Colts: We truly cannot believe 2020 season could come down to Week 1 loss vs Jaguars
By Jerry Trotta
It’s actually nuts that the Colts’ playoff fate could come down to their season-opening loss against Jacksonville.
At this point in the week, fans are probably aware of the multiple scenarios that would see the Indianapolis Colts clinch a playoff berth.
In order for them to qualify for one of the three wild card spots, they need to defeat Jacksonville and have one of Cleveland, Baltimore or Miami — two of whom seemingly have cupcake matchups — lose their respective games.
Speaking of the Week 17 showdown against the Jaguars, who have already locked up the No. 1 overall pick, it is absolutely gobsmacking to think that the Colts’ playoff fate could come down to their season-opening loss against the very same team.
And, then, there's the fact that the Colts have to beat the Jaguars. And, well, you know.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) December 29, 2020
Remember how demoralizing that loss was? The defense looked all out of sorts, forcing just one incompletion through the air while allowing three touchdowns, including what ultimately proved to be the game-winner with less than six minutes remaining in fourth quarter.
When you take a look back at the stats, it’s almost impressive that Indianapolis managed to lose this one. Not only did they win the time of possession battle, but they ran 22 more plays on offense and racked up 445 total yards compared to Jacksonville’s 241.
Taking all of that into account, it’s fair to say the game was determined by the turnover battle, which the Colts lost. Fans will unfortunately remember Philip Rivers’ pair of back-breaking interceptions, both of which resulted in Jaguars touchdowns. His lackluster debut left plenty of media members pondering whether signing him was the right move.
And none of it mattered! Until now.
NEW: Saying the Jaguars have the Colts’ number might sound like hyperbole. But it’s unquestionably true in recent years. This team has lost to Jacksonville in every possible fashion. Here’s a look at Indy’s recent struggles against the Jags. https://t.co/monWsSeYCn
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) December 31, 2020
If the Colts had one more win on their resume, they would still be able to get in with a loss to close out the year. Now, however, they face a must-win scenario and are at the mercy of other teams that have already locked up their respective division titles.
It would also be foolish for fans in Indianapolis to label the season finale against Jacksonville as a win, as they are just 2-5 in their last seven meetings vs the AFC South bottom-feeders.
Again, we’re fully expecting a victory, but we can’t deny how infuriating it is that the Colts’ playoff quest could boil down to what looks like (in retrospect) one of the biggest upsets of the season based on record.
