Colts Late Game Rally Falls Short vs Saints, 27-21

The Indianapolis Colts have serious issues in almost every phase of the game. The Colts fell to 3-4 after the worst defense in the NFL manhandled the supposedly high firing Indianapolis offense. Andrew Luck‘s struggles were in full force on Sunday as he had his fourth multi-turnover game of the season in a 27-21 loss against the Saints.

There were always flaws on the roster, namely on defense, but Luck was supposed to be the one constant on the team. He has regressed at a rapid rate this season, becoming more inconsistent with his passes and turning the ball over at a higher rate. The Colts went scoreless in the first half once again and didn’t show any signs of life until the late stages of the game.

Luck finished today completing 23-of-44 passes for 333 yards and three touchdowns. He unfortunately had a pair of bad interceptions in the first half as well.

Some were quick to start blaming the offensive line, which gave up four sacks rather than Luck’s struggles (probably because it is easier to quantify). The simply fact of the matter is that throughout this season, better quarterbacking has this team at five or six wins this season.

The Colts managed to show signs of life late in the third quarter, scoring back-to-back touchdowns on deep passes to T.Y. Hilton. But the offense failed to move the ball in the fourth quarter despite some brilliant play from the defense. Another touchdown to Donte Moncrief brought the Colts within one score, but they failed to recover the onside kick.

The defense really did play a great game as they gave up just two long drives for touchdowns. The other two scores came off short field courtesy of turnovers by the offense and special teams.

One of the few bright points on the Colts roster is Pat McAfee who continued to boom punts down field on Sunday. McAfee punted 10 times on Sunday and averaged over 51 yards per attempt.

Up next, the Colts travel to the undefeated (as of right now) Carolina Panthers.