Disappointing moments from Colts best players led to the blown lead against Eagles
1. Colts’ defense didn’t come through in the clutch
The Indianapolis defense was great for about 98% of the game, however, they definitely share some of the blame for this blown-lead loss. After all, in order to blow a lead, it usually means the opposing team has to score on the defense. Indy’s defense has to answer for not coming through in the clutch.
Looking at the game’s stats, it’s obvious Indy had a great day on defense, especially against a quality offense. They limited Philadelphia to just 17 points and 284 total yards. Indy also took the ball away once and sacked Jalen Hurts three times. However, when the game was on the line, they didn’t come through, and that’s a problem.
When Philadelphia got the ball with 4:37 remaining in the game, down by six points, the Colts’ defense had the opportunity to seal another victory. However, the Eagles drove 75 yards in 11 plays and three minutes and 17 seconds to score the game-winning touchdown. It was a drive that needed two third-down conversions and one fourth-down conversion. Philly got all of them.
It’ll be easy to give the defense the benefit of the doubt. They played great for the majority of the game and if the offense performed better, Indy’s defense wouldn’t have even been in the position to blow the game. That’s true, the offense did leave them out to dry. However, it doesn’t really matter. At the end of the day, the defense had a chance to close the game out and they didn’t come through.
If a kicker makes his kicks all game and misses the game-winning kick, he gets no mercy. If a quarterback has been on target throughout the game but sails a pass to a wide-open receiver with the game on the line, he’d be criticized. It’s no different for the defensive unit. They were great for almost all of the game. Unfortunately, the moment they needed to be the greatest, they didn’t come through. That’s why this disheartening loss is on the defense as well.
