Colts still in playoff contention after blowout loss

But the Cincinnati game was concerning for a squad that had spent the previous month celebrating the various ways it won games.

The Colts defeated Carolina with two interceptions returned for scores and defeated the Patriots with a late interception and late field goal. To beat the Buccaneers, it required a surprise fourth-and-1 call and a late strip-sack, and to beat Tennessee, it needed two brilliant throw plays late in overtime.

They never had a chance to make a game-changing late play on Sunday.

They were defeated in the turnover struggle. A penalty negated a touchdown for them. Matt Gay failed to convert a field goal and an extra point. And against the Bengals and their backup quarterback, Jake Browning, a defense that allowed 16.8 points per game during the four wins yielded more than twice that.

“We’re on a drive, and a penalty pushes us back.” “We’re on another drive, and another penalty pushes us back,” said coach Shane Steichen. “A lot of that – the punt, Ameer (Speed) collides with (returner Isaiah McKenzie).” In that scenario, I thought to myself, ‘Geez, Louise.'”

The Colts are still in the hunt for a postseason spot. They must restore their edge in order to remain there.

“It was just one of those days,” stated Steichen. “I have full confidence that we’ll get it cleaned up.”

WHAT´S WORKING

Michael Pittman, Jr. He has at least eight receptions in six consecutive games and was 5 yards shy of his third straight 100-yard game. Pittman needs 16 yards to reach 1,000 yards for the second time in his career and is five catches away from his first 100-reception season in a contract year.

WHAT NEEDS HELP

The field game. The absence of 2021 NFL rushing champion Jonathan Taylor cannot be blamed fully for Indy’s difficulties. However, Taylor’s injury to his right thumb hasn’t helped. Indy has failed to rush for 80 yards or more in four of its last six games after exceeding 125 yards six times in the previous eight.

STOCK UP

Ronnie Harrison Jr. is a linebacker. Harrison was upgraded to the active roster three weeks ago, following the sudden release of three-time All-Pro Shaquille Leonard. Harrison had seven tackles and two pass interceptions in his first three games, including a pick-6 late in the first half Sunday that tied the game at 14.

STOCK DOWN

Bernhard Raimann, Lieutenant. In his second season as Indy’s blind-side protector, he has performed admirably. Raiman, on the other hand, struggled at Cincinnati, surrendering two sacks and other pressures. He also received a tripping penalty while attempting to slow down Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson.

INJURIES

Indy had four starters out against the Bengals – Taylor, RT Braden Smith (knee), LB E.J. Speed (knee) and CB JuJu Brents (quad). It’s not clear whether any of the four could return this week.

KEY NUMBER

2 – Indy failed to score 20 points or more for the second time this season, and the first time on American soil. It only scored 10 points in Germany, but it was enough to defeat New England.

NEXT STEPS

The Colts will face another backup quarterback on Saturday, and the Steelers and Mitch Trubisky, like the Bengals, may try to stall Indy’s pass rush with screens. Unlike the Bengals, the Steelers average only 16.2 points each game. It is up to Indy’s defense to help the squad recover.