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AFC South: Why Anthony Richardson And Shane Steichen Can Win Division For Colts In 2023

By Hunter Haas

Shane Steichen, center, poses for photos with Colts Owner and CEO Jim Irsay, left, and General Manager Chris Ballard after a press conference Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023 announcing that Steichen is the new Indianapolis Colts Head Coach.Shane Steichen Is The New Indianapolis Colts Head Coach
Shane Steichen, center, poses for photos with Colts Owner and CEO Jim Irsay, left, and General Manager Chris Ballard after a press conference Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023 announcing that Steichen is the new Indianapolis Colts Head Coach.Shane Steichen Is The New Indianapolis Colts Head Coach /
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June 14, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) passes on the sideline Wednesday, June 14, 2023, during mandatory minicamp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Mykal McEldowney-USA TODAY Sports
June 14, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) passes on the sideline Wednesday, June 14, 2023, during mandatory minicamp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Mykal McEldowney-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Healthy Jonathan Taylor And Shaq Leonard

Speaking of bouncing back, All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor and All-Pro linebacker Shaq Leonard will return to the lineup at full health. For a team that relies so heavily on asserting the ground game, the loss of Taylor in 2022 caused some headaches on offense.

Similar issues popped up on defense, as the quarterback of the unit only appeared in three games for the Colts. Leonard dealt with a nagging back injury, a concussion, and a broken nose last season, marking the first time in his career with an extended stay on the sidelines.

Now, both Taylor and Leonard are poised to re-establish themselves among the best at their respective positions. Taylor is especially important with the introduction of Anthony Richardson into the backfield, as the two must lean on each other when push comes to shove.

Leonard’s contributions are important to Richardson’s development as well, with the defense aiming to take pressure off the young signal-caller in Year 1. Surrounded by the likes of DeForest Buckner and Kwity Paye, Leonard should return to superstar form as he enters his sixth season with The Shoe.

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