Although the Colts are still technically in the playoff race, this game against Denver in Week 15 was basically a must-win.
However, a mistake-filled second-half collapse by the Colts’ offense led to a multi-score loss and likely knocked them out of playoff contention.
In the biggest game of the year and with everything on the line, the Colts’ best players had the biggest mistakes. When plays needed to be made by the offense, no one was there to do so. From the coaching to the play calls to the execution on the field.
The Indianapolis Colts’ offense absolutely fell apart.
With the dust having settled and the game now wrapped up, if you’re up for it, let’s take a look back at the Colts’ performance and break it all down.
Final Score
It was over when…
…Anthony Richardson’s interception with 7:46 left in the fourth quarter is probably the proper answer, but we will instead go with the interception thrown by AD Mitchell that was returned for a touchdown as the back-breaker, as it gave the Broncos a two score lead, which felt insurmountable.
With their season hanging in the balance, Steichen dialed this play up for Mitchell, who has often played only 10-12 snaps per game this season, putting a monumental decision–whether to throw the ball or run–on the rookie’s inexperienced shoulders.
Keys to the game
Credit to the defense: As the offense sputtered–and that’s putting it kindly–the defense kept the Colts in this game. They held the Denver offense to only 3.6 yards per play, and for some context, the Bears rank last this season in that category with 4.5 yards per play. Indianapolis would also force multiple turnovers as well and kept points off the board as long as they could, even when put in some difficult situations. I do believe their success started with limiting the Broncos run game, which put the offense in long down-and-distance situations.
A disjointed Colts passing game: The entire passing game operation was off. Richardson was off-target–and threw two interceptions–he was frequently under pressure, the offensive line was penalized on numerous occasions, and there were some drops and a lack of steady separation by the pass catchers. While the Colts did find some success on the ground, in any instance where there wasn’t a positive gain, the Colts were behind the sticks and in an obvious passing situation, which this unit isn’t good enough to overcome regularly.
Too many mistakes: As I highlighted at the start, in big games teams need their best players to come through, but it was the opposite for the Colts. Jonathan Taylor had an incredibly costly fumble that just cannot happen and took a touchdown off the board. Michael Pittman then fumbled two possessions later. Head coach Shane Steichen, while trying to make something happen, put a critical decision on the shoulders of his inexperienced rookie receiver who plays only about 12 snaps per game. There were also penalties from the offensive line, and in general, plays weren’t made.
Stars of the game
CB Sam Womack: The Broncos targeted Womack four times and he allowed three receptions for only 22 yards and came away with an interception.
CB Kenny Moore: In this game, Moore was targeted heavily, 11 times, and while he gave up seven receptions, he allowed a grand total of just 31 yards.
S Nick Cross: Cross finished the game with five tackles, including three stops in the run game, and came away with an interception along with not allowing a reception in coverage.
LB Zaire Franklin: A big part of the Colts’ run game success was the play of their linebackers. Franklin was all over the field, leading the team in tackles, and also came away with an interception.
DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart: It was tough sledding on the ground for the Broncos, in large part thanks to the push generated by Buckner and Stewart. The two combined for six tackles against the run, including four stops, but their presence helped create for others as well.
Injury updates
Alec Pierce would exit the game late in the second half with a concussion. He was eventually ruled out and did not return.
What’s next?
The Colts, now 6-8, will return home for a Week 16 matchup with the Tennessee Titans, who are now 3-11 following a loss this week to Cincinnati.