Colts blow big lead, playoff hopes go up in smoke

They had to win today against the Buccaneers to save their playoff hopes. Instead, the Colts blew a 14 point second half lead and lost 38-35.

It was a shootout from the very beginning. The Colts scored 10 points in the first quarter, and Tampa scored 14. It was a 27-21 lead for Indy at half. In fact, they got it up to 35-21 at one point. Then they gave up 17 unanswered points and lost the game.

This team has lost its fight. They’ve now lost five of their last six games and have bowed out of the playoff talks with a whimper. It would take a certified miracle for them to get in at this point. Even if they did, does anyone want that? Does anyone want to watch them get whipped?

The second half play calling didn’t make any sense. The Colts stopped trying to run the ball and stopped giving it to Marlon Mack. Mack was back after missing the last two games with a broken hand, and looked good in the first half. But with a 14 point lead, the Colts decided it was smart to throw the ball instead.

Jacoby Brissett was not efficient in this game. He finished 19/36 for 251 yards and 2 touchdowns. He actually tried to throw the ball down the field in this one, which was a welcome sign. The offense actually wasn’t the problem in this game and wasn’t the reason they lost this game.

The defense got absolutely shredded. They did force four turnovers in this game, but if they weren’t doing that, Jameis Winston was carving them up like a Thanksgiving Day turkey. He threw for a career high 456 yards. In fact, if the Colts wouldn’t have forced those turnovers, it would have been a blowout.

This has been an incredibly disappointing season from start to finish. Every level of this team has underperformed from preseason expectations. Frank Reich has underperformed in his play calling and adjustments. When the going got tough, this team tucked its tail between its legs and fell apart. They have blown 4 second half leads, which is tied for most in the league.

Quite frankly, fans should be embarrassed. I’m embarrassed. Fans should root for this team to lose the rest of their games. Maybe they can get a top 10 pick if they can do that. It would be the only saving grace for a lost season.