The Colts already made one seismic change, and Shane Steichen now finds himself staring at the next two weeks as a make-or-break stretch.
Indianapolis moved on from 10-year general manager Chris Ballard, a decision the Irsays made after a long wait. But if the results do not turn quickly, that won’t be the only shakeup in 2026. Steichen is the next coach under pressure, and the calendar is working against him.
The first hurdle is a home game against the 5-0 Minnesota Vikings. Offensively, Minnesota has been one of the worst undefeated teams ever by the numbers, with limited yardage and points.
But that’s where the comfort ends for Indianapolis. The Vikings are coming off a bye, they’re playing at home, and their defense ranks among the league’s best.
Kyler Murray is back under center and beginning to get comfortable. And in the same building where the Colts let a 33-0 lead slip away, the matchup has plenty of danger.
Being a touchdown underdog says enough about the climb ahead.
If Steichen can steady the group and get a win, it would buy him at least a little breathing room. But even that would only be a brief pause, because the pressure doesn’t stop there.
The Colts head to Jacksonville next, and that trip comes with its own baggage. The Jaguars’ record does not matter here, and neither does whether Trevor Lawrence has them rolling.
The Colts simply do not win in Jacksonville anymore. If Steichen is going to keep his job, this has to be the year that changes.
That’s the challenge in front of him: two difficult games, two chances to reset the season, and very little margin for error. Steichen can draw up the first twenty or so plays, but the Colts have too often watched things unravel after that.
The front office already sent a message when Ballard was let go. In this league, “Find a Way” means win.
Nothing else. And if Steichen drops both of these games, he will most likely be gone.
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Colts Get Encouraging Injury Shift Before Sundays Big Test
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