Indianapolis Colts’ entire organization should expect scrutiny after ugly loss to Jacksonville Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Generally, all of it comes full circle.

2 hundred and fifty-two days for the reason that Indianapolis Colts misplaced to the Jacksonville Jaguars in gorgeous vogue, eliminating them from the 2021 postseason, the Colts are proper again the place they began.

Sunday’s 24-0 loss to the Jaguars dropped the Colts to 0-1-1. However extra importantly, it has put everybody within the group beneath a microscope. The outcomes up to now in 2022 appear to recommend the workforce hasn’t progressed a lot, if in any respect, since that notorious January defeat.

There are numerous questions proper now. And if the Colts don’t produce substantive solutions in a rush, this season might flip right into a referendum on all concerned.

“All the things will get evaluated, high to backside,” coach Frank Reich admitted. “Coaches, gamers. I get evaluated. All people will get evaluated.”

That appears applicable, as a result of coaches, gamers and front-office choices all performed a task in Sunday’s loss.

From a training standpoint, there was a lot to query. For instance, did the Colts make any try at defensive changes because the Jaguars effortlessly marched up and down the sector with fast, quick throws from quarterback Trevor Lawrence? The Jaguars accomplished 25 of 30 makes an attempt, neutralizing the Colts’ cross rush with fast three-step drops and one-read throws. Indianapolis is in its first season beneath new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.

“Very irritating from a pass-rushing standpoint,” defensive finish Kwity Paye stated. “We’re making an attempt to get again there, however they have been simply letting [the ball] go. We’ve got to create a greater plan up entrance, possibly have a bit extra motion, get our palms up, attempt to do the whole lot we will to become involved, as a result of they have been getting the ball out tremendous quick.”

Requested whether or not the problems have been scheme associated or matchup associated, cornerback Kenny Moore II stated, “It’s scheme on scheme. It’s an ideal query although. Why is the man so open?”

Offensively, Reich was outmaneuvered by his former boss, Jaguars coach Doug Pederson, with whom he gained a Tremendous Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017. With Pederson, Lawrence is exhibiting better poise and wiser decision-making than he did as a rookie final season beneath City Meyer. In the meantime, Reich’s offense has not established any consistency this season regardless of the transfer from former quarterback Carson Wentz to present starter Matt Ryan.

From the participant perspective, the failures are mounting. Take, for instance, the extremely touted offensive line that couldn’t create a working lane for one of many NFL’s most deadly working backs – Jonathan Taylor – and repeatedly collapsed towards Jacksonville’s formidable defensive entrance.

The Colts have invested extra money of their offensive line than every other workforce, together with handing guard Quenton Nelson a record-shattering deal two weeks in the past that features $60 million in ensures. For that, the Colts received a collective effort that allowed strain on 40% of Ryan’s 35 dropbacks on Sunday, in keeping with ESPN Stats & Info analysis. That’s the best fee allowed by any workforce up to now in Week 2.

A protection that produced 33 takeaways in 2021, second-most within the NFL, has managed only one by way of two video games (together with none on Sunday). Even two main offseason additions, cornerback Stephon Gilmore and defensive finish Yannick Ngakoue, haven’t been sufficient to show the tide.

To not be ignored is the function of the entrance workplace within the present state of affairs. Colts normal supervisor Chris Ballard — regardless of repeated questioning all through the offseason — resisted the urge to make important upgrades to the workforce’s younger and unproven group of pass-catchers.

Two weeks in, that call took middle stage when No. 1 receiver Michael Pittman Jr. missed the sport with a quad damage, and the remaining receivers and tight ends proved incapable of overcoming his absence. The receivers who performed towards Jacksonville — second-round decide Alec Pierce additionally missed the sport due to a concussion — struggled to separate and make contested catches.

The choice to deploy journeyman Matt Pryor at left sort out hasn’t gone a lot better. Pryor had his palms full all day towards edge rushers Josh Allen and Travon Walker, the No. 1 general decide on this yr’s draft. He allowed constant strain, together with a sack-fumble by Allen.

All of this comes lower than every week after the Colts parted with kicker Rodrigo Blankenship following his missed game-winning kick in Houston in Week 1. The shortage of extra aggressive motion to enhance the kicking state of affairs falls on the entrance workplace, too.

The January loss to Jacksonville prompted proprietor Jim Irsay to instantly name a gathering with Reich and Ballard to demand enchancment. Ballard later described it as an “a– chewing.”

On Sunday, Irsay was whisked away when approached by reporters, declining remark. However relaxation assured, he’s watching. And no matter occurs throughout the remainder of the season will doubtless dictate what occurs to the related events when it ends.