Wow, there are times when it can be predictable when teams miss the playoffs, but the way they do it stuns fans and analysts. Well, the Indianapolis Colts did that this week. After their stunning 45-33 loss against Big Blue in New York, the Colts have mathematically been eliminated from the playoffs. There are a lot of problems/reasons why Indy was eliminated, but three stand out.

1). Do The Colts Really Have Their Franchise QB?

I’ve said it before, and I will repeat it: I don’t know if the Colts have a franchise QB on the roster. Anthony Richardson has not been good, and he’s either super Raw on the field or injured. I even called this out the moment when the Colts reached on him 4th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Richardson still has the potential to turn it around, but if he doesn’t, they will need to replace him next year. With Richardson either benched or injured, the backup QB was Joe Flacco, and he is cooked. Dude honestly should have retired last year with his performances with the Browns.

It was the perfect moment to end his career, and that’s tainted with how terrible he was this year. No matter how great an offense is, you can’t win without a franchise QB, and I don’t know if the Colts have one currently.

2). Did The Defense Even Prep For The Giants?

After rewatching that Giants game yesterday, Did the Colt’s defense even prepare for this game? They made Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson look like Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins in 2013, given how wide-open he was all game. Nabers collected seven receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns. Robinson had five catches for 71 yards and a touchdown. The secondary in the Colts was terrible and sloppy all game.

Heck, the Colts even made Drew Lock look like the 2012 version of Matt Schaub in his prime. That is hard to do with how terrible Drew Lock has looked as a New York Giant. Lock, in this game, threw for 309 yards and four touchdowns. This loss was unacceptable, and the blame is 100% on the defense.

The Giants are the worst team in the NFL, and scoring 45 points in an NFL game is unacceptable. Honestly, if Gus Bradley Is not fired on Black Monday after this game, the Colts have lost the plot.

3). Is Steichen The Head Coach Of The Future?

Relooking at the entire season, the coaching has been very lackluster for the Colts. The cracks started to show when Anthony Richardson got benched; now, say what you want about Richardson, but the way the benching was done/announced was very poorly run.

The culture of this franchise isn’t the greatest. Shoutout to Pat McAfee, who put out this passionate tweet yesterday about a culture problem with the Colts. This season was not great for Steichen, and his seat is getting hotter by the day. Will he get fired at the end of the Season? I am leaning towards No, but it can’t be ruled out with a loss like that.

4). Bright Side: A Lot To Like About Laiatu Latu

While the Colts defense has been a mess this season, their 1st round rookie has been excellent. Did you know that Laiatu Latu has the third most sacks for the Colts this season with four? Kwity Paye Has seven sacks, and Deforest Buckner has six and a half sacks.

He also forced three fumbles this season, which impressed fans and analysts. Latu has impressed as a pass rusher, and while he has had some growing pains, especially stopping the run, he has a lot of potential. If the Colts get an improvement at defensive coordinator, he could have a breakout season with the Colts.

5). End Of My Colts Rant

Indy still had a chance to make the playoffs if they could have overcome the then 2-13 Giants. Drew Lock had other things in mind; he looked like a legend against this Indianapolis secondary school. Serious upgrades need to be made on that side of the ball. Well, have a happy new year, and we can chat again when the next teams are eliminated.