Although the Indianapolis Colts knew full well they were in a must-win situation in order to keep their playoff hopes alive, they responded by getting handed their worst loss of the 2019 NFL season.

The Colts were thoroughly outplayed in essentially every facet of the game in the 34-7 loss to the New Orleans Saints on primetime. Head coach Frank Reich did not mince words when it came to how he felt about it, via Zak Keefer of The Athletic:

“Nothing’s acceptable about a loss like this.”

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The Colts have failed to usher in a sense of urgency heading into the final stretch of the 2019 campaign. As a result, they have now lost four straight and are officially eliminated from the playoffs.

There is no question that Indianapolis has endured their fair share of trials and tribulations this season. It all started with the sudden retirement of quarterback Andrew Luck and was magnified by the notable key injuries on offense. While it appeared as though backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett was up to the task of taking over during the 5-2 start to the year, he has largely struggled to establish himself as a bonafide starter.

Reich will certainly receive his fair share of criticism and rightfully so. This team has taken a far step back from the future contender they were billed as last year. All he can really do now is try to go into the offseason on a high note by getting back into the win column over these next two games.