INDIANAPOLIS — Coach Shane Steichen has explored various strategies to revive the struggling offense of the Indianapolis Colts.
From deep pass attempts to leveraging the athleticism of quarterback Anthony Richardson alongside running back Jonathan Taylor, he’s made numerous adjustments, including switching quarterbacks altogether.
Despite these efforts, the Colts continue to grapple with their performance, struggling to find effective solutions following their recent 21-13 defeat to Minnesota. Steichen reflects on his role, stating, “I always look at myself first. I’m the head coach, I oversee it all,” and emphasizes his commitment to reevaluating their approach to maximize the team’s potential.
Steichen? next steps are uncertain. Just prior to the game, he had opted to bench Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, in favor of 39-year-old Joe Flacco, whom he believed could better steer the team toward playoff aspirations.
However, Flacco’s performance fell short, as he managed to throw for only 179 yards, with one interception and losing a fumble during a mishandled handoff. The Colts’ offense only totaled 227 yards and mustered a mere 13 first downs, limiting their scoring opportunities to just one successful drive that concluded with a field goal.
These results are not what the Colts had anticipated when they selected Richardson as their future franchise quarterback and rewarded key players like wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and Taylor with substantial contract extensions. Despite having the NFL’s highest-paid offensive line, the team is currently averaging fewer than 20 points per game.
“We’ve got to get more consistent in everything we do, and we’ve got to have great preparation throughout the week,” Steichen commented. “We’ve got to put our guys in position to make plays and we’re going through that process right now.”
The ongoing difficulties have sparked more inquiries regarding the team’s future. Will Richardson regain his position as starter? Is Steichen contemplating relinquishing his play-calling responsibilities? Could there be any surprising trades before the upcoming deadline?
For the time being, Steichen appears focused on seeking solutions rather than enacting changes, particularly as the Colts prepare to face the Buffalo Bills in their next matchup.
“Yeah, he’ll be the starter,” Steichen stated about Flacco. “We’ve got a lot of football left, got a lot of faith and trust in our football team. We’re going to go put in the work this week to go beat Buffalo.”
On a positive note, the Colts saw solid contributions from their defensive tackles. Pro Bowl player DeForest Buckner, returning from a sprained ankle, added vital support to the defensive line. Buckner and Grover Stewart wreaked havoc against the Vikings, collectively registering three sacks, including a pivotal strip-sack.
However, there remains a need to involve Taylor and Pittman more significantly in the offense. After recently extending their contracts worth $112 million, the expectation was for greater output, yet on Sunday, Taylor managed just 13 carries for 48 yards along with one catch for 11 yards, while Pittman recorded only one catch for 14 yards.
In terms of individual performances, cornerback Kenny Moore II stood out, scoring the Colts’ sole touchdown against Minnesota via a 38-yard fumble return. He has now found the end zone three times since last November and ranks fourth on the franchise’s all-time list for defensive players scoring touchdowns. He also recorded six tackles, all solo efforts, with one resulting in a loss of yards for the opponent.
In contrast, Flacco’s performance has been disappointing. In his third start for Indianapolis, he completed 16 of 27 passes for 179 yards while facing significant pressure, resulting in three sacks during the final possession. More critically, his inability to sustain drives by converting third-down opportunities contributed to the team’s struggles.
Injury-wise, the Colts faced the lone silver lining of no new significant injuries being added to their already extensive list. Steichen provided little insight on the status of left tackle Bernhard Raimann in the concussion protocol, who was replaced by rookie Matt Goncalves during the game. Discussions regarding placing Pittman on injured reserve are also noted to be absent.
A key statistic stands out: all nine games played by the Colts this season have been decided by a single possession, including the latest defeat, which marks their largest margin of loss this season at eight points.
As the Colts navigate a crucial stretch, including away games against the New York Jets and home fixtures against the Bills and the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions, the team is at a pivotal juncture. Losing even two of these three games could jeopardize their chances of making the playoffs, amplifying the urgency for Steichen to discover quick solutions.