Weekly Awards Spotlight Performance of the Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts’ 2024 season has been marked by standout individual performances that have earned players recognition across the NFL—from AFC Player of the Week honors to Rookie of the Week nods. These weekly awards aren’t just personal achievements; they’re a reflection of the team’s collective growth, highlighting how key contributors are stepping up in critical moments to drive wins. For the Colts, each award serves as a morale boost, a validation of their game plan, and a chance to shine a light on players who might otherwise fly under the radar. Weekly Awards Spotlight Performance of the Indianapolis Colts breaks down the most notable weekly awards, the performances that earned them, and how these honors have fueled the Colts’ push for a playoff spot.

Weekly Awards Spotlight Performance of the Indianapolis Colts first highlights quarterback Anthony Richardson’s AFC Offensive Player of the Week award after his breakout performance in Week 6 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Richardson, in his second NFL season, led the Colts to a 31-24 comeback win, completing 22 of 33 passes for 315 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 58 rushing yards and one more score on the ground. His most memorable play came with 1:42 left in the fourth quarter: a 25-yard scramble to convert a third-and-10, setting up the game-winning touchdown pass to wide receiver Alec Pierce. The performance marked Richardson’s first 300-yard passing game and solidified his role as the Colts’ franchise quarterback. “Anthony played with poise and confidence beyond his years,” said Colts head coach Jim Caldwell. “He made big plays when we needed them most, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work.” The honor also resonated with fans, who took to social media to praise Richardson’s growth, with many calling it a “turning point” for the Colts’ offense.

Weekly Awards Spotlight Performance of the Indianapolis Colts next focuses on running back Jonathan Taylor’s NFL Offensive Player of the Week award following his dominant Week 10 performance against the Tennessee Titans. Taylor, who had been dealing with a lingering ankle injury earlier in the season, returned to form with 168 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries, including a 45-yard breakaway run in the third quarter that gave the Colts a 14-point lead. He also added 32 receiving yards on three catches, becoming the first Colts running back to record 150+ rushing yards and 30+ receiving yards in a game since Edgerrin James in 2004. The win snapped a two-game losing streak for the Colts, and Taylor’s performance earned him his third career weekly award. “Jonathan is the heart of our running game, and this week he showed why he’s one of the best backs in the league,” said Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter. “He ran with power, speed, and patience, and he made every tackle count. This award is a testament to his resilience after injury.”

Weekly Awards Spotlight Performance of the Indianapolis Colts also shines a light on rookie wide receiver Josh Downs’ NFL Rookie of the Week award after his Week 8 performance against the New Orleans Saints. Downs, a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, emerged as a reliable target for Richardson, catching 10 passes for 125 yards and one touchdown in the Colts’ 27-20 win. His touchdown came in the third quarter, a 12-yard slant route that gave the Colts a 20-13 lead, and he added three crucial third-down catches to extend drives. The performance made Downs the first Colts rookie wide receiver to record 10+ catches and 100+ yards in a game since Reggie Wayne in 2001. For the Indianapolis Colts, Downs’ award is a sign of their successful draft class and a boost to their receiving corps, which has been rebuilding after losing veteran Michael Pittman Jr. to injury earlier in the season. “Josh has exceeded all our expectations,” said Caldwell. “He’s a quick, smart player who knows how to get open, and this award is just the start of what we think will be a great career. He’s been a huge addition to our offense.”

Another layer of Weekly Awards Spotlight Performance of the Indianapolis Colts is defensive end Kwity Paye’s AFC Defensive Player of the Week award following his dominant Week 12 performance against the Houston Texans. Paye, in his fourth season, recorded three sacks, five tackles for loss, and one forced fumble, helping the Colts hold the Texans to just 17 points and secure a 24-17 win. His third sack came late in the fourth quarter, when he dropped Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud for a 10-yard loss on fourth-and-5, ending Houston’s final comeback attempt. The performance marked Paye’s first multi-sack game of the season and elevated him to the top 10 in the AFC in sacks (8.5) at the time. For the Indianapolis Colts, Paye’s award highlights the growth of their defensive line, which has become a strength after struggling in 2023. “Kwity has worked tirelessly to improve his game, and this week it all came together,” said Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. “He was unblockable, he disrupted the run, and he made a game-changing play when we needed it. This award is a reflection of his dedication and the work our defensive line has put in.”

Weekly Awards Spotlight Performance of the Indianapolis Colts also explores the special teams recognition earned by punter Corey Bojorquez, who took home AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after his Week 14 performance against the Cleveland Browns. Bojorquez averaged 51.2 yards per punt on six attempts, with four of his punts pinned inside the Browns’ 20-yard line and one traveling a season-long 65 yards. His most impactful punt came in the third quarter, when he pinned the Browns at their own 5-yard line, leading to a Colts safety two plays later that extended their lead to 16-7. The performance was a standout in a season where Bojorquez has been a consistent bright spot for the Colts’ special teams unit, which ranked 28th in the NFL in 2023 but has climbed to 12th in 2024. For the Indianapolis Colts, Bojorquez’s award is a reminder of how special teams can swing games and contribute to overall success. “Corey has been a game-changer for our special teams,” said Colts special teams coordinator Brian Mason. “He controls field position, he’s consistent, and he makes tough punts look easy. This award is well-deserved, and it’s a sign that our special teams unit is moving in the right direction.”

The final dimension of Weekly Awards Spotlight Performance of the Indianapolis Colts is how these weekly awards have collectively boosted team morale and fan engagement. Each time a Colts player wins an award, the team celebrates together in the locker room, and the organization shares highlights and interviews across social media, generating excitement among fans. The awards have also sparked friendly competition within the team, with players pushing each other to earn more recognition. For the Indianapolis Colts, these honors are more than just trophies—they’re a sign that the team is on the right track, with young players emerging and veterans playing at a high level. “Weekly awards are a reflection of our team’s effort,” said Caldwell. “When one player wins, it’s a win for all of us—our coaches, our support staff, and our fans. These honors keep us motivated, and they show that the NFL is taking notice of what we’re building here in Indianapolis.” As the Colts head into the final stretch of the season, they’ll look to add more weekly awards to their collection—each one a step closer to their ultimate goal of a playoff berth.