3 biggest reasons Colts suffered heartbreaking loss to the Raiders

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich watches the action on the field Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich watches the action on the field Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. /
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Colts, Michael Badgley
Indianapolis Colts kicker Michael Badgley (6) kicks a field goal. /

Colts were forced to settle for field goals over touchdowns

When Indianapolis’ failed third-down conversions didn’t result in a punt, the drive ended in a field goal attempt for Michael Badgley.

The good thing is Badgley was two-for-two on his field goal attempts, a positive sign after struggles the past few weeks. The bad thing is Badgley was called on during drives where Indianapolis was deep in the Raiders territory.

The first field goal was after a seven-play, 47-yard drive from the Las Vegas 28-yard line. The second was at the conclusion of a 14-play, 53-yard drive from the Raiders 22-yard line.

Putting together those kind of lengthy drives but settling for three points instead of seven rarely ends well, it’s not a formula for success.

The second field goal was the Colts last possession and it tied the game at 20. If Indianapolis would have been able to punch it in for a touchdown, it would have led by four and Las Vegas would’ve needed a touchdown to win the game.

Instead, the Raiders were able to walk off with just a field goal because they were able to stop Indy near the red zone for the majority of the game.