Offensive Aggressiveness Cost the Colts a Game?

After the last six seasons with Pagano and his myriad of offensive coordinators at the helm for the Colts, this title was weird to write, but that's what happened on Sunday when the Colts five-game win streak came to an end in Jacksonville. Attempting three 4th and 1 plays, one of which came at the goal line, and not converting a single one is inexcusable. Coach Reich has been an undeniable upgrade over anything we've seen as Colts fans in years, probably, no definitely, since Tom Moore/Peyton Manning when it comes to offensive play-calling. That being said, there is such a thing as being too aggressive.

His aggressive nature has been lauded throughout the season, but so far it's cost the Colts 1.5 games in the AFC South. If he paid attention to the game situations, and played it safe, the Colts could be sitting at 7-4-1, and a half game up for the second wildcard. They would only be one game behind the division leading Houston Texans, but instead they are 6-6 with a much more difficult than needed path to the playoffs.

A telling stat tweeted by Matt Taylor, the Colts radio broadcaster, shows just how vital the run game is to the Colts, "In 6 wins this season, the Colts are averaging 30.3 rushing attempts per game. In 6 losses, that number is 18.6. The Colts are rushing for an average of 141.1 yards (4.66 YPC) in 6 Ws, and only 72 yards (3.87 YPC) in 6 Ls." In the loss on Sunday, the Colts only had 16 carries for 41 yards. That is an average of a blistering 2.6 YPC. Meanwhile, Luck had 52 pass attempts and ate 3 sacks, becoming the first QB ever in the NFL to complete 33 passes in a shutout loss. The Jaguars defense, despite their record, is very good, but this loss can and should only be blamed on offensive play-calling.

The Colts have proven, time and time again that not running the ball and passing 50+ times is not a winning formula for this team. Luck is magical, but he is so much better when he is protected with a running game, he takes fewer sacks and the team wins games.

This game was a complete and total waste of one of the better defensive performances I've witnessed in my lifetime from the Colts, Darius Leonard (the Future Defensive Rookie of the Year) was a draft steal and Denico Autry and Anthony Walker also played out of their minds. But Luck was slightly off and Reich didn't have his best game calling the offense, so they still lost. I never thought that I would see the day where the Colts defense would be what kept a game close.

What should happen is Coach Reich should maintain his aggressiveness (go for the deep ball to TY Hilton/ Eric Ebron, go for it on 4th down now and then, onside kicks, etc.) while not running Tight End end-arounds on 4th and one or splitting Andrew Luck, and his $140 million right arm, out wide on 3rd down. I am no expert but commonsense dictates these are things that should happen. Be exciting, but without killing your fan-base.

The Colts have been competitive and honestly that is more than I ever thought we would get this year. In stretches, they have even been good and there is a very real path that could see the Colts at 10-6 and making the playoffs, but they need help. Despite my frustrations with Reich's play-calling, there is no denying that the future is bright in Indy especially with Ballard and Reich leading the way.

The immediate aftermath of one of the failed 4th and one plays against the Jaguars, Jacksonville's rookie safety, Ronnie Harrison brought Luck down after rounding the corner untouched ending what had been a promising drive. (Image courtesy of the Indy Star)