Written by Jim Ayello at Indianapolis Star.com
Sorry, Indianapolis Colts fans. It gets worse.
Not only did the Colts get embarrassed by an AFC South rival at home, blown out 27-0 at the hands of the once-lowly Jacksonville Jaguars, but they did it in historic fashion. The Colts had gone 375 games in a row — the third longest streak in NFL history — without being shutout. That streak, spanning 24 years, ended Sunday.
Unfortunately, the Colts’ dysfunction goes deeper and gets worse.
How much worse? Let us count the ways:
0
Not only the number of points the Colts scored, but the total yards gained by Jacoby Brissett on a highly questionable quarterback sneak on fourth-and-2 from inside the Jaguars’ 10-yard-line. After the game, Colts coach Chuck Pagano pointed to confusion about the play call despite it coming after a timeout. Both Pagano and Brissett said the play was their fault.
1
The number of times a Colts drive lasted longer than nine plays. Offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski’s lifeless crew went three-and-out three times and turned the ball over on downs twice.
2
The number of receptions by T.Y. Hilton. The Colts’ leading receiver snagged just two passes for 27 yards, as The Ghost once again disappeared in a big game. Two is also the number of times Hilton blamed the offensive line for the Colts’ inept offense.
3
The number of points the Jaguars were favored by heading into Sunday. Turns out that number should have been much, much bigger. Expect Las Vegas to list the Bengals as heavy favorites next week in Cincinnati.
4
The number of injuries to key players. The Colts lost their best offensive lineman (Ryan Kelly, hamstring), sack leader (John Simon, stinger), defensive back with the most passes defended (Rashaan Melvin, concussion) and the guy leading the team in interceptions (Malik Hooker, knee) all in the first half. That, folks, is the definition of adding injury to insult.
To continue reading this article, click here.
