Colts 2026 season evokes memories of 2011 struggles
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 13, 2026, 2:48 PM
Last updated Nov 13, 2026

The Indianapolis Colts' 2026 NFL season is drawing parallels to their difficult 2011 campaign. Once again, the Colts are facing a considerable loss of key players, with Buckner, Nelson, and Downs already gone. Unlike 2011, when the team had the chance to draft Andrew Luck as a hopeful prospect, the current season lacks a clear direction or positive outlook. The absence of significant draft picks increases concerns about the team's future. As of now, the Colts' strategy appears to be treading water with limited prospects for improvement.
- •Key players Buckner, Nelson, and Downs have left the Colts.
- •2011 season saw a glaring absence of quarterback Peyton Manning.
- •The Colts currently lack first-round draft picks for future rebuilding.
- •The team's direction for the 2026 season appears uncertain.
- 2:48 PMYahoo Sports — The 2026 season is somehow worse than the 2011 Colts
"The long-term outlook might be as bad as it’s been for the Colts.
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