Jacksonville Jaguars clean Indianapolis Colts in 'embarrassing' loss for hopeful contender – ESPN

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Simply two video games into the 2022 season, the Indianapolis Colts already discover themselves at a vital juncture.

The Colts suffered their third shutout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars previously 5 seasons, dropping 24-0 at TIAA Financial institution Area to fall to 0-1-1 with a recreation towards the Kansas City Chiefs looming in Week 3.

The Colts have been outgained 331 yards to 218 and allowed 21 first downs whereas incomes simply 9. In the meantime, quarterback Matt Ryan was sacked 5 occasions and threw three interceptions for the primary time in his 15 seasons, in keeping with ESPN Stats & Info analysis.

“The s— was embarrassing,” Colts defensive deal with DeForest Buckner mentioned. “We obtained our a– whooped. We’ve got to return in tomorrow, take it on the chin and develop from this.”

The Colts entered this season speaking brazenly about having Tremendous Bowl targets, a dialog that was bolstered by the return of seven Professional Bowl choices.

“I actually had excessive expectations coming in,” Ryan mentioned. “And also you actually do not suppose you are going to be 0-1-1. That is simply not within the competitor’s mindset. We’re the place we’re, and I feel being real looking about the place we’re at is vital. It needs to be brutal honesty.”

This is some brutal honesty: The Colts’ offense took an enormous backward step after exceeding 500 yards of offensive manufacturing in a tie with the Houston Texans in Week 1.

Significantly shocking was their incapacity to run the ball, with 2021 speeding champion Jonathan Taylor held to 54 yards on 9 carries, together with 4 yards on 5 carries within the first half. The Colts, one of many NFL’s greatest speeding groups, completed with 54 speeding yards — their lowest complete since 2019.

“We have been simply not productive within the first half,” coach Frank Reich mentioned. “We simply could not get a completion, we could not run the ball on first and second down. It appeared like within the first half each run was 2 yards. And with us, after we’re buzzing, we’re efficient on first and second down.”

Can the Colts flip it round? Reich has to persuade his staff a reversal is feasible.

“As pathetic as that was right this moment, the place that is and the place we must be, the space shouldn’t be that far,” Reich mentioned. “We’ve got the gamers and coaches to do it. I do know that does not play within the exterior world, and I am advantageous with that. We’ll take our drugs and I will take my drugs and we’ll simply hold doing what we do.”