Colts Fall Flat as Offense Stalls Again - Defense Shines, But Playoff Hopes Take a Hit
The Colts dropped to 8-4 after a frustrating loss that felt all too familiar - a defense that showed up ready to win, and an offense that once again couldn’t find its footing. It’s the third time in four games that this unit has looked out of sync, and with the postseason picture tightening, Indianapolis is running out of room for error.
Let’s break it down.
MVP of the Game: Lou Anarumo’s Defense Delivers Again
Even with major personnel challenges, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo continues to prove why he’s one of the most respected minds in the league. The Colts lost their top cornerback on the opening drive and were still without their defensive anchor in DeForest Buckner - yet the defense battled from start to finish.
Anarumo’s adaptability has been a consistent theme all season. He’s maximizing the skill sets of his players, especially along the defensive front.
Despite lacking multiple high-end one-on-one pass rushers, the line continues to generate pressure and control the line of scrimmage. That’s a testament to both scheme and effort.
He’s also doing a masterful job masking some of the pass coverage limitations at linebacker. Both Zaire Franklin and Germaine Pratt have their flaws in space, but you wouldn’t know it watching this group play. The defense wasn’t perfect, but it gave the Colts every chance to win - again.
Offensive Struggles Continue: Shane Steichen Under the Microscope
There’s no way around it - the Colts’ offense has hit a wall, and head coach Shane Steichen is running out of answers. Once considered one of the more dynamic units in the AFC, the offense now looks disjointed and uninspired.
Yes, the Texans boast a strong defense, but the lack of rhythm and creativity from Steichen’s offense is hard to ignore. Even the scoring drives felt more like moments of individual brilliance than cohesive execution. A deep shot from Jones to Alec Pierce, a defensive pass interference call, and a miraculous grab by Josh Downs were the highlights - but those flashes were few and far between.
This offense hasn’t looked right in a month, and it’s becoming a trend that’s threatening to derail the season.
Special Teams and Execution Errors Prove Costly
Special teams weren’t spared from the breakdowns. Michael Badgley missed another extra point - a recurring issue that’s beginning to cost the Colts in the win-loss column.
In a game this tight, every point matters. And right now, the kicking game is a liability.
Then there’s rookie center Tanor Bortolini, who had two botched snaps - including a critical miscue on a fourth-down attempt. That’s the kind of mistake that flips momentum and kills drives. For a team with playoff aspirations, these execution errors simply can’t happen.
Alec Pierce Continues to Shine
If there’s one consistent bright spot on offense, it’s Alec Pierce. The third-year wideout has elevated his game this season and is making a strong case to be the team’s WR1 moving forward. His touchdown catch - a contested grab over two defenders on a perfectly placed deep ball from Jones - was a highlight-reel moment.
Pierce’s growth has been one of the few offensive developments the Colts can feel good about. He’s playing with confidence, creating separation, and making tough catches in traffic. A big payday could be on the horizon, and if the Colts are smart, they’ll make sure it comes in Indianapolis.
Defensive Line: The Best Unit on the Field
Week after week, the Colts’ defensive line is proving to be the heart of this team. Even with injuries thinning the rotation, the depth players stepped up in a big way.
Adetomiwa Adebawore and Chris Wormley each recorded sacks, while rookie Latu continued to apply consistent pressure off the edge. Grover Stewart remains a disruptive force inside.
This unit is built to cause problems, and once fully healthy, it has the potential to be one of the most dangerous fronts in the league heading into the postseason.
Germaine Pratt: The Glue Guy
Germaine Pratt may not be the flashiest name on the roster, but his impact has been steady and essential. He’s a sure tackler, plays with relentless effort, and has brought much-needed stability to the linebacker group - especially after the early-season struggles with Joe Bachie in the lineup.
Pratt’s presence has helped solidify a defense that’s quietly been carrying this team through its offensive slump. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t always show up on the highlight reel, but his value is undeniable.
The Officiating Controversy
There’s no sugarcoating it - the officiating crew, led by Clay Martin, made some calls that had a significant impact on the outcome. A missed facemask late in the game, a questionable no-call on a delay of game, and a highly debatable pass interference call on Kenny Moore in the red zone all loomed large.
That particular sequence - turning what should’ve been a fourth down into a fresh set of downs - led to a touchdown and a four-point swing. In a one-score game with playoff implications, those kinds of calls matter. And when the officiating crew doesn’t acknowledge the mistake postgame, it only adds to the frustration.
Where Do the Colts Go From Here?
The Colts are still very much in the playoff race, but the margin for error is shrinking fast. The defense is doing its job - and then some - but unless the offense finds its identity again, this team is going to have a hard time closing out the season the way it wants to.
Steichen and his staff have some serious work to do. The pieces are there, but the execution isn’t. And with December football now underway, there’s no more time for growing pains.
The Colts have to figure it out - fast.