Perception around the Indianapolis Colts is sliding after another rough showing against an AFC opponent, and last week’s 34-22 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers did little to stop the drift.
At 2-3, the Colts left Pittsburgh with the same familiar problems hanging over them. The defense, which had looked better during two straight wins after an uneven start, backed up again. Missed tackles opened the door for explosive plays, and Steelers running back Jaylen Warren made history in the process, becoming the first player since 1986 to post both an 80-yard receiving touchdown and a 50-yard rushing touchdown in the same game.
The setting was never ideal for Indianapolis. A trip to Pittsburgh has been a hard sell for years, and the Colts had not won there since 2008.
They also lost there last season in a game where they turned the ball over six times. That defeat helped trigger Daniel Jones’ first real turnover stretch since joining the Colts.
This time, Jones avoided that problem. He didn’t throw an interception or lose a fumble, and he was sacked only once. Even so, the result still landed the same: Indianapolis lost by two scores.
The deeper issue on offense remains the lack of a vertical threat. With top receiver Alec Pierce still out, the Colts have not been able to stretch defenses consistently, which lets opponents crowd the line and key on Jonathan Taylor.
Pittsburgh did exactly that. The Steelers limited Indianapolis to 66 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries, a 2.8 average.
Taylor finished with 15 carries for 45 yards, but a 20-yard run in the fourth quarter padded that line; without it, he would have been held to 14 carries for 25 yards and a 1.8 average.
The defensive tackling problems have now shown up in all three Colts losses, against the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs and Steelers.
"The Colts have a litany of issues on defense, but tackling is a fundamental problem that affects many areas," ESPN's Stephen Holder wrote. "Consider: They rank 28th in yards allowed after contact (482).
That showed up repeatedly Sunday, including on a 50-yard touchdown run from Steelers running back Jaylen Warren. It's not a coincidence the Colts are 31st in the league in yards allowed per play (6.2).
Most responsible for this issue are the team's underwhelming linebackers."
That concern has carried through the aftermath of the game, from the locker room to the week’s media availability, with tackling becoming a constant talking point among coaches, players and reporters.
The Colts are back home Sunday, when they host the Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium at 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
In Other News...
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Jonathan Taylor Faces A Frustrating Test Colts Fans Can't Ignore
Jonathan Taylors start has been quieter than Colts fans are used to, with the running back averaging 3.9 yards per carry and ranking 23rd in breakaway rate, according to PFF. The bigger concern is how that production has fit into an offense still searching for rhythm through the air, because when the passing game is sputtering, defenses can focus more attention on Taylor and make every carry feel harder than it should.
The next test comes against Tennessee, and it shapes up as a tough measuring stick for the ground game. The Titans have been stingy against the run this season, allowing just 3.5 yards per rush, and the matchup puts even more pressure on Indianapolis to find cleaner lanes and better balance if it wants Taylor to get back on track. [Read more 🡒]