The Indianapolis Colts (8-7) were defeated 29-10 by the Atlanta Falcons (7-8) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday.
Despite the Colts scoring a touchdown on the opening drive, it all fell apart after that. The defense struggled all day stopping Taylor Heinicke and the Falcons offense. Tackling was optional for the Colts defense apparently as they failed to come through in several situations.
This is a bad beat for the Colts, who are supposed to be a playoff contender. The absence of Michael Pittman Jr. was obvious, especially in money situations on third down.
Here’s everything we know from the Colts’ loss in Week 16:
Final Score: Falcons 29, Colts 10
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final | |
| Colts | 7 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
| Falcons | 7 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 29 |
It was over when...
The Colts failed to convert a fourth-and-five with 10:02 left in the fourth quarter. Considering the way the Colts played on both sides of the ball to this point leading up, there was no hope a quick comeback could be mounted.
Keys to the game
- The Colts gained 92 rushing yards while averaging 3.7 yards per rush.
- QB Gardner Minshew was under duress all day from an offensive line that had no answer for a Falcons pass rush that recorded 6.0 sacks and 11 quarterback hits.
- After their opening drive touchdown, the Colts punted on four consecutive possessions to end the first half.
- The Colts offense converted 5-of-14 (36%) attempts on third downs.
- The defense struggled all day, allowing 406 total yards. QB Taylor Heinicke completed 23-of-33 passes for 229 yards, one touchdown, no interceptions and a 99.2 passer rating.
3 Stars of the game
- TE Kylen Granson: On a day without much offensive production, Granson led the team with 62 yards on five receptions.
- DT Grover Stewart: There were many strong options on defense, but Stewart was solid, recorded four tackles (two solo), one quarterback hit and two tackles for loss.
- K Matt Gay: A rough day for the Colts as a whole but Gay at least made his only field-goal and extra point attempt.
Uninspired play
This game was very similar to the loss against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Colts were utterly dominated in the trenches on both sides of the ball. The defense had major issues tackling with consistency, and the amount of third-and-long attempts the Falcons converted was simply pathetic. The offensive line had no answer for an aggressive Atlanta front, and they got no push in the run game. This was not a team that looked ready to compete for the playoffs, and they’ll need some help from other teams in hopes they don’t fall too far behind in the playoff race.
Injuries
- RB Zack Moss (forearm), WR Michael Pittman Jr. (concussion/shoulder), RT Braden Smith (knee), C Jack Anderson (illness) and LB Segun Olubi (hip) were inactive.
- S Julian Blackmon (shoulder) exited the game in the second quarter and did not return.
Quick Hits
- RB Jonathan Taylor is the first running back to score a rushing touchdown against the Falcons since Week 11 of the 2022 season (Brett Bensley).
- Kwity Paye’s sack in the second quarter gave the Colts 47 on the season, breaking the record for most sacks by a Colts team during the Indianapolis era.
- The Colts have lost their last two games on the road, being outscored 63-24 during those two games.
- Excluding the kneel at halftime, the Colts offense had 5-of-10 drives fail to reach midfield. In fact, all five of those drives failed to reach beyond their own 34-yard line.
- The Colts defense allowed 177 rushing yards, tied for the second-most this season.
- The Colts offense gained 262 total yards, the second-fewest on the season.
What's next?
Colts head coach Shane Steichen will meet with the media over Zoom for a conference call Monday before the team prepares to host the Las Vegas Raiders (6-8) at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31, at 1:00 pm. ET.
