sit at 7-5 amidst a four-game win streak which puts them currently as the sixth seed in the AFC. Indianapolis Colts Shane Steichen should be getting more Coach of the Year buzz.

Indianapolis Colts Shane Steichen

Steichen was hired to help a struggling offense. The work that he did with Jalen Hurts and the Eagles was proof that he could coach a good offense. With a new quarterback coming in that had some Hurts-like qualities, it seemed like a perfect fit. Through the first four weeks, Richardson looked amazing. While there were still flaws, the proof of concept was there. Then Richardson went down with a season-ending shoulder injury in week 5 and for the rest of the season, the offense would be led by Gardner Minshew.

Offense Still Worked

Here is the crazy thing about the change to Minshew. The offense didn’t miss a beat! While the Colts went on a little bit of a losing streak, the offense was still putting up a lot of points. In weeks 6-8, the team scored 20, 38, and 27 points. These are respectable numbers and the losses came because of a defense that hasn’t been able to stop opposing offenses. The team sat at 3-5 through eight games and many thought this was where the team would settle.

Easier Part Of The Schedule

Games against the Panthers, Patriots, Buccaneers, and Titans helped the team go on a four-game winning streak. Again, the offense has looked great especially this past week against Tennessee when they had a come-from-behind overtime victory. This has propelled them to a 7-5 record and a projected playoff spot. For those thinking all the wins have come against bad teams, the Colts won games against the Texans and Ravens earlier in the season. Overall the team is playing well and is figuring out ways to win.

Indianapolis Colts Shane Steichen: Offensive Rankings

If you look at the offensive rankings, the numbers won’t jump off the page. They are 14th in yards per game, 16th in passing yards per game, 12th in rushing yards per game, and 8th in points per game. This is a solid slightly above-average offense. What makes it more impressive is the weapons that Indianapolis Colts Shane Steichen has had at his disposal. There’s Minshew who is a journeyman backup quarterback. Jonathan Taylor has been injured most of the year but Zack Moss has stepped up with 723 rushing yards so far. Michael Pittman Jr. is having a career year and then it is rookie Josh Downs and second-year receiver Alec Pierce. That’s what they have been winning with! When this happens, coaching is the reason.

Coach Of The Year?

If the Colts make the playoffs, Steichen should be the Coach of the Year in my opinion. This was a team that sold off pieces in the offseason and was planning on being bad. Now, they are squarely in the playoff picture with a good chance of making it. Their final five games are Bengals, Steelers, Falcons, Raiders, and Texans. The week 18 matchup with Houston could be for a playoff spot! (Imagine saying that at the beginning of the season). He has done a great job with this roster and should be rewarded. The future looks bright thanks to Indianapolis Colts Shane Steichen and the job that he is doing. There are many deserving candidates but Steichen rises above the rest for me.