Indianapolis Colts: 3 plays vs Titans that prove coaching might be the problem

We know you’re sick of hearing how embarrassing of a loss the Indianapolis Colts suffered on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, but it’ll be one that’s hard to forget.

After jumping out to a 14-0 lead with a chance to make it a three-score game, the offense failed to cash in despite starting a drive in Titans territory and were then out-scored the rest of the way by a 34-17 margin.

Do the players deserve blame? Absolutely. Each and every week it feels like there’s a new culprit for the team’s inexcusable woes. However, at some point, doesn’t that speak to a greater problem? Might that indicate there’s an issue with the coaching?

Three turnovers. Nine penalties that cost them 75 yards. The defense allowed the Titans to go 10-19 combined on third and fourth down. No discipline. Hardly any sense of urgency. And don’t get us started on the play calling.

Anyway, let’s dive in and examine how the Colts’ coaching staff may have been largely responsible for the loss to the Titans.

These three plays in Colts’ loss to to Titans prove there might be a problem with the coaching staff.

3. Titans TD Pass to Geoff Swaim

We’re really not being facetious here. Can somebody explain Matt Eberflus’ defensive scheme to us, please? There’s no pass rush, which isn’t entirely his fault … but then why are receivers constantly left wide open over the middle of the field? This was an issue when the team was fully healthy, so don’t go blaming it on injuries.

When you’re rushing four players, there’s hardly an excuse for life to be this easy for the opposing offense when the QB drops back to pass. And we couldn’t help but notice how that was encapsulated on this 3rd and 2 from the Colts’ three-yard line.

Just watch. Four down linemen rush. SEVEN players are in coverage. TWO linebackers bit on one of the worst fakes you’ll ever see. And tight end Geoff Swaim was wide open for the touchdown.

Remember last week against the 49ers when Jimmy Garoppolo, at times, was able to effortlessly gash the defense through the air? That’s because the linebackers were making every wrong read and over-pursuing on play-action. EJ Speed and Bobby Okereke were the victims on this play.

Another thing, though? Can we just play man-to-man, like, once? The Titans, if you pause this play at the four-second mark, have three guys WIDE open: one in the flat and two in the end zone. How is this defensive strategy conducive to success?

It really feels like the players are not being put in the right position to succeed under Eberflus’ system.