The Colts have fallen apart the last month or so. They need to go back to basics if they want to get back in the winner’s circle.
Going back to basics is something that every team should do when they are struggling. They need to go back to what they do well. For the Colts, that’s running the ball and controlling the clock. They need to do that more and better if they want to win games.
It starts with the offensive line. The line has to get downhill and engage blockers for longer periods of time. They have to let the backs see the open holes in the defense so they can hit them hard. That moves the chains and keeps the opposing offense on the sidelines.
On defense, that means going back to their standard cover 2 defense. They need to sit back and let plays happen in front of them instead of giving up the big play. Giving up big plays has killed them the last two games. Those are plays that make you lose football games.
It’s up to the coaching staff to implement these measures so that the team can have more success. Frank Reich and company need to use this entire week of practicing figuring out ways to put their players in places where they can succeed.
The season might have already slipped away. But if there is any hope of them coming back and making the playoffs, the basics will have to be a big part of it.