3 silver linings from the Colts’ loss to the Buccaneers

1. Silver linings for Colts in Bucs loss: Indianapolis shows they belong with league’s best

Again, the NFL is not the place for moral victories. Even with that understanding, the frustrating fashion in which Indianapolis lost this game is somewhat promising for where they stand in the NFL.

There were a host of things that went wrong for the Colts Sunday. From turnovers, to officiating, to the game plan, there’s a number of perspectives on why Indianapolis came up short. Even with all those factors against the Colts, they lost a one-possession game on the last drive to the defending Super Bowl champions, one of the best teams this season.

That makes clear that Indianapolis is one of the best teams in the NFL. After starting the season 1-4, then blowing out the Bills in Week 11, many were still wondering where exactly the Colts stood. The last-second loss to the Buccaneers should make clear that this is a competitive team.

They are far from a finished product, and they sit at 6-6 with five games left in the season, but they have demonstrated that they can compete with any team in the NFL. Down the stretch of the season, the Colts should have as high of expectations as any team in the NFL.

Colts’ loss to Bucs should be defensive reality check despite turnovers

The Indianapolis Colts defense showcased its strengths and weaknesses in the team’s Week 12 loss. This should be a wake up call for what they must improve.