We are only two games into the Indianapolis Colts’ 2024 season. In what is a long season with ebbs-and-flows and that consists of 17 games, saying any game is a must-win at this point may seem like it’s a bit of a reach.
However, recent NFL history suggests that Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears is just that–a must-win if the Colts hope to keep their playoff hopes alive.
According to Bill Barnwell of ESPN, since 2002, there have been 103 teams to begin their seasons 0-3. Of that group, only the 2018 Houston Texans have been able to turn things around and make the playoffs.
So, I guess it’s not an impossible feat, but certainly not a likely outcome either.
Ultimately, while there are a few issues that the Colts are dealing with currently, getting a win begins with having a much improved run defense. As we’ve seen in the first two games, the negative impact of a porous run defense on the rest of the team, including the offense, is just too much to overcome on a consistent basis.
As defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said earlier in the week, fixing their play in that regard is going to take everyone.
The Bears, however, have very much struggled to get their run game going, averaging just 3.5 yards per rush–the fourth-lowest mark through two games. If the Colts can find a way to limit Chicago’s run game, it will give their pass rush an opportunity to get after an offensive line that has surrendered the second-most sacks, and a Bears passing game that is averaging just 99.0 passing yards per game.
On offense, getting Jonathan Taylor going early will help take some of the playmaking burden off of Anthony Richardson’s plate. Also helping matters will be the return of Josh Downs, who can provide a boost to the Colts short and intermediate passing games.
Through two weeks, the passing offense has been extremely boom or bust–either generating a big play or struggling to sustain drives.
While the previous teams that started 0-3 have zero bearing on the 2024 Colts, a winless start through three weeks is obviously quite the hole to have to dig yourself out of, and in most instances, is representative of large issues that are too much to overcome.
The Colts have to find a way to come away with a win against the Bears.