INDIANAPOLIS — As an effective but otherwise uneventful preseason game was unfolding Saturday evening, the individual in charge of it all was looking ahead.
Owner Jim Irsay’s tone was understated, but his vision layered with optimism.
“I’m excited,’’ he said once, twice, more than three times during an in-game interview with analyst Rick Venturi on the CBS4 broadcast of the game.
Irsay's Indianapolis Colts were in the process of handing the Arizona Cardinals a 21-13 loss at Lucas Oil Stadium, but Irsay’s focus was elsewhere.
To the Sept. 8 opener against the Houston Texans, and beyond.
To returning to prominence in the AFC South, and more.
To the franchise maximizing the collective talents of general manager Chris Ballard, coach Shane Steichen, quarterback Anthony Richardson, running back Jonathan Taylor and what Irsay considers a strong top-to-bottom roster.
He described Ballard as “blue chip.’’
Steichen?
How about a comparison to Don Shula, the former Baltimore Colts and Miami Dolphins coach, and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Steichen, Irsay said, is “an outstanding, outstanding young head coach in this league. It’s remarkable. I’m not trying to put too much pressure on him, but Don Shula’s name kind of rings a bell with him a little bit.
“He’s so intense and attention to detail as well. Really lucky to have him.’’
In his first year as an NFL head coach in 2023, Steichen directed the Colts to a 9-8 record and had them within a few plays in week 18 against Houston of winning the AFC South. And that’s with Richardson missing the final 12 games with a shoulder injury.
“I really think that we hit the jackpot with him,’’ Irsay said. “Just an outstanding football mind. It’s going to be interesting as time unravels to see what he can do, obviously with a new quarterback as well. It’s going to be exciting.’’
On the field, the lofty expectations are rooted in the coupling of Richardson and Taylor.
“It’s really exciting,’’ Irsay said. “You know the speed factor, how important that is. Honestly, I don’t know if you’ve seen a combination like this before. And size, too.’’
Taylor is 5-foot-10, 226 pounds. Richardson is listed at 6-foot-4, 244 pounds, but he might be closer to 250 pounds.
Because of injuries, rehab and a contract squabble, Richardson and Taylor were on the field together for just two snaps last season.
“We haven’t seen them have a chance to develop the on-the-field relationship yet,’’ Irsay said. “Just to see what Shane can do with this combo, and other players around him.
“Couldn’t be more excited to see what we can do with 17 games, with (Richardson and Taylor) being healthy. We know what Jonathan can do. We’ve seen it. The maturity level of Richardson is evident and was evident from the first time he took the field.
“With those guys, we have a chance to cut it loose, and it’s going to be special to see.’’
Irsay believes first-round pick Laiatu Latu will develop into a 15-sack pass rusher, which would enhance the defense’s ability to create turnovers.
But his attention kept drifting back to what’s possible with Richardson under center, and on a rookie contract.
“I just think with the kind of overall talent that we have, we have an excellent chance of getting that division championship back,’’ he said.
The Colts last won the AFC South in 2014, with Andrew Luck at quarterback.
“And once you get that back and start rolling, I mean, I think it’s open territory what can happen,’’ Irsay said. “And I think we have the kind of football team that can really make a difference and go beyond just making the playoffs, but winning playoff games,’’
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter/X at @mchappell51.