MVP, most improved, rookie of the year, and other Colts 2023 season awards

MVP, most improved rookie of the year, and other Colts 2023 season awards

Now that the season is over, a lot of players are heading straight into free agency, which opens in March, and the draft in April. Let us take a moment to consider this season’s accomplishments and recognize those who have risen to the challenge before we proceed to the next build.

Given that players are honored by the NFL Honors program for their achievements during the season, what might the Indianapolis Colts Honors from this past season look like? After a season marred by injuries and suspensions, in which their star running back held out the entire season, the team had to perform admirably to finish 9-8 and have a shot at the postseason.

Samson Ebukam was the best veteran free agent acquisition.
Many were unaware of Chris Ballard’s actions when he signed with the Indianapolis Colts in place of Samson Ebukam. He was a late addition to a successful defensive line that was lacking a little push to put pressure on the quarterback. Ebukam led the team in sacks during the season with 9.5, a career high, and that’s exactly what the Colts got from him. Thanks in large part to Ebukam’s pressure, the Colts increased their sack total from 44 to 51 this season.

In addition to leading the team in sacks, Ebukam tied for first place in forced fumbles (3), third in tackles for loss (10), and seventh in total tackles (57). To bolster their very young defense, the Colts needed a player like Ebukam.

E.J. Speed is the most improved player.
The Colts had high expectations for Shaquille Leonard to become a star again at the beginning of the season, but they were let down. The Colts’ linebacker core was further diminished by the offseason loss of Bobby Okereke. E.J. “The Kid That Did” Speed, a special team member, stepped up to the plate. When Franklin wasn’t on the field, Speed led the team by assuming Leonard’s position.

With one sack, 12 tackles for loss (first on the team), three forced fumbles (first on the team), and 102 total tackles (second on the team), Speed had a successful season. E.J. Speed will be regarded as one of the league’s best linebackers after another successful season in 2024, giving the Colts one of the best linebacker cores in the entire league.