INDIANAPOLIS — Jonathan Taylor finished the season strongly, while Joe Flacco might have walked off the field as a victor for potentially the last time. The performance by both players could have been pivotal in securing the jobs of Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard.
On the final day of the season, Taylor rushed for an impressive 177 yards, which included six consecutive carries for 33 yards during overtime, ultimately leading to Matt Gay’s winning 38-yard field goal and a 26-23 triumph over the Jacksonville Jaguars. “He ran hard; he’s been giving it his all for us throughout the season,” Steichen remarked shortly before owner Jim Irsay revealed that Steichen would be returning for a third season. “He produced a lot of positive yards, especially during overtime to bring us into scoring position.”
With a career-high 34 carries, Taylor also recorded his fourth straight game with over 100 yards rushing, marking the longest such streak of his career. He has scored six touchdowns during this span, with one touchdown in the game against the Jaguars, reclaiming momentum after a critical fumble earlier in the season against Denver that cost the Colts a potentially game-winning score.
Despite some fans vocalizing their frustration with chants of “Fire Ballard” in the snowy conditions of the game, Irsay quickly confirmed his decision to retain both Ballard and Steichen in a letter sent to fans later that evening. Irsay expressed his confidence that the current leadership would expedite the team’s return to success compared to what might unfold under different management.
Flacco, who is 39, may not return to the only NFL team that has offered him a contract for the coming season. If he has indeed played his final game after a 17-year career, he concluded it on a high note. He completed 23 passes out of 40 for 264 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown pass to Alec Pierce early in the contest. Additionally, he orchestrated the scoring drive during the first possession of overtime for Indianapolis (8-9).
“This doesn’t feel like the end. I truly hope it’s not the end,” Flacco stated, a mere 11 days shy of turning 40. “However, some aspects are beyond your control. My desire is to continue playing, and I wish to be among those rare 40-year-olds still competing in the NFL, contributing to meaningful games.”
In contrast, the future appears uncertain for the Jaguars (4-13), who may need to implement significant changes after losing three of their last four and eight of ten overall. Following the game, offensive lineman Tyler Shatley announced his retirement, concluding an 11-year career exclusively with Jacksonville.
Owner Shad Khan may consider changes to replace both head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke. Pederson, addressing his potential future during a postgame press conference, maintained a hopeful outlook. “I expect to find out in the upcoming week,” he commented when questioned about returning next season. “Emotions are running high, but I am hopeful about our prospects. I genuinely believe we have the foundation to build a strong football team.”
Backup quarterback Mac Jones could also find himself on the move after a game where he went 19 for 35 with 205 yards, including one touchdown and one interception. Brian Thomas Jr. was a standout receiver, catching six passes for 83 yards.
While the game held significance in terms of draft positioning, it felt as though more was at stake. Following an early touchdown pass from Flacco, Jacksonville quickly responded with Tank Bigsby’s 1-yard touchdown run. The Jaguars took the lead in the second quarter with a 53-yard field goal from Cam Little, but Taylor soon put the Colts back ahead with a 6-yard touchdown.
The score remained close, with Jacksonville tying the game 20-all thanks to Parker Washington’s 9-yard touchdown reception. Gay then edged the Colts ahead with a 45-yard field goal, but Little responded with a tying 53-yarder, sending the contest into overtime. After Indianapolis regained possession in OT, a key sack by Zaire Franklin on Jones put the Jaguars in a difficult fourth-and-22 situation, where Jones’ pass fell incomplete, sealing the Colts’ victory.
“Finishing the season in the right way was our goal — achieving a victory was crucial,” said Steichen. “While it feels good to end the year on a win, we still want more. Our ultimate aim is to be in the playoffs, and that’s where our disappointment lies.”
Both teams faced challenges with their lineups. Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson and Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen were inactive for the game. Richardson missed his second game in a row due to back spasms and dealt with injuries throughout the season, while Hines-Allen stayed home for personal reasons as he approached a franchise record for sacks.
The game also marked a farewell for several Colts staff members, including head athletic trainer Dave Hammer, assistant video director John “Fuzzy” Starliper, and chain crew member Bob Klein, all of whom worked their final games. Hammer and Klein contributed to the franchise for 41 seasons, while Starliper served for 42 seasons.
In terms of injuries during the game, Jaguars safety Andre Cisco left early due to a groin injury, and subsequently was ruled out. On the Colts side, second-year cornerback JuJu Brents, who had just returned from injured reserve, sustained a groin injury in the first half, while right tackle Matt Goncalves entered the concussion protocol in the second half. Additionally, rookie defensive end Laiatu Latu suffered a shoulder injury.
