As ugly as Saturday’s loss was, it’s what the Colts needed
The Indianapolis Colts suffered a historically bad loss on Saturday but ultimately, the result may be better for the team in the long run.
It’s hard not to get your emotions involved as a fan. When the Indianapolis Colts entered Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings at 4-8-1, many Colts fans probably had a nonchalant attitude toward the matchup or were hoping that the team would lose. But, once Indy jumped out to a large lead and start making fun plays, it was virtually impossible not to get excited if you’re a fan of Indianapolis. When the team entered halftime with a 33-0 lead, a win basically became the expectation.
That’s why when the Colts ultimately lost the game 39-36, the largest blown lead in NFL history, fans were especially disappointed and embarrassed about a game that many entered expecting a loss. While it was arguably the most embarrassing loss in league history, the result is exactly what Indy needed. The team didn’t have to lose in that fashion, but a loss is probably better for Indianapolis’ future than a win would’ve been.
The #Colts could move all the way up to the #4 overall pick after this weekend with a few wins from some other teams. pic.twitter.com/ghQs3qZfva
— Cody Felger (@CPFelger55) December 17, 2022
The historically bad loss could benefit the Colts
The most obvious benefit is draft position. Indianapolis entered Week 15 still alive in the playoff race but most fans have turned their attention to the race for a high draft pick. The Colts entered the Week with the No. 7 overall pick. If they would’ve won against the Vikings, it was a chance that Indy could drop into the teens in draft positioning after this weekend’s slate of games. However, since Indianapolis did lose, they could possibly have the No. 4 overall pick by Monday night.
Let’s be real, the team that has been on the field all season for Indy isn’t winning a Super Bowl or making any noise in the postseason, so losing for a better draft position does far more for the future of the team than picking up a couple of prideful wins.
The other benefit is that an embarrassing loss like the one the Colts suffered on Saturday should force a team to reset. This doesn’t mean that Indianapolis will go into a full-on rebuild in the offseason, though it is possible, but the franchise will be forced to stop making the same marginal moves that it does every offseason since it considers itself to be just a few pieces away. Indy has endured too many embarrassments in the last year to not be dramatic this upcoming offseason.
From the meltdown in Jacksonville last season to the several games this year that set a new standard for rock bottom, drastic change is needed for the Colts. It’s already clear that a coaching search will happen, but Indianapolis must do some deep soul-searching and make some tough decisions about what changes need to be made at every level of the franchise.
