Man, did you catch that Colts game in Pittsburgh last week? We all kinda knew it’d be a tough one after they flew back from London to face a team that just got embarrassed, but wow, it got even UGLIER than expected, especially on defense. The loss was somewhat predictable, given the rest disadvantage and going on the road, but the way their D fell apart was concerning, to say the least.
How Do You Give Up an 80-Yard Throw to the Flat?!
Seriously, giving up an 80-yard touchdown on what should have been a short throw to the flat? That’s an immediate red flag right there. Jaylen Warren ripped off that insane 80-yard score, and honestly, no throw to the flat should ever go for that many yards. Tackling and the effort to fly to the football were less than ideal, with Mooney Ward struggling to get off his block. But the real kicker? It’s how they even got into that situation in the first place. This was as basic a look as you can possibly get in the NFL: 2×2, no motion, totally static. Warren was the hot read, the “Fast #3” to the flat. In zone match coverages, you’ve gotta have an answer for that! The issue was that both Walley and Bryce Boettcher were playing techniques assuming the other was on the same page. They clearly weren’t, leaving Warren totally uncovered. Head Coach Lou Anarumo even hinted that Boettcher had a technique issue on the play, suggesting it was his job to “peel” and take the running back. Maybe he reverted to what he used to do at Oregon, with those Nick Saban, Kirby Smart, and Dan Lanning-style “push” coverages. Either way, it’s not good, and it’s pretty darn concerning. This mess falls on both the coaches and the young players. Look, I’ve never installed an NFL defense, but even I feel confident saying this is a look that should be mastered way, way back in training camp.
Waving the White Towel on the Youth Movement? Seriously?
What’s even more concerning is what this defensive meltdown is making the Colts do: they’re already abandoning their plan to get younger on defense. After all that talk, they just signed Germaine Pratt to the practice squad. Pratt’s had some good moments for them, sure, I remember that Chiefs game in particular. But there’s no other way to spin this: the coaches are basically waiving the white towel. So, what does it mean? Are the players they drafted just not good enough? Are the coaches not coaching ’em up well enough? Maybe it’s both, right? But if Germaine Pratt is out there playing meaningful reps on Sunday, it’s a direct contradiction to everything they said this offseason about needing to get younger and faster on defense. That’s just a failure, plain and simple, and it only adds to their problems.
Man, these Colts look rough. Talk about tough starts, huh? Makes you wonder how long teams can stumble before things really get out of hand in this league. Speaking of tough, we had our own grind in Denver, ending 14-17 against the Broncos. Not the result we wanted, but we’re always looking ahead for our boys!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply