The 2023 NFL regular season has concluded, ushering in an exciting postseason. As expected, some teams and players surpassed expectations while others fell short. Today, we’ll delve into four of the biggest winners of the 2023 NFL season, recognizing both standout individuals and high-achieving teams.
While this list highlights a select few, many deserving candidates could be considered winners. The teams and players chosen for this article, however, consistently demonstrated their dominance and resilience throughout the regular season. Let’s explore their remarkable achievements.
The Houston Texans: A Resurgence Fueled by Draft Success
The Houston Texans’ success story began long before their impressive 20-point upset against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3, marking their first victory of the season. It started back in January with the arrival of DeMeco Ryans as their new head coach. Ryans, despite the team’s apparent lack of competitiveness and opportunities elsewhere, chose to lead the Texans.
Their fortune amplified during the draft when they secured both CJ Stroud and Will Anderson Jr., two highly touted prospects. Though expectations remained tempered, the hope was for a solid season, potentially even Rookie of the Year campaigns for Stroud and Anderson Jr.
What transpired, however, went far beyond expectations. Both players flourished, with Stroud emerging as a frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of the Year and Anderson Jr. likely securing the Defensive Rookie of the Year title. Anderson Jr.’s impressive 59 pressures led all rookies, showcasing his disruptive presence on defense.
Adding to their draft success was the steal of the third round: Tank Dell. The local product amassed over 700 yards and seven touchdowns, despite a season cut short in December due to an injury.
CJ Stroud throwing a pass during a game
The Texans’ achievements extend beyond individual accolades. The team secured a playoff berth, a testament to their remarkable turnaround under the leadership of Ryans and Stroud. Stroud’s impressive performance, throwing for over 4,100 yards and only five interceptions in just 14 games, played a pivotal role in their success.
Adding to the team’s offensive firepower was Nico Collins, who enjoyed a breakout season with nearly 1,300 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. This surge in production can be attributed to the stability at quarterback provided by Stroud, a luxury Collins hadn’t experienced in his young career.
The Texans’ 2023 season serves as a blueprint for rebuilding franchises, showcasing how a team can go from a mere 11 wins in the first three years of the decade to a remarkable 10 wins in a single season. Their journey embodies resilience and a commitment to excellence, proving that with the right leadership and a talented roster, a swift turnaround is possible.
The Los Angeles Rams: Defying Expectations
The Los Angeles Rams’ inclusion on this list might surprise some, but their ability to defy expectations and secure a playoff spot deserves recognition.
Entering the season, there were concerns about the Rams’ roster composition. With an aging Matthew Stafford and a seemingly uncertain future, many predicted a challenging year for Los Angeles. The team, however, proved their doubters wrong, thanks in large part to an impressive draft class and a resurgent defense.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Rams’ season was the performance of their rookie class. Kieren Williams and Puka Nacua emerged as offensive threats, while Byron Young and Kobie Turner bolstered the defensive line.
Aaron Donald celebrating a sack during a game
Young and Turner, in particular, exceeded expectations. They both finished in the top five among rookies in pressures, demonstrating their ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Their presence, alongside the ever-dominant Aaron Donald, gave the Rams a formidable defensive line that proved difficult for opponents to handle.
The Rams’ ability to remain competitive despite the challenges they faced speaks volumes about the team’s resilience and the coaching staff’s ability to maximize their players’ potential.
The Indianapolis Colts: A Testament to Shane Steichen’s Leadership
The Indianapolis Colts entered the 2023 season with minimal expectations following a tumultuous 2022 campaign. The firing of head coach Frank Reich followed by the surprising hiring of Jeff Saturday created a sense of uncertainty around the franchise.
Despite the challenges, the Colts, under the guidance of new head coach Shane Steichen, displayed remarkable improvement. One of the most notable transformations was their offensive production. Steichen managed to elevate the Colts from 30th to 10th in points per game, a testament to his offensive prowess.
Rookie receiver Josh Downs, a third-round pick, played a significant role in the Colts’ offensive resurgence. Downs finished the season with over 750 receiving yards, showcasing his potential as a playmaker.
Anthony Richardson running with the ball during a game
The Colts’ ability to achieve a 9-8 record despite relying on a backup quarterback and running back for a significant portion of the season further underscores their progress. Steichen instilled a fighting spirit within the team, evident in their refusal to succumb to the challenges they encountered.
The Baltimore Ravens: A Force to Be Reckoned With
The Baltimore Ravens entered the 2023 season with a point to prove after two consecutive seasons marred by injuries. With a healthy Lamar Jackson leading the charge, the Ravens lived up to their potential, finishing the season with an impressive 14-3 record.
Jackson is a frontrunner for his second MVP award, throwing for a career-high 3,600 yards and 24 touchdowns while adding another 800 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. His dynamic playmaking ability, combined with a stifling defense, made the Ravens one of the most feared teams in the league.
Lamar Jackson looking for a receiver during a game
The Ravens’ defense, ranked first in points allowed per game, was anchored by linebacker Roquan Smith. Smith, acquired via trade in 2022, proved to be a worthwhile investment, leading the team with an impressive 158 total tackles.
The Ravens’ success was not solely reliant on individual brilliance. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken implemented a creative and unpredictable offensive scheme that kept opposing defenses guessing. Their ability to adapt and overcome challenges, even after losing key players to injury, speaks volumes about the team’s depth and resilience.
The Baltimore Ravens’ 2023 season was a resounding success. Their ability to remain healthy, coupled with the continued brilliance of Lamar Jackson, propelled them to the top of the AFC. With a talented roster firing on all cylinders, the Ravens are poised for a deep playoff run and are undoubtedly a team to watch in the postseason.
