If you ask Shane Steichen or any of the players if this is the time to panic, the answer would be a resounding “no”. After starting the season 7-1, the Indianapolis Colts find themselves at 8-3. In a vacuum, 8-3 is pretty good. Considering where this team was projected to be, 8-3 is fantastic. It isn’t always about the record, however. More times than not it, how a team got to that record and where the team is currently is more important. For the Colts, things are on a downward trend over the last three games. The players and coaches would never express outward panic, but that doesn’t mean the meter isn’t starting to rise.
Four weeks ago, Jonathan Taylor was running over people, Daniel Jones was in the MVP conversation, the offensive line looked like world beaters and the skilled positions were making plays all over the field. Not to say the Colts have made a total 180, but there have been regressions. Yes, Taylor still ran roughshod over the Falcons, but games against the Steelers and Chiefs left something to be desired. Is that all on Taylor? Of course not. A lot comes down to the game plan and especially in the Chiefs game, the total lack of running plays called down the stretch. Throw to score, run to win? Didn’t seem like it out there.
The plate for Jones at times is too full. He has shown tremendous growth, but he has limitations. The Colts are here because of Taylor and the complimenting role of Jones. The Colts need to continue to lean on that identity. Over this stretch, the offensive line is getting beaten up and giving up too much pressure. Thus, Jones is forcing the ball and holding it too long. Turnovers have jumped, drives are stalling, and three and outs are piling up. We are seeing no where near the offensive efficiency we witnessed early on in the season. To a degree, that is understandable. This team wasn’t going to maintain historic levels. The drop-off in the dominance is what has been troubling. Steichen needs to use RPO more to keep defenses off balance and lean on Taylor. He is the horse that got them here and the one that will carry the Colts home. Even if the yards aren’t there early, keep him involved. It isn’t a mystery that he can rip a long one and change the game in dramatic fashion.
Win against the Texans and the pressure will subside for at least a moment. It would get this team back on track and maintain distance in the AFC South. Lose, however, and the division becomes a dog fight. The Colts could be looking at a tie with Jacksonville, and the Texans would be one game back with a division clincher. What a depressing place that would be after the start the Colts had. The panic meter may have crept up slightly, but it shouldn’t be a five-alarm fire yet. The Texans’ game could cool tensions. Then again, it could have fans calling for heads as the panic meter burst through the top.
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