Breaking down Colts playoff elimination loss to Giants

The Colts got some needed help from the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, who were able to defeat Denver to keep Indianapolis’ playoff hopes alive.

However, against the two-win New York Giants, the Colts couldn’t take care of their own business and were eliminated in a pretty devastating fashion, surrendering 45 points to a team that averaged just over 14 per game on the year.

The Colts’ postseason drought now extends to four seasons, with their last appearance coming in 2020.

With the dust having settled a bit and the game now wrapped up, if you’re up for it, let’s take a look back at the Colts’ performance and break it all down.

Final Score

It was over when…

…considering that the Giants took a two score lead with 2:57 remaining after they responded to the Colts touchdown–which cut New York’s lead to just two points–with a touchdown of their own, that could be viewed as the point at which this one was over. But we’ll look ahead one more play to when Joe Flacco threw an interception on the Colts’ first play of the following possession. This all but ended any remaining hope of a comeback that may have existed.

Keys to the game

Missed opportunities on offense: As we’ll get to here shortly, it was a big day for the offense, both in terms of yards and points. However, there were missed opportunities as well and in a game where 45 points are surrendered, that margin for error is slim. On one possession, Flacco faced quick pressure and threw an interception. Another red zone possession ended with a sack and then one on a fourth down stop. Matt Gay also missed a 54-yard attempt as well.

Big plays and missed tackles: Two issues that have plagues the Colts all season. By my count, the Giants offense had eight plays of at least 19 yards–most of which came through the air. While the Colts were able to contain the Giants’ run game, the pass rush was unable to steadily disrupt Drew Lock and Malik Nabers took advantage of his one-on-one matchups. Then magnifying those issues were the 13 missed tackles PFF accounted for.

Jonathan Taylor and pass game keep Colts in it: It wasn’t always easy in the run game, but Shane Steichen did stick with it even when the Colts were down multiple scores. As the game went on, Taylor picked up steam, rushing for 125 yards and two scores. That success on the ground and keeping the offense ahead of the sticks, again, helped the Colts put together an efficient third down performance and stay on the field. Then through the air, Alec Pierce had 122 yards on six receptions and Michael Pittman had 109 yards on nine receptions with both players finding the end zone. These three players, along with Flacco facilitating things, helped keep the Colts in this game until the final minutes.

This can’t happen: As I said in my instant takeaways article, given the opponent, given the circumstances, this performance was unacceptable. The defense is obviously the most at fault, but there were missed opportunities on offense and a special teams touchdown surrendered as well. This cannot happen, but here we are, and the issues go well beyond the play on the field.

Stars of the game

WR Alec Pierce: An excellent return for Pierce, who as he doe, provided that big play spark. Pierce had six receptions for 122 yards at 20.3 yards per catch with a score.

WR Michael Pittman: In must-have-it games, teams need their best players to lead the way and Pittman did that. He caught nine passes for 109 yards and a touchdown.

RB Jonathan Taylor: The yards didn’t always come easy, with Taylor averaging 3.9 yards per attempt, but he provided stability to the offense and kept them manageable down and distances. Taylor totaled 125 rushing yards and had two touchdowns.

Injury updates

No Colts players left this game with an injury.

What’s next?

With the Colts out of playoff contention, their 2024 season concludes next week at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars.