After three straight subpar performances, is the Colts’ panic meter beginning to climb?

Should you ask Shane Steichen or any of the gamers if that is the time to panic, the reply can be a convincing “no”. After beginning the season 7-1, the Indianapolis Colts discover themselves at 8-3. In a vacuum, 8-3 is fairly good. Contemplating the place this group was projected to be, 8-3 is unbelievable. It isn’t all the time in regards to the document, nonetheless. Extra instances than not it, how a group acquired to that document and the place the group is at present is extra essential. For the Colts, issues are on a downward pattern over the past three video games. The gamers and coaches would by no means specific outward panic, however that doesn’t imply the meter isn’t beginning to rise.

4 weeks in the past, Jonathan Taylor was working over folks, Daniel Jones was within the MVP dialog, the offensive line regarded like world beaters and the expert positions had been making performs everywhere in the area. To not say the Colts have made a complete 180, however there have been regressions. Sure, Taylor nonetheless ran roughshod over the Falcons, however video games in opposition to the Steelers and Chiefs left one thing to be desired. Is that each one on Taylor? In fact not. Loads comes right down to the sport plan and particularly within the Chiefs sport, the overall lack of working performs referred to as down the stretch. Throw to attain, run to win? Didn’t seem to be it on the market.

The plate for Jones at instances is simply too full. He has proven super progress, however he has limitations. The Colts are right here due to Taylor and the complimenting function of Jones. The Colts must proceed to lean on that identification. Over this stretch, the offensive line is getting crushed up and giving up an excessive amount of strain. Thus, Jones is forcing the ball and holding it too lengthy. Turnovers have jumped, drives are stalling, and three and outs are piling up. We’re seeing no the place close to the offensive effectivity we witnessed early on within the season. To a level, that’s comprehensible. This group wasn’t going to take care of historic ranges. The drop-off within the dominance is what has been troubling. Steichen wants to make use of RPO extra to maintain defenses off stability and lean on Taylor. He’s the horse that acquired them right here and the one that may carry the Colts dwelling. Even when the yards aren’t there early, preserve him concerned. It isn’t a thriller that he can rip a protracted one and alter the sport in dramatic vogue.

Win in opposition to the Texans and the strain will subside for at the very least a second. It will get this group again on observe and keep distance within the AFC South. Lose, nonetheless, and the division turns into a canine combat. The Colts might be a tie with Jacksonville, and the Texans can be one sport again with a division clincher. What a miserable place that will be after the beginning the Colts had. The panic meter could have crept up barely, but it surely shouldn’t be a five-alarm fireplace but. The Texans’ sport may cool tensions. Then once more, it may have followers calling for heads because the panic meter burst by way of the highest.