Colts reeling after ’embarrassing’ loss to Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Simply two video games into the 2022 season, the Indianapolis Colts already discover themselves at a vital juncture.

The Colts suffered their third shutout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars prior to now 5 seasons, dropping 24-0 at TIAA Financial institution Area to fall to 0-1-1 with a recreation in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs looming in Week 3.

The Colts have been outgained 331 yards to 218 and allowed 21 first downs whereas incomes simply 9. In the meantime, quarterback Matt Ryan was sacked 5 instances and threw three interceptions for the primary time in his 15 seasons, in response to ESPN Stats & Data analysis.

“The s— was embarrassing,” Colts defensive sort out DeForest Buckner mentioned. “We received our a– whooped. We now have to return in tomorrow, take it on the chin and develop from this.”

The Colts entered this season speaking overtly about having Tremendous Bowl objectives, a dialog that was bolstered by the return of seven Professional Bowl picks.

“I actually had excessive expectations coming in,” Ryan mentioned. “And also you actually do not assume you are going to be 0-1-1. That is simply not within the competitor’s mindset. We’re the place we’re, and I believe being life like about the place we’re at is necessary. It must be brutal honesty.”

Here is some brutal honesty: The Colts’ offense took an enormous backward step after exceeding 500 yards of offensive manufacturing in a tie with the Houston Texans in Week 1.

Significantly stunning was their incapability to run the ball, with 2021 dashing champion Jonathan Taylor held to 54 yards on 9 carries, together with 4 yards on 5 carries within the first half. The Colts, one of many NFL’s finest dashing groups, completed with 54 dashing yards — their lowest whole since 2019.

“We have been simply not productive within the first half,” coach Frank Reich mentioned. “We simply could not get a completion, we could not run the ball on first and second down. It appeared like within the first half each run was 2 yards. And with us, after we’re buzzing, we’re efficient on first and second down.”

Can the Colts flip it round? Reich has to persuade his workforce a reversal is feasible.

“As pathetic as that was at the moment, the place that is and the place we should be, the space isn’t that far,” Reich mentioned. “We now have the gamers and coaches to do it. I do know that does not play within the exterior world, and I am effective with that. We’ll take our drugs and I will take my drugs and we’ll simply preserve doing what we do.”