The Indianapolis Colts are running out of runway, and Week 9 gives them a chance to stop the slide before it gets even uglier. Their season has gone nowhere near the way they wanted, and with nine games still left plus no first-round pick, there’s no shortcut to the finish line. They have to keep playing, keep sorting through the roster, and figure out what kind of team they actually have.
Dallas offers a favorable matchup on paper, mostly because the Cowboys have been a mess on defense. If the Colts handle a few key issues, they should be in position to get a much-needed win.
The biggest question is whether Indianapolis is still trying to win now or finally ready to lean into development. That decision has been hanging over the team, and it only gets sharper with the November 10 trade deadline approaching.
The Colts may try to squeeze out one more win before opening the door wider for the younger players in Week 10 and beyond. At some point, they have to decide whether the priority is squeezing every last result out of the season or finding out what they have in their first- and second-year guys.
Jonathan Taylor sits right in the middle of that conversation. The Colts have made it clear they do not want to trade him, and Taylor has also reaffirmed his commitment to the organization.
Even so, there’s a case for limiting how much they lean on him Sunday. The idea is simple: don’t expose him to unnecessary wear, don’t invite an injury, and don’t do anything that could hurt his value.
That would leave Seth McGowan to handle more of the work.
Then there’s Daniel Jones, whose leash has become one of the most uncomfortable storylines on the roster. He has shown repeatedly that he is not the answer to lead this team back to the top, and he looks like another failed veteran on Chris Ballard’s list. Shane Steichen has continued to stand by him, but if Jones struggles against one of the league’s weakest defenses, the Colts should at least think seriously about turning to Anthony Richardson Sr.
And if Indianapolis wants to make life easier on its own defense, it has to keep the Cowboys’ offense on the sideline. Dallas has been hard to stop, allowing the third-most total yards per game at 396.9 and ranking 17th in scoring defense at 26.6 points allowed per game.
The Cowboys also know how to stay on schedule when Dak Prescott gets rolling, ranking fourth in successful third-down conversion rate at 47.5 percent. The Colts have been respectable in that area, allowing a 32.6 percent conversion rate that ranks seventh, but they no longer have DeForest Buckner to help stuff the run.
In Other News...
Colts Suddenly Have A Daniel Jones Decision Fans Cant Ignore
Daniel Jones has become a name to watch in Indianapolis as the NFL trade deadline approaches, with multiple reports indicating the Colts have fielded inquiries about the quarterback and are at least open to hearing what might be out there. It is a notable turn for a player whose fit and production have already been under scrutiny, and the situation now adds another layer of uncertainty to a quarterback room that seemed headed for a quieter stretch.
Jones is also said to be interested in a change of scenery, which only sharpens the intrigue around what happens next. The Vikings have been mentioned as a possible landing spot, and the connection makes some sense given Joness familiarity with their offensive scheme, but the real question is whether the Colts decide the timing is right to move on before the deadline closes the door. [Read more 🡒]
Cowboys Offensive Uncertainty Could Change Everything For Colts Defense
The Cowboys added some extra depth on the eve of their Week 9 matchup with the Colts, elevating wide receiver Jordan Hudson and tight end James Mitchell from the practice squad. It is a clear sign Dallas is bracing for some uncertainty on offense, with injury questions hanging over the receiver and tight end groups as the game approaches.
For Indianapolis, the timing matters because the Colts defense has spent the week preparing for a Dallas attack that may not look exactly the way it usually does. The roster moves do not settle who will actually be available, but they do suggest the Cowboys want insurance in place, and that leaves the Colts waiting to see how much the matchup shifts once the final injury picture comes into focus. [Read more 🡒]
Colts Fans Should Be Bracing For A Stunning Sauce Gardner Twist
The Colts are heading toward the trade deadline with the kind of uncertainty that usually signals a bigger reset is coming. After a disappointing start, Indianapolis is reportedly preparing to make several moves, and cornerback Sauce Gardner is at the center of the conversation despite the fact that he was brought in as a major long-term piece and signed to a record deal just last year.
Gardners name alone would have made this a surprise, but the contract situation makes it even more complicated for the Colts. Any team interested in dealing for him would have to absorb a massive commitment, which is why this is not the kind of move that happens easily even when a front office is willing to listen. Still, with the deadline approaching and Indianapolis looking at its options, this is one storyline Colts fans will want to watch closely. [Read more 🡒]