The Indianapolis Colts’ playoff hopes are officially dashed following a devastating loss to the two win New York Giants.
After some help on Saturday from the Cincinnati Bengals, who defeated the Denver Broncos late in overtime, the Colts were unable to take care of their own business.
It was a very sluggish start from the Indianapolis defense that dug a hole that was ultimately too much for the team to overcome.
Big plays, both on the ground and through the air, have been an issue for the Colts’ defense all year, and it reared its ugly head once again.
The Giants’ offense, who came into the game averaging just over 14 points per game, put up 28 on the Colts, with those scoring drives being sparked by explosive plays.
By my count, the Colts surrendered seven plays of at least 19 yards, most of which came via the passing game. Rookie receiver Malik Nabers totaled 168 yards and two scores.
Missed tackles, another season-long lingering issue for the Colts, contributed to those big play woes as well.
The Colts’ offense, meanwhile, found a lot of success. While it was tough sledding at times, Jonathan Taylor eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark again. And then through the air, both Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce surpassed 100 yards as well.
However, obviously overcoming the defense and special teams units allowing 42 points is no easy task, and while the Colts moved the ball well throughout the game, Flacco also threw an interception in Giants’ territory, was sacked on third down in the red zone, and the Colts were stopped on fourth down in New York territory as well.
Overall, and this is in part, the story of the season for the Colts, there were too many costly miscues and too many missed opportunities to overcome.
The Colts’ playoff drought will now extend one more season. The last time Indianapolis made an appearance in the postseason was in 2020.
