Colts Show Major Flaws in 19-9 Loss to Chargers

Oct 14, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) fights off a tackle attempt by San Diego Chargers linebacker Reggie Walker (52) during the first half at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego, CA – The Indianapolis Colts went into San Diego highly favored, but came out disappointed and defeated. Despite all the odds being in their favor, the Colts team from the last three weeks did not show up. Both offensively and defensively, the Colts looked like a completely different team from the squad that won big games against both the 49ers and Seahawks.

Andrew Luck was held completely in check, passing for just 202 yards and no touchdowns. While his receivers did drop quite a few passes, he looked rattled at times, and the Chargers’ pass-rush was able to get to him throughout the game. Luck also threw an interception in the closing minutes that sealed the victory for the Chargers.

The rushing attack for the Colts was decent, but far from what they were anticipating. Trent Richardson carried the football just 10 times for 40 yards, which at 4.0 yards per carry is certainly a positive. Donald Brown continued his solid season with three carries for 15 yards. Overall, the Colts did not run the football like they have most of the season.

Reggie Wayne led the way for the Colts’ wide receivers with five catches for 88 yards, while T.Y. Hilton chipped in five catches as well for a total of 43 yards. After that there wasn’t much to write home about for the Colts in the passing game. San Diego did a great job of limiting everything that the Colts tried to do.

Phillip Rivers shredded the Colts defense for 237 yards and a touchdown on 22/33 passing attempts. The Indianapolis defense looked weak at best throughout the entire game and were no match for the rushing game either. Ryan Matthews totaled 96 yards on 21 carries and Danny Woodhead rushed the football nine times for 36 yards. Keenan Allen had a huge game for the Chargers, catching nine passes for 107 yards and a touchdown as well.

Overall, the Colts came out and played a bad football game. The first drive looked solid, but they failed to score a touchdown, and that would be the case the entire way to the end. Coming off of two big victories against the 49ers and Seahawks, the Colts came tumbling back down to earth and showed quite a few major flaws tonight against San Diego. If they want to keep on being thought of as Super Bowl contenders, they need their defense to step up, and their offense to remain consistent. Tough loss for the Colts, but there is always next week to look forward to against Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football.

Evan Massey is an Editor at Naptown’s Finest. Follow Evan and Naptown’s Finest on Twitter.