The Indianapolis Colts’ 2024 season is ending with a well-known sting of disappointment.
What started with excessive hopes for a playoff berth and division crown has devolved into one other yr of missed alternatives, a narrative all too acquainted for Colts followers over the previous decade.
The crew’s likelihood to maintain their playoff desires alive slipped away in beautiful vogue.
With every thing to play for, the Colts got here out flat and error-prone towards the struggling New York Giants, falling 45-33 in a sport that uncovered their deepest flaws.
For the second straight yr underneath Shane Steichen’s management, the Colts watched their playoff aspirations crumble when victory mattered most.
The loss to the NFL’s lowest-ranked crew raised uncomfortable questions in regards to the crew’s course.
Steichen confronted fast scrutiny about his job safety in the course of the post-game press convention.
“I management what I can management,” he stated.
Colts HC Shane Steichen on job safety following elimination loss to Giants: ‘I management what I can management’https://t.co/GOkX39cnQY pic.twitter.com/NmxMfXjef8
— Round The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) December 29, 2024
When the Colts introduced Steichen aboard, they noticed a quarterback whisperer who may nurture younger expertise.
Whereas 22-year-old Anthony Richardson has proven flashes of promise, questions linger about whether or not he’s actually the franchise’s future underneath middle.
The state of affairs displays broader considerations about Common Supervisor Chris Ballard’s tenure, having assembled solely two playoff-caliber groups in eight seasons.
Steichen’s offensive system, which labored wonders in Philadelphia, hasn’t fairly translated in Indianapolis.
The early success of his first season has given solution to mounting challenges: Richardson’s passing sport stays a piece in progress, the working assault sputters when Richardson’s sidelined, and important play-calling choices have backfired at essential moments.
