3 GOOD, 3 BAD IN COLTS’ LOSS TO BENGALS

After winning four straight games, the Indianapolis Colts would lose their first game to the Cincinnati Bengals in a blowout, falling short by 20 points, 34-14.

To be honest, the Colts’ performance in this game may qualify as their poorest

of the season thus far through 13 games. The afternoon’s offensive, defensive, and special teams all produced dreadful play in synchrony.

It’s time to discuss the positive and negative aspects of Shane Steichen’s team’s game after a difficult defeat at a pivotal moment when Indianapolis was poised to qualify for the playoffs.

For the Colts, this game was a meaningless search for silver linings because almost every aspect of their strategy worked against them. But freshly converted linebacker Ronnie Harrison Jr. was in a prime position to have a defensive impact.

Harrison caught his second interception of the year in only his third game with the Colts. But this was going to be much more than just his first interception for him. Near the conclusion of the first half, Harrison basically stole an interception and took it all the way to the house for a touchdown by sleeping on Jake Browning.

Harrison is currently more of a scheme and situational player rather than a starter. He has, however, taken advantage of his little exposure and will try to keep doing so to the end of the season.

With four points left on the field and a record of 0/1 on field goals and extra points, kicker Matt Gay was a shadow of the All-Pro calibre player he once was. Even though it was inconsequential in the end, it represents the Colts’ performance in general in a small way.

To make matters worse, Colts wide receiver and punt returner Isaiah McKenzie would botch a punt return at the beginning of the fourth quarter after running into a teammate. As a result, Evan McPherson’s field goal gave the Bengals a three-point advantage.

To maintain postseason hopes, Gay and practically the entire team will need to improve on this terrible effort against the Bengals.