Disappointment. Frustration. Déjà vu. These feelings have become all too familiar for the Indianapolis Colts in recent years. The team that always seems to put itself in position to make a playoff run keeps falling apart when it matters most. Sunday’s 45-33 loss to the New York Giants was just the latest gut-wrenching example, officially eliminating the Colts from postseason contention and raising serious questions about the future of this franchise.
A Troubling Trend
Let’s look at the facts. In three of the past four seasons, the Colts have played win-and-in games in the final weeks, needing just one victory to punch their ticket to the playoffs. And all three times, they’ve come up short in devastating fashion:
- 2021: Needed one win in final two weeks, lost both games including to 2-win Jaguars
- 2023: Faced Texans in Week 18 for AFC South title, lost by 3 points
- 2024: Had to win out after Broncos’ loss, crumbled against Giants team that had lost 10 straight
There’s no sugarcoating it – this is an alarming trend of monumental collapses. The Colts keep wasting golden opportunities by not rising to the occasion in high-stakes situations. As All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner put it bluntly, “We s—- the bed another year, and it’s frustrating. We’re just not getting over that hump.”
Failure to Execute
Against the Giants, the Colts showed an alarming lack of execution and attention to detail. They surrendered a season-high 309 passing yards to a Giants offense that had been anemic. The 45 points allowed were more than New York had scored in its previous three games combined. It was a completely unacceptable defensive effort with the season on the line.
“That’s the difference between the teams that get in [the playoffs] and the teams that don’t. In those do-or-die situations, you’ve just got to find a way to make the play.”
– Jonathan Taylor, Colts running back
The Colts simply didn’t make enough plays on either side of the ball. And it makes you wonder – do they have the mental toughness and killer instinct required to be true contenders? Or are they destined to keep wilting under pressure?
Roster Reckoning
Last offseason, the Colts doubled down on the core that went 9-8 in 2023, re-signing numerous in-house free agents. The belief was that continuity would breed improvement. Instead, it led to more of the same. Now, some tough discussions are coming about potential changes to the roster foundation.
“This offseason there’s going to be some changes, and sometimes those changes are going to be uncomfortable for people.”
– DeForest Buckner
Buckner is right. The Colts can’t run it back yet again and expect different results. An overhaul of some degree feels inevitable for a team that keeps hitting the same wall.
Front Office on Notice
It’s not just the players who are under scrutiny. General manager Chris Ballard is finishing his eighth season at the helm and has yet to deliver a division title or more than one playoff win. Many around the league are wondering about his job security. Head coach Shane Steichen also has questions to answer after his young quarterback, Anthony Richardson, struggled in year two despite Steichen’s reputation as a QB expert.
Owner Jim Irsay is not known for his patience. It’s hard to imagine he’ll tolerate this level of late-season failure much longer without demanding wholesale changes. Jobs are very much on the line after another crushing collapse.
Where Do the Colts Go From Here?
The path forward for Indianapolis is murky at best. This roster still has talent, but the results haven’t matched the potential. Is a full-scale rebuild necessary or can more surgical moves elevate the Colts to where they want to go?
The quarterback situation looms largest of all. While it’s too early to give up on Richardson, his uneven play is concerning. The Colts must decide if he’s the long-term answer or if they need to explore alternatives.
Most importantly, this organization needs a culture reset. The Colts must shed their reputation as perennial late-season disappointments and redefine their identity. Because until they prove they can handle the pressure of big games, the ending will keep looking painfully similar.
Make no mistake – the 2025 offseason will be pivotal in shaping the direction of this franchise for years to come. Change is coming to Indianapolis. What that change looks like will determine if the Colts can finally kick their December demons or if they’re doomed to more devastating déjà vu.
