By MICHAEL MAROT
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen prefers being the aggressive play-caller.
He likes taking possibilities on third down, would slightly go for it on fourth down than punt and enjoys discovering artistic methods to stretch the sphere. Proper now, although, Steichen can’t merely depend on his instincts.
With a 44-year-old grandfather taking his first snaps in 5 years Sunday, Steichen did the one factor he may to essentially give his crew an opportunity to win at Seattle. He performed it secure with a run-heavy gameplan that featured primarily largely fast, brief throws from Philip Rivers.
It nearly labored, however a fourth consecutive loss left Indy (8-6) on the skin of the playoff combine and answering one massive query: Can the Colts make this postseason enjoying this conservatively? Steichen appears to grasp he’ll must let Rivers open it up extra over the ultimate three weeks, beginning Monday evening towards the 49ers.
“Going into that game, that was the game plan — running the ball and control the clock, take easy completions,” Steichen mentioned Monday. “Philip did a hell of a job managing that game plan on the road, in a hostile environment, first one back in a long time. He did what was necessary to put us in position to win the game and at his age, where he’s at in his career, we didn’t bring him here to sit on the bench.”
Sure, Steichen famous there will likely be a distinct sport plan towards San Francisco (10-3) with out making a gift of any trace as to what might change.
However the actuality is Indy faces three extra playoff-chasing groups with defenses almost as stingy as they confronted in Sunday’s 18-16 loss and the larger drawback could also be whether or not Rivers can push the ball downfield sufficient occasions to again these defenses off the road of scrimmage.
And with proper sort out Braden Smith already on injured reserve and left sort out Bernhard Raimann leaving Sunday with an injured elbow, Indy’s offensive line could also be hard-pressed to present Rivers the time he must throw deep, leaving the Colts in a bind.
However at the very least Rivers confirmed Sunday he offers them a viable choice to win, no matter fashion the Colts play. They’re simply hoping Rivers can change the path of a fading crew.
“I think each game plan is going to be different and that was the game plan for that game,” Steichen mentioned. “This week’s a new challenge, a new opportunity for us and, obviously, the game plan, we’ll switch on how we have to try to win the game.”
What’s working
Run protection. Indy’s protection as an entire performed properly sufficient to beat the Seahawks. It compelled Seattle to accept six discipline objectives and no touchdowns, yielding simply 314 complete yards. However the place the Colts actually excelled was towards the run. Seattle had 22 carries for 50 yards.
What wants assist
Ending drives. Through the first half of this season, Indy was among the many league’s most proficient red-zone groups. Throughout this four-game skid, Indy has misplaced 3 times by 4 or fewer factors whereas changing simply 7 of 13 red-zone journeys into TDs. Indy solely moved inside Seattle’s 20-yard line as soon as Sunday.
Replenish
RT Jalen Travis. With Smith now on injured reserve, the fourth-round draft choose made his beginning debut towards one of many league’s high defenses. Although Rivers was hurried, at occasions particularly within the second half, Travis held his personal and should have performed properly sufficient to earn the beginning job subsequent 12 months if Smith turns into a free agent.
Inventory down
TE Tyler Warren. Indy’s first-round draft choose has been an ideal match this season. He has been priceless, versatile and game-changing, setting the franchise file for rookie tight ends with 63 receptions. He’s additionally nearing the franchise mark for yards receiving. However over the previous 4 video games, he has simply 13 catches for 101 yards and one TD. Indy wants Warren to make extra of an impression.
Accidents
Apart from Raimann, the Colts seem to have survived this week’s sport comparatively wholesome. Plus, they may very well be getting more healthy. It’s unclear if two-time All-Professional cornerback Sauce Gardner (strained calf) may return this week or whether or not Professional Bowl DT DeForest Buckner (neck) may be activated earlier than Monday evening. Quarterback Anthony Richardson (fractured orbital bone) additionally has begun bodily exercise and will have his 21-day window for a attainable return opened this week.
Key quantity
8 — Since beginning the season at 7-2 earlier than the bye, the Colts have slid into the No. 8 spot within the AFC. If they’ll’t transfer up, Indy will miss the playoffs for the fifth straight 12 months.
What’s subsequent
Indy in all probability wants at the very least two wins in its final three video games to earn a playoff berth, however the highway forward received’t be simple. Along with internet hosting the 49ers, additionally they host AFC South-leading Jacksonville (10-4) on a brief Christmas week earlier than closing the season at Houston (9-5).
