The Indianapolis Colts have been one of the biggest surprises in the NFL to start 2025, getting off to a 6-1 start and holding the league’s best record heading into Week 8.
As a result, Indy has risen up to the No. 2 spot in ESPN’s Week 8 power rankings, up four spots after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 38-24 on Sunday. Fittingly given their record, the Colts are the top-ranked AFC team.
Stephen Holder, ESPN’s Colts reporter, attributes a good deal of their success to one specific nonstarter on the roster, defensive end Tyquan Lewis.
Lewis, 30, has been in Indianapolis for all eight years he’s played in the NFL, being a staple of their defensive line rotation since being drafted 64th overall in 2018. His 2025 campaign is far from finished yet, but he’s already putting together one of the best seasons of his career.
“Lewis has never been a full-time starter in his eight seasons with the Colts, but they continue re-signing him because he gives them consistent production on the field,” Holder wrote. “Lewis has three sacks, four tackles for loss and 10 QB pressures despite playing only 41% of the defensive snaps this season. His inside-outside versatility makes him a key depth option because he can play multiple roles and provide flexibility. He's also equally effective against the run and pass.”
Lewis’ career-high for sacks in a season is four, coming in both 2020 and 2023. Right now, he’s on pace to set a new single-season high. If the Colts can continue to find ways to get production from Lewis in a rotational role, then Indianapolis will be one of the most difficult teams in the NFL to beat.