8-8, the losing streak continues, and this team keeps finding ways to lose. A cultural reset is clearly needed, starting from the general manager all the way down to the key players. This team is not going anywhere the way it is built, and to top it all off the Colts don’t have their first round picks for the next two drafts.
MVP of the Game: Laiatu Latu
Latu is in my opinion one of the most underrated edge rushers in the NFL. Playing on a front seven that has no consistent pass-rushers other than him, he still manages to generate pressure, he has improved drastically finishing plays and getting sacks, and has stepped up batting passes and has an absurd three interceptions this year. He has lived up to the hype of the first round pick used on him, and was by far the Colts’ best defensive player this season. Imagine what he could do surrounded with players that opposing offensive lines have to pay attention to.
Dud of the Game (The Ballard): Zaire Franklin / Shane Steichen
Zaire played much better this season with Anarumo, but his play is still subpar. Take a closer look to the third down conversions of the Jaguars’ offense, and really stare at #44. If I am able to see it I just cannot understand how the coaches don’t, unless there is some sort of explanation for it, but the amount of times he just stands there as the receiver blows past him, allowing an easy completion, is insane. Yes he is solid in the run game, and he has improved his game as a pass-rusher, but in today’s NFL linebackers need to be able to at least be competent in pass-coverage. He is also one of the leaders on a team that has not made the playoffs since he is a starter, and that has suffered several late-season collapses. When everything fails the blame starts at the top, and Franklin has positioned himself as one of the top dogs in the team, for better or worse.
Steichen gets the dud of the game because of one of the most obvious questionable calls I have seen from a head-coach: going for it on 4th & 11 near midfield. It is simple statistic here, the chances of the Colts converting a 4th and 11 with Philip Rivers at quarterback are probably around 1%, give or take. Giving the Jaguars the ball back in that position means that they are in 4th down territory (with a conversion essentially ending the game, which is what happened), or say you turn the ball over and manage to force a 3 and out, then the Jaguars punt the ball and most likely force you to start at your own 10-15 yard line. Now if the Colts had punted the ball then the Jags start at their own 20-yard line (average), too risky to go for it on 4th down in that area of the field, and if the defense holds and forces a 3 and out then the offense gets the ball back at the 40 (again, give or take). The decision to go for it was dumb, and another late game mismanagement by Steichen.
Best play of the Game: First three drives
Not like it really mattered because the Colts were already eliminated before the game started, but for the first three drives it seemed like the Colts were going to manage to win this one and give the fans some happiness to end the year. First drive: an excellent kickoff return by Dulin, followed by some yards on the ground and a chip shot by Grupe to get the Colts up early. Then the defense allowed the Jags to drive down the field before a fumble recovery on a mishandled lateral, followed by a methodical 15-play drive that finished with a touchdown to put the Colts up 10-0.
Worst play of the Game: Lawrence 9-yard completion to Meyers on 3rd and 10, followed by 4th down conversion on QB sneak.
That was rough. First of all Lawrence places a perfect ball to Meyers, who was blanketed by Moore, but still managed to make an amazing catch near the sideline to set up a 4th and 1 instead of 3rd and 10. That was an amazing play by both the quarterback and the wide receiver, one of those plays where the defense cannot do anything to stop it. What came after that was bad though, with the Jaguars in clear sneak situation the Colts’ defense inexplicably left the left side wide open resulting in perhaps the easiest QB sneak conversion this season for Lawrence.
Unsung hero: Germaine Pratt
For a linebacker picked off the street in Week 6, Pratt has been solid. Against the Jags he got an interception in the redzone, and finished the game with 7 tackles. He is not starting linebacker material because very much like Franklin he is a liability in coverage, but as for depth and veteran leadership he is worth keeping around next year.
Rookie of the Week: Tyler Warren
Once again, not because of any particular merit by Warren but because the only other rookie with significant playing time was Jalen Travis and he struggled dealing with JHA and Travon Walker. Warren caught all five of his targets for 43 yards, a solid outing.
See More:
