With training camp upon us, here are four X-factors for the Colts heading into the 2025 season.
Who are the Indianapolis Colts’ X-factors for the upcoming 2025 NFL season?
We know that the best players on any team have to play at a consistently high level to win games. But how I define an X-factor is as a non-star player who can have a major impact on the outcome of a game based on their level of play.
So with training camp upon us, here are four X-factors for the Colts heading into the new year.
Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones
Typically, I wouldn’t list a quarterback as an X-factor–we all know the importance of this position playing well. But the wide-ranging outcomes that the Colts could experience this season hinge greatly on the level of play they get from under center.
As we’ve detailed previously, with a well put-together roster around Richardson and Jones, the Colts don’t need great play by any means to be able to win games. However, they do need consistency, and if they can get that, they should find themselves in the playoff mix. But if not, well, changes could be coming.
Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves
All eyes will be on the Colts’ quarterback position, but consistency for any offense begins with the play of the offensive line unit. Having a strong run game to lean on takes the playmaking burden off the quarterback’s shoulders by keeping the offense ahead of the sticks and out of predictable passing situations. And we all know how important it is for a quarterback to have time in the pocket to go through his progressions.
Without steady play from the offensive line unit, the jobs for every other position group on offense become much more difficult.
Justin Walley, Jaylon Jones, or JuJu Brents
We know that Charvarius Ward will be starting at one of the outside cornerback positions and that Kenny Moore will primarily be in the nickel. But the starting spot opposite of Ward is up for grabs.
Presumably competing for that role are Walley, Jones, and Brents. If the Colts can get consistent play from whoever ends up seeing the most snaps there, this quickly becomes a very formidable cornerback trio.
When it comes to that starting spot, ultimately, Lou Anarumo is looking for stability.
“Just consistency of work, and that’s going to have to show throughout training camp, throughout the preseason games, to determine who’s going to get that job,” Anarumo said.
The defensive tackle depth
We know what the Colts have in DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, but improved play from those behind them on the depth chart is a must this season. At defensive tackle, oftentimes four or sometimes even five players see snaps on a weekly basis.
Anarumo and his more aggressive, disguise-heavy defense should help elevate the play of the entire defensive front, but GM Chris Ballard also reshaped the defensive tackle position behind Buckner and Stewart by bringing in Neville Gallimore, Tim Smith, and Eric Johnson, while moving on from Taven Bryan and Raekwon Davis.
Improved play on the back end of this rotation in 2025 will do wonders for the Colts’ defensive line unit as a whole, and therefore the entire defense.
