Colts Hit December Wall: Offense Sputters, Injuries Mount, and AFC South Lead Slips Away
Just a few weeks ago, the Indianapolis Colts were cruising-sitting atop the AFC South with swagger and an offense that looked like it could hang with anybody. Fast forward to now, and it’s a different story.
The Colts have dropped three of their last four, the offense has gone cold, and injuries are starting to pile up. December football is here, and Indy’s margin for error is shrinking fast.
Let’s break it down.
Offense Out of Sync
The biggest red flag? The offense, which has scored 20 or fewer points in three of the last four games-all losses.
The rhythm that once defined Shane Steichen’s unit has all but disappeared. Jonathan Taylor, the engine of the ground game, has been bottled up and held out of the end zone in back-to-back weeks.
That’s not just unusual-it’s a problem.
And it’s not just Taylor. Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie tight end Tyler Warren are still seeing targets, but the production has been modest at best.
Over the last two games, they’ve combined for 14 catches and just 107 yards. That’s not going to cut it when you’re trying to control games in December.
Even punter Rigoberto Sanchez’s workload tells a story. He’s punted 10 times over the last two games-equal to his total from the first four games of the season. When your punter’s getting that much work, something’s off.
Steichen knows it. And he’s not sugarcoating anything.
“What really gnaws at me are the three-and-outs,” he said. “You want to create momentum early in the game and to start the game with two three-and-outs, we’ve got to be better there. That starts with myself.”
He’s right. The Colts have struggled to stay ahead of the chains.
Too many third-and-longs, not enough efficiency on first and second down. That’s a formula for stalled drives and missed opportunities.
The Injury Bug Bites Hard
As if the offensive struggles weren’t enough, the Colts are now dealing with major injury concerns on defense.
Two-time All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner is dealing with a left calf injury and could miss multiple weeks. That’s a massive blow to a secondary already stretched thin. And while there’s hope that Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner could return next week from a neck injury, the defense will have to make do without him for at least one more game-on the road in Jacksonville.
Then there’s the quarterback situation. Daniel Jones is clearly not himself.
His mobility has been limited by a lingering fibula injury, and it’s showing in the box score. He’s coming off back-to-back inefficient outings, and the Colts don’t have many options behind him.
Anthony Richardson is still on injured reserve, rookie Riley Leonard hasn’t completed a pass, and Brett Rypien remains on the practice squad.
What’s Still Working
Despite the recent skid, the Colts' run defense deserves some credit. Against Houston, the front held the Texans to just 3.2 yards per carry on 34 attempts.
That’s a solid effort, especially with Buckner still sidelined. It’s one of the few bright spots in a stretch where not much else has gone according to plan.
Stock Watch
Stock Up: WR Alec Pierce
Alec Pierce is making a strong case for a big payday this offseason.
The soon-to-be free agent hauled in four catches for 78 yards and a touchdown against Houston, continuing a trend of clutch performances. He’s not just putting up numbers-he’s delivering in big moments.
Stock Down: K Michael Badgley
Badgley has been accurate on field goals (10-of-11), but extra points have been an issue.
He’s missed three PATs since stepping in for Spencer Shrader, including one on Sunday that forced the Colts to chase a touchdown late instead of tying the game with a field goal. In tight December games, every point matters-and those misses loom large.
The Road Ahead
The Colts are now 8-4 and locked in a three-way battle for the AFC South crown with Jacksonville and Houston. What once looked like a comfortable lead has evaporated.
And here’s the kicker: Indy hasn’t won a road game against the Jaguars since 2014. That’s 10 straight losses in Jacksonville, including the 2016 game played in London.
So yes, this week’s matchup is huge.
The Colts have a second chance to reclaim control of the division. But to do that, they’ll need more than just a return to form-they’ll need a spark. Whether it comes from a rejuvenated offense, a timely defensive stand, or a special teams turnaround, something has to change.
The good news? There’s still time.
The bad news? Not much.
December football doesn’t wait for anyone. It’s time for the Colts to respond.