The Indianapolis Colts (9-7) are going to have to wait another week to clinch a playoff after losing in a close game against the Las Vegas Raiders (9-7).
Despite getting their star players back on the roster because of the change in COVID protocols it didn’t seem to provide much of a boost for the team. The offense was out of whack for the majority of the game outside the touchdown drive that ended the first half.
They failed to get in any rhythm and missed opportunities allowed Las Vegas to keep it to a one-score game throughout the second half. The defense struggled to start the game but got comfortable after giving up the opening touchdown drive. They forced a couple of turnovers but the offense failed to score on both drives that followed them.
After a strong second and third quarter, the unit let Derek Carr pick them apart on the Raiders’ last two drives on offense. 10 of the 23 points came in the fourth quarter. It was mostly a clean day for the special teams but they gave up a big punt return to Hunter Renfrow that helped Las Vegas end a drive with a field goal. A
lot of mental mistakes in all three phases of the game ended up costing the Colts this game. Here are my top five takeaways from the loss to the Raiders: