The meaningful part of the Indianapolis Colts‘ season ends where the hope was re-ignited, at MetLife Stadium. The Colts got embarrassed by the New York Giants, the worst team in the league. I cannot find a word worse than embarrassed to use. This was a top-to-bottom beatdown from the Giants and where the Colts go from here is anyone’s guess.
It appeared during the pregame previews that sources leaked that this regime would return. As the local fanbase had already named it “Team Run It Back 2.0” would return. After this embarrassing performance, everyone in this organization should be evaluated. This needs to be a top-to-bottom re-evaluation of what is going on. Irsay, Ballard, Steichen, Offense, Defense, and Special Teams, all of them. Let’s recap the lowlights of Sunday’s game and where this franchise goes from here.
Indy’s Defense (somehow) Hit a New Low
The roller coaster of this defensive unit has finally hit its last and final breaking point. Without debate, this was their worst performance of the season. They allowed 45 points to a team that only averaged a league-low 14.3 points all season. This defense allowed the Giants to easily win this football game for a team that lost 10 games in a row heading into Week 17. This defense could not stop rookie Malik Nabers or backup quarterback Drew Lock from having career days, respectively.
We have seen this “bend, don’t break” defense all season long, but on Sunday, they completely broke. They broke against one of the worst offenses in the league, a team that fought week in and week out to score two measly touchdowns. The poor tackling (especially in the secondary) was on full display this week. The inability to stop Giants wideouts Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson on the comeback and crossing routes was the breaking point. Even their attempt(s) to gang tackle fell short as the Giants continued to gain yards. The lack of discipline and unpreparedness have finally doomed this football team.
You cannot have this type of performance with so much on the line. To come out and play this poorly against a weak offense is inexcusable. The defense has always taken one step forward and two steps back all season long and now, it has come full circle. If this does not end the Gus Bradley tenure, I’m stumped as to what could make it get to that point.
Inability To Put Together A Complete Game
I discussed this in the pre-game article about this team’s inability to put together a complete game in all three phases. On offense, it appeared that the plan of running the football was the correct gameplan and utilizing the vertical passing game was the right plan as well. They utilized Alec Pierce and Micheal Pittman Jr well and both had terrific games. Jonathan Taylor had another solid day on the ground. His yards per carry were low but still he helped keep this offense in the game.
We discussed the poor defensive effort above and this week we saw special teams make a massive mistake. In the only return of the game on a kickoff, Giants kick returner Ihmir Smith-Marsette take a return 100 yards for a momentum killing touchdown. The Giants created a seam on the return, and he blazed right through it untouched to start the second half. It was a demoralizing start to a half that needed a boost from someone or something.
Where To Go From Here?
Everyone who produces content (myself included) loves to speculate. It’s what the fan wants, and it’s the easiest to write. It’s easy because you essentially throw spaghetti at the wall and see which strands stick. It’s also what fans love to read and talk about amongst friends and fans. It is the driving force of most content. However, there is more to it than that.
There is a human element to this speculation and conjecture. We were to believe that this franchise was going to bring everyone back for a make-or-break third season, where it would be playoffs or bust. However, a thorough beating of this magnitude must raise questions within not only the organization but also this hungry fanbase. They are tired of losing and dealing with the same excuses year after year after year.
No matter who you put the blame on, there is an issue within this organization, and it must be eradicated. How to fix it is unknown at this point, and it might go as high as ownership, potentially. This is a culture problem, and the arrogance of Chris Ballard has gotten the best of him. Last season we heard Ballard say he has made some mistakes, but he has not made the changes. While it’s not an overnight solution his implied arrogance towards the job is turning everyone against him, yet again.
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