Colts Fall Short in Seattle, But There’s More to the Story Than the Scoreboard
The Indianapolis Colts walked off the field in Week 15 with a gut-punch loss to the Seahawks, sealed by a last-second field goal. But while the final result stings - especially with playoff implications looming large - this game revealed a few important truths about where this Colts team stands right now.
Let’s break down what we learned from a hard-fought afternoon in Seattle.
1. Philip Rivers Brings the Calm This Offense Needed
This wasn’t the kind of stat line that lights up fantasy rosters or gets replayed on highlight shows - 18-of-27 for 120 yards, one touchdown, one interception. But what Philip Rivers gave the Colts on Sunday was something they’ve been missing: stability.
After Daniel Jones exited last week’s game, Indianapolis needed a steady hand under center. Rivers delivered that.
He didn’t force the issue, kept the offense on schedule, and helped the Colts string together drives. There weren’t deep shots or big plays, but there was rhythm - and sometimes, especially with a defense playing short-handed, that’s enough to keep you in the fight.
The game plan clearly leaned into Rivers’ strengths. The Colts committed to the run game and leaned on quick passes to avoid long third downs.
It wasn’t flashy, but it was functional. And for a team trying to stay afloat in the playoff race, functionality matters.
2. Colts’ Defense Answers the Bell - Even Shorthanded
Let’s not gloss over this: the Colts’ defense showed up in a big way.
Seattle came into this one with one of the league’s most explosive offenses, especially through the air. And yet, the Colts held them without a single touchdown. That’s not just solid - that’s impressive.
Even more so when you consider the circumstances. Indy was without its top two cornerbacks.
DeForest Buckner, the anchor of the defensive line, was also out. And still, the Colts limited Seattle to just two third-down conversions and held them to 5.3 yards per play - a far cry from the fireworks we’ve seen from that offense all season.
The defense kept the game within reach from start to finish. In the end, Seattle’s offensive talent found just enough daylight to steal the win.
But the Colts' defensive effort? It was playoff-caliber, even if the result didn’t go their way.
3. Playoff Path Narrows After Another Missed Opportunity
Here’s the tough truth: moral victories don’t count in the standings.
The Colts dropped to 8-6 with this loss, and with Jacksonville winning on Sunday, they now sit two games behind in the AFC South. Houston’s win bumps the Texans up to 9-5, putting Indy a game back from the final wild-card spot. And with both the Chargers and Bills sitting at 10-4, the margin for error is shrinking fast.
Yes, the Colts still have a shot. They’ll get another crack at Houston, but the road ahead is brutal - matchups with the 10-win 49ers and Jaguars still loom. To stay alive, Indy has to be nearly perfect from here on out.
The Bottom Line
The Colts didn’t get the result they wanted in Seattle. But they showed fight, and they showed progress - especially with a veteran quarterback stepping in and a defense that refused to fold despite missing key pieces.
That may not be enough to ease the sting of a last-second loss, but it does give this team something to build on. The playoff picture is murky, the margin for error is thin, but the Colts aren’t done yet. Not by a long shot.