The Indianapolis Colts will end the 2024 season with an overtime win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, finishing the season 8-9.
However, the offseason has now arrived early for the Colts for the fourth season in a row, and naturally, given the lack of success in recent years, the focus is on what changes may–or may not–be coming down the road.
But before we dive into all of those possibilities and what needs to take place in order for the Colts to make their way back into the playoffs, let’s break down the final game of the season with everything you need to know.
Final Score
It was over when…
…Mac Jones deep pass to Brian Thomas Jr. fell incomplete on a 4th-and-22 in overtime. While the fourth quarter defense for the Colts couldn’t come through with a stop, I loved the aggressive approach by Gus Bradley on that third down in overtime to send pressure and get after Jones. The eventual sack then put the Jaguars offense in a nearly impossible fourth-and-long situation.
Keys to the game
Drives stalling on offense: For the most part, the Colts moved the ball fairly well in this game, both on the ground and through the air. However, the lack of points was due to drives stalling, and this often happened when there was a lack of first down success. That then put the offense behind the sticks and in long down-and-distance situations, which they were unable to dig themselves out of to stay on the field. The Colts finished the game converting 24 first downs–which is pretty good–but they were just 5-for-16 on third and fourth downs–which isn’t good–and were 1-for-3 in the red zone.
Jonathan Taylor: The passing game began to hit a wall in the second half, but Taylor gave the offense a run game presence to lean on. He finished the game rushing for 177 yards on a hefty 5.2 yards per attempt and was instrumental in that overtime drive.
Fourth quarter defense: The Colts couldn’t put this game away on offense and the defense let the Jaguars back in it in the fourth quarter. Indianapolis surrendered a 14 play, 84 yard touchdown drive and then a late field goal to tie the game. There was a lack of pass rush throughout the game, more missed tackles, and some chunk plays surrendered again. Where there were some positives was that the run defense held up again and the Colts again generated another takeaway.
Stars of the game
Jonathan Taylor: As was mentioned, it was a big day for Taylor, who rushed for 177 yards at 5.2 yards per attempt–giving the offense a stable presence throughout the game.
Josh Downs: With Taylor providing a steady presence on the ground, Downs provided that through the air. He caught 10-of-13 targets for a team-high 94 yards.
Quenton Nelson and Bernhard Raimann: These two were a force on the left side in the run game. According to PFF’s initial metrics, Taylor averaged over 7.0 yards per rush on six carries when running behind Nelson and Raimann. The two also surrendered just two combined pressures.
Grover Stewart: The Colts run defense bottled up the Jaguars’ running backs, allowing just over 3.0 yards per carry. As is often the case, in the middle of it all was Stewart, who totaled seven tackles and led the team in four run-stops, according to PFF. When Stewart is playing well, that also frees up others, such as the linebackers, to make plays in the run game.
Injury updates
JuJu Brents would leave the game in the first half with a groin injury and Matt Goncalves left the game late for a concussion evaluation.
What’s next?
The Colts are on to the offseason, where rumors are already starting to swirl when it comes to the futures of Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen.