The playoffs are in reach for the Indianapolis Colts but they will need consistent play to have a successful run.
After the huge Week 15 win by the Indianapolis Colts, a postseason birth became much more attainable. Additionally, the fashion that Indianapolis defeated the New England Patriots gave the Colts realistic Super Bowl expectations.
Indy is a long way from the Super Bowl, they haven’t even secured a playoff spot yet, but it’s fair to say the team has as good of a chance right now as anyone.
As great as last week’s win was, Indianapolis still has some things to improve if they are going to optimize the rest of the season. For the Colts to make the playoffs and have a worthwhile run, they will have to consistently play well across the board.
There are a few players on Indianapolis that hasn’t been consistent throughout the season and will be a question mark down the stretch of the season. Their performances may determine how far the Colts will go, so let’s take a look at three players who will make or break Indy’s playoff run.
Michael Badgley will make or break Colts playoff run
Kicker Michael Badgley joined Indianapolis in Week 5 after Rodrigo Blankenship sustained a hip injury. Badgley had struggled with the two other teams he was a part of and that’s why he was available for Indy to sign.
The gamble proved to be a blessing for Badgley and the Colts, as Badgley started this tenure on an incredible hot streak. Badgley made his first 11 field goals and has yet to miss an extra point.
However, things have been a bit shaky for Badgley over Indy’s last two outings. He has missed two field-goal attempts and another that he got to re-kick because a defender was offsides.
Despite the recent inconsistencies, Frank Reich has said that he’s committed to Badgley and doesn’t plan on turning back to Blankenship for now.
If Badgley is this kicker for Indy moving forward, he needs to be the kicker that made 11-straight and is referred to as “Money Badger”, not the kicker that got released by two teams.
Postseason games are often closely contested battles and a field goal could be the difference, so having the right man at the position is huge.