Byers: Reich’s Colts still have much to play for
By JUSTIN BYERS
ISL Contributor
Despite a 1-4 start, this year’s Colts team has a tremendous amount of heart under Frank Reich’s leadership. This was evident in the 38-24 Thursday Night Football loss to the New England Patriots in Foxborough. After an emotional loss to the Houston Texans four days prior, many would have expected the Colts to come out firing on all cylinders against the Patriots. However, the loss to the Texans proved to be detrimental to the Colts injury report, which would ultimately impact the outcome against the Patriots.
The Colts entered the game against the Patriots missing several key pieces to the roster. Not only did they miss physical talent against the Patriots, but also leadership. Without the services of tight end Jack Doyle, receiver T.Y. Hilton, left tackle Anthony Castonzo and emerging defensive standout linebacker Darius Leonard, defeating the Patriots deemed to be tall task. Indeed, it was.
However, despite the lopsided score, the effort of the Colts never wavered. The Colts found themselves down 24-3 heading into halftime. Many believed that the game would continue the same scoring rout in the second half. But Frank Reich, the coaching staff, and the fifty-three men in their locker room wanted all Colts fans and NFL organizations to know that they have the heart to compete with whoever is lined up against them.
Through sheer effort and determination, the Colts were able to bring it to a one possession game. This provided confidence and pride for Colts enthusiast. Even though the future Hall of Famer Tom Brady was able to ultimately lead his team to a fourteen-point win, Andrew Luck and his teammates proved that they are willing to compete with anyone week-to-week despite any circumstance. The 1-4 record held by the Colts is not indicative of their talent or effort, but of their youth.
LUCK TO SWOOPE FOR 6! #Colts – 17#Patriots – 24 pic.twitter.com/BNaWzUCKBq
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 5, 2018
With a roster sprinkled with many players who have not accumulated over three seasons of NFL play, it was easy to identify that youth against the Patriots. However, fans should be encouraged, the newly structured Colts organization seem to be rejuvenated and eager to only focus on the task at hand. There is optimism that the old Colts vs. Patriots rivalry we have all come to know will return to old form.
Heading into a week six game against the New York Jets, the Colts will seek to capitalize on a rookie quarterback. The Jets will serve as an indicator on whether the Colts have been able to learn and improve on their losses. A win in New York can right the ship for the Colts. In doing so, recapturing the AFC South is still a possibility.
Colts vs. Jets presents a matchup that can come down to the wire. Since both teams are sprinkled with youth, mistakes will be made. However, an advantage the Colts have over the Jets is their coaching staff. Even though Todd Bowles has been a great addition to the Jets organization as a head coach, the play-calling and the support system Reich gives the Colts the clear advantage, even if they stand at 1-4.
Ebron finds the endzone for a second time tonight. #INDvsNE pic.twitter.com/aP6zatX5el
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 5, 2018
Colts enthusiasts need remind themselves that Frank Reich is a first-year head coach. With that being said, in order to succeed, failure may ensue. This Jets matchup presents the opportunity for the Colts to turn the corner. The half-way point of the season is quickly approaching. If the Colts can travel to New York and pull out a win, it will garner the confidence the team will need to exceed current expectations. Things are just getting started.
