The Indianapolis Colts fell to the Cincinnati Bengals 34-14 on Sunday at Paycor Stadium, halting the winning streak at four games.
The Colts were able to limit mistakes during their four-game winning streak in November, but all three phases of the team completely unraveled against the Bengals on Sunday.
DEFENSE…
A Colts defense that had been known for limiting big plays, allowed big gains of 45, 46 and 54 yards for the Bengals offense. The 54 yard play coming on a screen play to Chase Brown for a touchdown. The Colts, whose defense produced a staggering 21 sacks during the recent four-game winning streak in November and were averaging 3.5 sacks per game for the season, recorded zero sacks against the Bengals on Sunday.
OFFENSE…
The Colts offense also sputtered against the Bengals. Zack Moss rushed 13 times for a paltry 28 yards (2.2 ypc). Gardner Minshew completed 26 of 39 passes for 240 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
SPECIAL TEAMS…
Matt Gay, the usually reliable place kicker, clanked a 38-yard field goal attempt off the left upright and missed his first PAT of the season.
Defensive tackle Taven Bryan was flagged for a leverage penalty for using his hand to propel himself in the air on a Bengals 33-yard field goal try with 12:39 remaining in the 2nd quarter. Joe Mixon scored a rushing touchdown a few plays later giving the Bengals a 14-6 lead.
Isaiah McKenzie muffed a punt after cornerback Ameer Speed ran into him, giving the Bengals a short field that led to a field goal.
WHAT’S NEXT?
With four weeks remaining in the regular season, the Colts currently hold the 7th seed in the AFC playoff picture and remain in the driver’s seat for playoff berth. I won’t try to dive into the weeds in an attempt to break down the Colts playoff odds and such, but Kevin Bowen, Morning Radio Talk Show Host and Writer for 107.5 The Fan., does a good job of it here so please read it.
The Colts (7-6) will play the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Colts are 0-8 against the Steelers with the Colts last win coming in the 2008 regular season.
