The Indianapolis Colts sit on top of the entire AFC for the second straight week and this time, they come off a convincing win against a very formidable opponent.
Heading into Week 7, there was clamor that the Colts were overrated as they had not beaten a worthy opponent. In all fairness, there was only one playoff-caliber team that the Colts beat through 6 weeks and that was the Denver Broncos. However, even this victory had a asterisk by it as the Colts got a very fortunate 15-yard penalty to set up a game-winning field goal. At face value, the criticism was warranted. However, it was unquestionable that the Colts offense was clicking on all cylinders. Leading up to Week 7, though, the question was whether the Colts could match up against a formidable playoff-caliber team in the Los Angeles Chargers. The answer was a resounding, yes.
Not only did the Colts beat the Chargers, but they also outplayed and outmatched the Chargers and rolled to a 38-24 victory on the road. The game was so lopsided that the Colts took a 20-point lead in halftime and never looked back. Although the Chargers have injuries throughout the roster, so do the Colts. This includes some key pieces on offense and defense for the Colts, who were without Josh Downs, Ashton Dulin, and Charvarius Ward, who will miss considerable time. The bottom line is that the Colts and Chargers were two injury-laden teams that were looking for a win to maintain pace on top of their division. The Colts just got the better of LA and won convincingly. Here are three reasons why the Colts are Super Bowl contenders.
The Offense is the Best in the NFL
The main reason why the Indianapolis Colts are 6-1 and have the #1 seed in the NFL is because of their high-powered offense. Through the first seven games of the season, the Colts are averaging 33.1 points per game which ranks best in the league. They also average the most yards per play, the most rushing touchdowns per game, and they have the lowest sack percentage in the league.
These statistics speak to a total team effort as the rushing and passing attack rank top 10 in almost every major category. For the first time in the Shane Steichen era, Colts fans are seeing his philosophy come to fruition. Steichen’s goal is for his team to throw to score points and run to win. Both are coming together beautiftully and creating a masterful offense that is almost impossible to stop right now.
Both Quarterback and Running Back are Playing Like MVPs
The reason why the Colts offense is the best in the league is because they have one of two key offensive players who are producing at high levels. For an offense to function in this way, it needs both a quarterback and a running back who can produce. The Colts have just that in Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor:
Jones is on pace to have the best season of his career and is even in the MVP discussion. He ranks fifth in the league in passing yards, he is tied for second in throws of 40+. He also ranks fifth in total QBR and is the best in the league in first down rate. His overall efficiency, poise, and production has been off the charts. If the Colts have not already written up a contract extension for him, they need to do so now.
Taylor is on pace to have another first team all-pro season and well as being on pace for the triple crown which is leading the league in rushing yards, touchdowns, and attempts. The last time a running back won MVP was Adrian Peterson in 2012. If Taylor can continue to produce as he is right now, there is no question that he will be the frontrunner for the award.
The Defense Bends but Doesn’t Break
The Colts weak link is certainly their defense. Unfortunately, this unit has not been able to match the explosiveness and efficiency that the offense has. That being said, though, the defense has shown signs of brilliance and has helped deliver victories.
In Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals, the defense held Jacoby Brissett out of the end zone for a game winning touchdown on fourth down. In Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, the defense held Bo Nix and company to 0 points in the fourth quarter. Just this past Sunday, the defense shut down any sort of comeback from Justin Herbert and the high-powered Chargers.
While this certainly is not the recipe for a championship defense, it is the recipe for a defense that can be complimentary to a high-powered offense. The main thing is just ensuring that the front office is doing all it can to put together a talented unit. The trade deadline is quickly approaching and there are several defensive giants who are available that might interest the Colts.
The Lucky Colt 
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