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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Kevin Hickey

RECAP: Colts uninspiring in 20-3 loss to Chargers

The Indianapolis Colts (4-10-1) flopped in prime-time Monday night, losing 20-3 to the Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Colts have now lost five in a row and eight of their last nine games. The offensive output continued to be embarrassing even with Nick Foles taking over at the quarterback position.

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The Chargers clinched a playoff berth with the win while the Colts now turn their attention to locking up a top-five pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

Here’s everything we know about the Week 16 loss:

Final Score: Chargers 20, Colts 3

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Final
Chargers 0 10 3 7 20
Colts 0 3 0 0 3

 

It was over when...

Michael Hickey/Getty Images

Chargers running back Austin Ekeler scored his second rushing touchdown of the game in the fourth quarter to extend their lead to 20-3.

Keys to the game

Robert Scheer-USA TODAY Sports
  • The Colts offense allowed seven sacks.
  • The offense registered more than one first down on just two of their drives.
  • Losing the turnover battle makes it difficult to win, and the Colts gave up three turnovers.
  • The Colts offense averaged 3.5 yards per play.
  • The offense did not convert any of their 10 third-down attempts.

3 Stars of the game

Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
  1. DT DeForest Buckner: Another strong game from Buckner, who recorded 1.5 sacks, one quarterback hit, a tackle for loss and a forced fumble.
  2. DE Dayo Odeyingbo: He continues to flash his potential, recording 1.5 sacks, two quarterback hits and a tackle for loss.
  3. TE Jelani Woods: The rookie led the way with 43 receiving yards and 14.3 yards per catch.

Injuries

AP Photo/Joshua Bessex

Quick Hits

pic

  • The Colts wore their all-blue color rush uniforms for the sixth time.
  • They are 4-2 wearing that uniform combination.
  • QB Nick Foles got his first start of the season. He completed 17-of-29 passes (58.6%) for 143 yards, no touchdowns, three interceptions and a 31.9 passer rating.
  • The Colts turned over on downs on their final three drives of the game.
  • Only one of their drives in the second half of the game entered opposing territory.
  • The Colts haven’t scored an offensive touchdown at home since Oct. 30.
  • With the loss, the Colts currently hold the No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

What's next?

Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Colts interim head coach Jeff Saturday will meet with the media Tuesday as the team prepares to visit the New York Giants (8-6-1) at MetLife Stadium in Week 17 on Sunday, Jan. 1 at 1:00 p.m. ET.

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