Sauce Gardner hasn’t won a game in the United States in 644 days, a staggering stat that perfectly encapsulates the Indianapolis Colts’ spiraling nightmare since they went all-in last November. This team, which was supposed to become an AFC contender, has instead plummeted to one of the worst in the league. It’s wild to think what a difference a year makes when you look at how this blockbuster trade has played out.
The Big Bet That Blew Up
Last November, the Colts were flying high. They were 7-2, fresh off only their second loss of the 2025 season to the Steelers. Daniel Jones was having a resurgence, the run game was strong, and the defense looked capable. Shane Steichen’s unit felt like everything was finally clicking, with a clear path to the playoffs whether through the AFC South or a wild-card spot. They saw a chance to make a deep run and establish a long-term core. So, what did they do? They packaged two first-round picks and Adonai Mitchell to acquire Sauce Gardner from the Jets, a young superstar cornerback established as one of the NFL’s best. On paper, it was supposed to make them an even more formidable playoff threat. Gardner has been “as advertised” a “true shutdown corner every week,” which just makes the rest of this story even crazier.
A Losing Streak That Refuses To Quit
The hope for that trade? It hasn’t worked out. Since the day Gardner became a Colt, the team has gone an abysmal 1-9 overall, including an active nine-game losing streak. Yeah, you read that right. A nine-game *losing* streak. Even in games Gardner has played, their record is a dismal 1-5. His only win in a Colts uniform came in Week 10 against the Falcons, and guess what? That game was in Berlin. That’s why you’re seeing viral posts screaming that Sauce hasn’t won a game in the United States in 644 days, or “since the day after Travis Hunter won the Heisman.” Ouch. Daniel Jones’ Achilles injury was definitely a main reason the 2025 season derailed, seeing the Colts collapse to an 8-9 record and miss the playoffs on a seven-game losing streak. Gardner played in four of eight games to close that season. Now, to open 2026, even with Jones back under center, the struggles continue. Losses to Baltimore and a tough 33-30 “Sunday Night Football” overtime defeat to the Chiefs in Week 2 have extended this painful trend. What’s more, Gardner still hasn’t picked off a pass as a Colt, and he still hasn’t won a game on U.S. soil for them.
This team needs to find a way to stop the bleeding, and fast. With Jones back, they have to figure out how to put wins on the board. The pressure is on, because right now, this “all-in” move looks like a massive bust.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
Leave a Reply