Stock Watch: Colts’ Standouts and Struggles After Another Tough Loss
As the Colts navigate the most grueling stretch of their schedule, the margin for error is shrinking fast. A divisional loss to the Texans didn’t just sting-it exposed some real cracks in the foundation.
But amid the frustration, a few players are stepping up in a big way, while others-and even some key decision-makers-are trending in the wrong direction. Let’s break down who’s rising and who’s slipping as the Colts try to keep their playoff hopes alive.
📈 Stock Up
Alec Pierce
If there’s one player who’s flipped the narrative this season, it’s Alec Pierce. A year ago, he was mostly a vertical threat-stretching the field but not doing much else.
Now? He’s evolved into the Colts’ most complete receiver.
He’s winning on intermediate routes, finding soft spots in zone coverage, and making tough grabs across the middle. He even made a rare cameo on defense, breaking up a Hail Mary at the end of the half.
That’s the kind of all-in effort that earns respect in the locker room.
What’s really stood out, though, is his commitment to the run game. Pierce has embraced the dirty work-blocking with physicality and purpose.
That kind of versatility isn’t flashy, but it’s invaluable. He’s no longer just a deep-ball specialist-he’s becoming a reliable, every-down weapon.
Germaine Pratt
Midseason pickups don’t always pan out, but Germaine Pratt has been a stabilizing force since arriving in Indy. After being let go by the Raiders, he stepped into a Colts linebacker room that badly needed a steady presence-and he’s delivered. He’s not the fastest guy in coverage, but he’s rarely out of position, and his tackling has been rock solid.
What’s helped is his familiarity with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. That prior knowledge of the system shows-he’s reading plays quickly, shedding blocks, and staying on the field for every snap. He’s not making highlight reels, but he’s doing the kind of fundamental work that keeps a defense from breaking.
Cam Bynum
Another week, another impact performance from Cam Bynum. The free-agent safety has been a quiet star in the Colts’ secondary, and Sunday was no exception.
He came away with another interception and didn’t miss a single tackle. That kind of consistency on the back end is exactly what this defense needs, especially with so many young pieces in the mix.
Alongside Nick Cross, Bynum has helped turn the Colts’ safety duo into a legitimate strength. They’re not just cleaning up mistakes-they’re making plays of their own. Bynum’s instincts and range continue to show up week after week.
Adetomiwa Adebawore
Adetomiwa Adebawore-“Ade Ade” to teammates and fans-keeps stacking positive reps. He notched another sack this week, beating his man clean and forcing the Texans out of field goal range. That’s a game-changing play, and it’s becoming more common as his confidence grows.
He’s still part of the rotational group up front, but he’s carving out a bigger role with each passing game. The athleticism has always been there; now the technique and timing are catching up. The Colts needed someone to step up on the interior, and Ade Ade is answering the call.
📉 Stock Down
Shane Steichen
Three out of the last four games, the Colts’ offense has come out flat-and that’s a reflection on Shane Steichen. The Texans defense is legit, no doubt, but the lack of adjustments and rhythm on offense is hard to ignore.
The Colts’ two touchdowns came from individual brilliance, not scheme. That’s a red flag.
Steichen’s pass-to-set-up-the-run philosophy has hit a wall now that defenses are keying in on it. Opponents are making life difficult for Gardner Minshew (and previously Anthony Richardson), and there’s been little counterpunch.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Taylor continues to churn out positive yardage almost every time he touches the ball-but he still isn’t the focal point. That has to change.
If the Colts can’t find answers soon, this could spiral into another late-season collapse. And this one might sting even more than 2021.
Michael Pittman Jr.
Michael Pittman Jr. had a tough draw against Derek Stingley Jr., but one catch for 13 yards on four targets just isn’t going to cut it-especially for a player of his caliber and contract.
What’s more concerning is the trend. He’s been held under 30 yards in three straight games after reaching that mark in all but one of the first nine.
Whether it’s scheme, matchups, or execution, something’s off. Pittman is supposed to be the go-to guy, the chain-mover, the red-zone threat.
Right now, he’s not making the impact the Colts need from their WR1.
Colts’ Playoff Chances
The post-bye stretch was always going to be the gauntlet-and so far, the Colts are 0-2. Losing to a division rival like the Texans doesn’t just hurt in the standings; it gives Houston the upper hand in a tight playoff race.
Now comes a critical trip to Jacksonville, where the Colts haven’t won in years. If they can’t break the Duval curse, the playoff picture starts to fade fast. The margin for error is razor-thin, and every game from here on out feels like a must-win.
Michael Badgley
Another week, another missed extra point-and this one came at a crucial time. Because of the miss, the Colts had to chase a touchdown on their final drive instead of being able to tie it with a field goal. That’s the kind of detail that can flip a game-and a season.
At this point, the patience may be running out. There are viable options on the market, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Colts make a change at kicker before next Sunday.
Bottom Line
The Colts are at a crossroads. There’s undeniable talent on this roster, and some players are playing the best football of their careers.
But the margin for error is gone. If the Colts want to stay in the playoff hunt, they’ll need more than just individual brilliance-they’ll need cohesion, adaptation, and a sense of urgency that’s been missing in recent weeks.
The next few games will tell us everything we need to know about where this team is headed.