The Indianapolis Colts had what seemed like an easy task, beat the 2-14 Jacksonville Jaguars, and make the playoffs. It did not go the way they had hoped, and the Colts are now eliminated from the postseason.
The Jaguars not only finished off the season off with a win but kept the number one overall pick due to the Detroit Lions defeating the Green Bay Packers. This win decimated their division rival's playoff hopes and gave the Jaguars momentum next season.
The Colts lost 26-11, and this game will haunt them all offseason. The offense couldn't get anything going. Superstar running back Jonathan Taylor was limited, while Carson Wentz and the passing attack struggled.
Colts fans are very disappointed with this loss, and it will be a long offseason ahead. Indianapolis traded away their first-round pick to acquire Wentz, which means they will not have a first-round selection in the draft.
The Colts will have to make great late-round picks and make moves in free agency to improve this roster for next season.
Here are three Colts takeaways from their devastating Week 18 loss to the Jaguars to miss the playoffs.
3. Carson Wentz needs to play better
This loss has put Indianapolis into offseason mode rather than preparing for a playoff game. Wentz had a disappointing performance, throwing for 185 yards along with one touchdown and one interception. The offense was unable to get the ball downfield, which was a big reason for their loss.
In a win-and-in game, players need to step up, especially the quarterback. Wentz did not play well, and he will need to play better in big games next season for the Colts to live up to their expectations.
Wentz doesn't need to get back to the same MVP level he was at before his injury in 2017 but rather put his team in the position to win big games.
2. Colts defense needs to be more consistent
Although Indianapolis has a talented defense, they have not been consistent this season. They allowed the Jaguars to score 26 points and rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence to have an outstanding performance.
Lawrence has struggled all season long, but he looked very comfortable against the Colts. He threw for 233 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Lawrence was also only sacked once, which gave him time in the pocket to deliver passes to his receivers.
Darius Leonard is the building block for this defense, and some additions in the offseason could take them to the next level. As currently constructed, the defense will go through its ups and downs, which could cause problems in important games.
That is what happened against the Jaguars, and this issue will need to be addressed in the offseason.
1. Colts need more weapons
While Wentz is part of the blame for the Colts' loss, the offense needs more weapons. Taylor is one of the top players in the league at running back, but he can't shoulder the load himself. Defenses will hone in on him, as shown during this game.
Taylor had 15 carries for 77 yards, which is below the standard for a player of his caliber. Michael Pittman Jr. is another guy to build around on the offense as the second-year receiver has shown flashes of greatness. Against the Jaguars, Pittman Jr. led the team in receiving with six receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown.
These two pieces are great but are not enough to be a dominant offensive unit. Adding another receiver or a tight end in the draft or free agency would do wonders for this group.
The Colts have a long offseason ahead of them after this devastating loss. It won't be easy, but if they improve the roster this offseason, the Colts could be back in the playoffs next season.
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