The Indianapolis Colts (3-4-1) as soon as once more leaned on their protection to win a recreation and it resulted in a 17-16 loss Sunday in opposition to the Washington Commanders (4-4) at Lucas Oil Stadium.
On a day when former nice Tarik Glenn was inducted into the group’s Ring of Honor, the offensive line struggled once more. The offense barely discovered a rhythm and once they did, they did shot themselves within the foot.
The Colts proceed to pattern within the incorrect route and fall additional out of the playoff race.
Right here’s our prompt evaluation of the Week 8 loss:
- The protection was stout for almost all of the sport, permitting simply 10 factors by means of the primary 55 minutes or so.
- The run protection was sturdy, permitting the Commanders backfield to take 17 carries for simply 45 yards, good for two.6 yards per carry.
- The line of defense recorded solely 2.0 sacks however added eight quarterback hits.
- WR Parris Campbell led the large receivers for the second week in a row, totaling 71 yards on simply three touches. He additionally drew a 30-yard defensive go interference penalty that arrange the go-ahead landing late within the fourth quarter.
- QB Sam Ehlinger appeared effective in his first profession begin. There are definitely limitations to his recreation, however he appeared like a reliable quarterback with some upside. He accomplished 17-of-23 go makes an attempt for 201 yards.
- The protection stored the Commanders in test on third down, permitting them to transform simply 2-of-12 makes an attempt.
- Ok Chase McLaughlin transformed all three of his field-goal makes an attempt and lone extra-point try. P Matt Haack bounced again for an enormous recreation 56.8 yards per punt and downing 3-of-4 punts contained in the 20–yard line.
- The offense continues to carry the group again. They’ve failed to attain greater than 20 factors in all however one recreation this season.
- The offensive line struggled once more, permitting 5 quarterback hits and 5 tackles for loss.
- The Colts misplaced the turnover battle but once more. RB Jonathan Taylor had a fumble as did QB Sam Ehlinger.
- There was no rhythm on offense. On their 11 precise drives, the Colts ran greater than 4 performs on simply 4 drives.
- The protection was sturdy for essentially the most half however allowed a game-winning 89-yard drive with simply over two minutes left within the recreation.
- WR Michael Pittman Jr. averaged simply 7.6 yards per catch and had a vital drop on the ultimate drive that would have helped the Colts transfer into discipline purpose vary.
This a recreation the Colts ought to have received had they completed, however they proceed to let unfavorable performs and a scarcity of rhythm on offense hold them from ending the job. Sam Ehlinger was effective in his debut, and it is going to be fascinating to see if he can develop his recreation additional, however this group is probably going heading towards one other season ending with lacking the playoffs.