The Indianapolis Colts have made a surprise playoff push this season, and are doing so with a backup quarterback.
Gardner Minshew has played in 11 of 12 games for the Colts this season and started the past seven after first-round rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5.
The Colts are 7-5 and have won four consecutive games with him under center.
His play is a big reason why Indianapolis has a legitimate shot at the postseason, and first-year head coach Shane Steichen knows it.
Steichen told SiriusXM NFL Radio this week that Minshew’s demeanor is the reason the Colts have been so successful on offense.
“He’s just a guy that loves ball,” Steichen said on SiriusXM NFL Radio this week. “And I think when you got a guy, especially at that position, that loves ball, you’re going to be successful in this league.”
“He’s just a guy that loves ball…..”@Colts HC Shane Steichen on the spark Gardner Minshew has provided his team…..#ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/kqCWYkxZCE
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) December 7, 2023
Minshew isn’t playing at an otherworldly level, but he’s helped the Colts turn out the eighth-best scoring offense in the league.
But Minshew is no normal backup quarterback.
He started 14 games for the Jacksonville Jaguars during his rookie season in 2019 after Nick Foles broke his collarbone and started another eight for the Jaguars in 2020.
Minshew also started four games from 2021-2022 for the Philadelphia Eagles.
He has ample experience with various offenses, and it’s a big reason with he’s been able to elevate the Colts’ after their franchise quarterback went down with a serious injury.
Minshew will have to build on his performance, though, without running back Jonathan Taylor.
Taylor broke his thumb recently and could miss the rest of the season.
A bout with the Cincinnati Bengals awaits in Week 14.
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